Why Make This Recipe

Delicious Lemon Rhubarb Bread is a wonderful way to combine tart and sweet flavors. The bright taste of lemon pairs perfectly with the tangy rhubarb, making this bread a refreshing treat. It’s great for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Plus, it’s simple to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

How to Make Delicious Lemon Rhubarb Bread

Making Delicious Lemon Rhubarb Bread is straightforward. You just need a few quality ingredients and some time to bake. Here’s how you can create this delightful bread at home.

Ingredients

3/4 cup butter (I like Kerrygold unsalted butter for this)
1 1/4 cups sugar
1/3 cup sour cream
1 1/2 tbsp lemon zest
1 1/2 tsp vanilla essence (I always use Nielsen-Massey for better aroma)
2 eggs
1 3/4 cups flour (I always use King Arthur all-purpose flour)
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
1 3/4 cups rhubarb (diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
1/4 cup rhubarb (thinly sliced into 1/4-inch rounds)
2 tbsp sugar

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the sour cream, lemon zest, vanilla essence, and eggs to the mixture. Beat until well combined.
In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and ground cardamom.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Fold in the diced rhubarb gently.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Sprinkle the thinly sliced rhubarb and 2 tablespoons of sugar over the top.
Bake for about 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.
Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Delicious Lemon Rhubarb Bread

Delicious Lemon Rhubarb Bread is lovely served warm or at room temperature. You can slice it and serve it as is, or add a pat of butter for extra richness. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.

How to Store Delicious Lemon Rhubarb Bread

To store the bread, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly in freezer-safe wrapping and store for up to 2 months.

Tips to Make Delicious Lemon Rhubarb Bread

Make sure the rhubarb is fresh for the best flavor.
Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined for a lighter bread.
Adjust lemon zest according to your taste preference if you want more or less lemon flavor.

Variation

You can easily switch things up by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for some crunch. Dried fruits, like cranberries or raisins, can also add a different flavor profile.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using it in the recipe.

Q2: Can I make this bread ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! This bread keeps well, and you can make it a day or two in advance. Just store it properly to keep it fresh.

Q3: What should I do if my bread is dry?
A3: If your bread turns out dry, it may have been overbaked. Make sure to check it a few minutes earlier next time to avoid this. You can also serve it with butter or a spread to add moisture.