Easy Rhubarb Quick Bread Recipe brings a delightful combination of tangy rhubarb and sweet, aromatic flavors that evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort. This quick bread is a must-try for anyone looking for a family-friendly dish that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. With its tender crumb and lovely golden-brown crust, this recipe will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that makes it hard to wait for the loaf to cool. Let’s dive in with this step-by-step guide to create your own delicious Easy Rhubarb Quick Bread.
Ingredients
To create this scrumptious Easy Rhubarb Quick Bread, gather the following ingredients:
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing the pan: The golden butter will add richness and moisture to your loaf.
- 1 cup (200 grams) plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: This sweet ingredient will balance the tartness of the rhubarb perfectly.
- ⅓ cup plain whole milk yogurt: Adding creaminess and tang, yogurt helps achieve a wonderfully moist texture.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 orange): This fragrant zest will brighten up the flavors and add a lovely citrus aroma.
- 2 large eggs: Eggs act as the binding agent, contributing to the fluffy texture of the bread.
- 1 ¾ cup (223 grams) all-purpose flour: Essential for structure, this flour will give your loaf the perfect crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This leavening agent ensures your bread rises nicely.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: It works alongside the baking powder to help the bread puff up.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhancing all flavors, a touch of salt is crucial for a balanced taste.
- 2 cups (260 grams) rhubarb cut into 1/4-inch slices (about 4-6 stalks): The star ingredient, rhubarb, brings a delightful tangy flavor and beautiful color to the bread.
Prepare your loaf pan (I used an 8.5 x 4.5 x 2.75-inch pan) by greasing it with butter.
Step-by-Step Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit (175° Celsius). This step is crucial to ensure your bread bakes evenly and rises beautifully.
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Grease and flour the loaf pan: Use a little butter to grease the pan, then dust it with flour, shaking out any excess. This will help your bread release easily after baking.
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Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, 1 cup of sugar, orange zest, and yogurt. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, whisking to combine thoroughly.
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Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. This helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour.
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Prepare the rhubarb: Toss the 1 ¾ cups of rhubarb slices in the flour mixture a few times. Coating the rhubarb helps prevent it from sinking to the bottom of the loaf as it bakes.
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Fold it all together: Gently fold the rhubarb flour mixture into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this could lead to a denser bread.
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Transfer to the pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top to level it out.
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Add a sugary topping: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over the top of the batter, then distribute the remaining rhubarb pieces evenly over the surface.
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Bake your bread: Place in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.
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Cool it down: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, run a knife around the edges to loosen it, and carefully remove it from the pan. Allow it to cool for another 15-20 minutes before slicing.
Tips & Tricks
- To enhance the flavor of your Easy Rhubarb Quick Bread, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. It will elevate the aroma and add warmth to the bread.
- Make sure to chop your rhubarb evenly to ensure that it cooks at the same rate.
- For an extra touch of sweetness, you could drizzle a simple glaze over the top once the bread has cooled.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This Easy Rhubarb Quick Bread is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a delightful addition to a brunch spread. Serve it warm with a pat of butter, or pair it with a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a comforting experience. The loaf also pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit and whipped cream for a light dessert.
Nutritional Information
A single slice of Easy Rhubarb Quick Bread contains approximately 180-220 calories, depending on portion size. It’s important to consider that this bread includes wholesome ingredients such as yogurt and fruit, contributing to its nutritional value. Enjoy this comforting treat in moderation while balancing it with other healthy meals throughout your day.
Storing Tips & Variations
To store your Easy Rhubarb Quick Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to preserve it for a longer period, this bread can be frozen. Just slice it before freezing to make it easier to grab individual pieces later. Reheat in the toaster or microwave before enjoying.
For variations, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. Additionally, you could experiment with adding chopped nuts or berries to the batter for an extra crunch or sweetness.
Conclusion
Give this Easy Rhubarb Quick Bread Recipe a try, and immerse yourself in its delightful flavors. It’s a simple and enjoyable baking experience that’s sure to bring joy to your family’s table. I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences once you’ve made it! Share your baking adventures and any twists you added to this recipe.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen rhubarb works well in this recipe. Just ensure to drain any excess moisture before adding it to the batter. -
How can I tell if my bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the bread is done. -
Can I substitute the yogurt?
If you don’t have yogurt on hand, you can use sour cream or even a plant-based yogurt for a similar effect. -
What is the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftovers can be enjoyed at room temperature, but warming them slightly in the microwave can bring back their delightful moistness. -
How can I adjust the sweetness?
If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce sugar by up to a quarter cup. The natural tartness of rhubarb provides flavor, so you won’t lose too much taste!
Easy Rhubarb Quick Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit (175° Celsius).
- Grease and flour the loaf pan using a little butter, then dust it with flour, shaking out the excess.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, 1 cup of sugar, orange zest, and yogurt. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, whisking to combine thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt.
- Toss the rhubarb slices in the flour mixture to coat them.
- Gently fold the rhubarb flour mixture into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.
- Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over the top of the batter, then add remaining rhubarb pieces.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, testing for doneness with a toothpick.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, then remove it and cool for another 15-20 minutes before slicing.
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