This Easy Quick Rhubarb Bread is a tasty treat, mixing sweet and tart flavors with soft, moist bread. It’s perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack!
Whenever I make this, my house smells amazing! Plus, using rhubarb adds a fun twist. I love to slice it warm and spread a little butter on top—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour is best for creating a soft crumb. For a gluten-free version, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but check if it has xanthan gum for best results.
Rhubarb: Fresh rhubarb is essential for the tangy burst of flavor. If it’s not in season, you can use frozen rhubarb, but ensure it’s thawed and drained well before adding.
Sour Cream: This adds moisture and richness. If you don’t have sour cream, plain yogurt or even buttermilk can work. They’ll give a similar creaminess to the batter.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to, but you can substitute it with coconut oil or even vegetable oil for a dairy-free option.
How Do You Ensure a Moist and Fluffy Bread?
The key to achieving a moist and fluffy bread lies in mixing your ingredients correctly and avoiding overmixing once you add flour. Here’s how:
- Creme your butter and sugar thoroughly. This adds air into your mixture, helping it rise.
- Add eggs one at a time and mix until just incorporated; this keeps the batter light.
- When you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can develop gluten, making the bread dense.
- Don’t skip the resting time—allowing it to cool in the pan helps retain moisture.
With these tips, your rhubarb bread will be the star of your kitchen! Enjoy each bite, whether with butter or on its own.
Easy Quick Rhubarb Bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1 ½ cups fresh rhubarb, chopped into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional, for flavor enhancement)
- 1-2 tablespoons coarse sugar for sprinkling on top (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious rhubarb bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 50-60 minutes to bake. Overall, plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes until you’re enjoying a slice of this delightful bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. You want this mixture to be light and fluffy, which you can achieve using a hand mixer or a stand mixer.
4. Add Eggs and Flavorings
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and the orange zest if you are using it. These additions will give your bread a lovely flavor!
5. Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Now, gradually mix in half of the dry flour mixture. Then add in the sour cream, followed by the rest of the flour mixture. Mix gently until combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make your bread dense.
6. Add the Rhubarb
Gently fold the chopped rhubarb into your batter, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Be gentle to keep the texture light!
7. Pour and Sprinkle
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. If you like a little crunch on top, sprinkle coarse sugar over the batter before baking!
8. Bake the Bread
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is the moment your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
9. Cool and Slice
When it’s done baking, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy this moist, slightly tart rhubarb bread warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect with a pat of butter or alongside your favorite cup of tea!
FAQ: Easy Quick Rhubarb Bread
Can I Use Frozen Rhubarb for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before folding it into the batter. This helps prevent the bread from becoming too soggy.
How Should I Store Leftover Rhubarb Bread?
Store any leftover rhubarb bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for about a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly!
Can I Substitute the Sour Cream?
Absolutely! If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with plain yogurt, buttermilk, or even applesauce. Each alternative will add a slightly different flavor but will still keep your bread moist!
Is It Necessary to Add Orange Zest?
Adding orange zest is optional, but it enhances the flavor beautifully! If you prefer not to use it or don’t have any on hand, feel free to skip it. The bread will still taste delicious without it!
