Rhubarb Bread

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Rhubarb Bread
4. How To Serve Rhubarb Bread
5. Why You'll Love This Recipe for Rhubarb Bread
6. Recipe FAQ
7. Serving FAQ
8. Storage FAQ
9. JUMP TO RECIPE

This easy rhubarb bread recipe bakes up soft, sweet, and loaded with tart rhubarb in every bite. Cinnamon and vanilla add cozy flavor you’ll crave all year long. Serve it warm with butter for breakfast, dessert, or a midday treat. Make this homemade quick bread with fresh or frozen rhubarb—it turns out great either way!

This rhubarb bread is easy to make, and you’ll find a full step-by-step guide just below. We’ve added clear photos, simple directions, and our best pro tips to help. Don’t miss the FAQ section with answers to the most common recipe questions.

You can bake this homemade rhubarb bread in just over an hour using simple ingredients you already have. It turns out soft, sweet, and full of tart rhubarb with every bite.

This quick bread works great for brunch, dessert, or gifting during spring and summer. Fresh or frozen rhubarb both work, so bake it anytime!

What you'll need to make this rhubarb bread recipe:

For the Bread

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¾ cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• 2 cups fresh rhubarb, diced

For the Glaze

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• 1 to 2 drops orange oil

Make your bread stand out with fun ingredient swaps and tasty mix-ins! These simple tweaks add your own personal touch. Try these top substitutions and additions:

• Add Chopped Nuts: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutty flavor in every slice.
• Substitute Vanilla Extract: Try almond extract instead for a fun twist that pairs well with tart rhubarb.
• Add Orange Zest: Mix in orange zest to brighten the flavor and add a fresh, citrus kick.
• Sprinkle Turbinado Sugar: Sprinkle turbinado sugar on top before baking for a sweet and crunchy crust.

Follow along with our step-by-step photos and directions to make the best homemade bread. Use our tips and tricks below to bake it just right every time. Let’s get started!

FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

SECOND STEP: In a large bowl, combine sugar, orange zest, vanilla extract, vegetable oil, milk, and eggs. Whisk to combine well.

THIRD STEP: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, salt, and baking powder.

FOURTH STEP: Rinse the rhubarb and pat dry. It does not need to be peeled. Dice into small ½-inch pieces. Measure out 2 cups of diced rhubarb.

FIFTH STEP: Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir just until wet and dry ingredients are combined. Lumps and streaks of flour in the batter are fine.

SIXTH STEP: Mix rhubarb into the batter to distribute evenly, but do not overmix.

SEVENTH STEP: Pour batter into the prepared pan.

EIGHTH STEP: Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

NINTH STEP: Remove from the oven and cool. You can turn the bread out onto a wire cooling rack after it has cooled for an initial 10 minutes in the pan.

TENTH STEP: In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the glaze.

ELEVENTH STEP: Drizzle the glaze over top of the bread.

You can serve this sweet and tangy fruit bread all year long. It’s great for holidays, brunches, or easy weekday treats.

• Spring and summer brunches: This bread works perfectly for Easter, Mother’s Day, or weekend brunch with friends. Pair it with breakfast crescent ring or cheesy hash brown casserole.
• Afternoon snacks or lunchbox treats: Kids and adults both love this soft and fruity bread. Add it to lunchboxes with peanut butter cookies or lemon sugar cookies.
• Bake sales, potlucks, or gifting: Wrap slices or mini loaves to share at parties or give to neighbors. Serve it next to strawberry lemon blondies or blueberry coffee cake.

Rhubarb loaf has become a reader favorite for good reason. It's quick to prep, easy to bake, and always hits the spot. Whether you're making it for brunch or just because, this simple recipe keeps readers coming back again and again.

• Great for Any Season: Use fresh rhubarb in spring or frozen rhubarb when it’s out of season.
• Kid-Approved: It’s sweet, soft, and fun to eat, so even picky eaters go for another slice.
• Works for Every Occasion: From lazy mornings to holiday tables, this bread fits right in.
• Perfect Texture: You get soft bread with golden edges and juicy bits of rhubarb in every slice.
• Freezer Friendly: Bake it now, freeze it for later, and enjoy homemade bread anytime you want.

Rhubarb bread is simple, sweet, and just plain good—and that’s exactly why our readers love it.

Can I use frozen rhubarb for rhubarb bread?
Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb. Just thaw it first and drain any extra liquid before mixing.

Do I need to peel the rhubarb before using it?
No, you don’t need to peel the rhubarb. Just wash and chop it into small pieces before adding.

How small should I cut the rhubarb for this recipe?
Cut the rhubarb into small, bite-sized pieces so it bakes evenly and spreads nicely throughout the bread.

Why should I mix the rhubarb with flour before adding it to the batter?
Tossing the rhubarb in a little flour helps keep it from sinking into the bread while baking.

How do I know when rhubarb bread is fully baked?
Check your bread by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready to cool.

Can I bake this rhubarb bread in a different pan size?
Yes, you can use a different pan. Just adjust the baking time and keep an eye on the center.

Why did my rhubarb bread sink in the middle?
If your bread sank, the center likely needed more time to bake. Use the toothpick test next time.

Can I double the rhubarb bread recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe. Use two loaf pans or a larger pan, and bake until the center tests done.

Is it okay to use an electric mixer for this rhubarb loaf recipe?
It's best to stir by hand, but if you need to use a mixer, keep it on the low setting and mix gently so you don’t overwork the batter and end up with dense bread.

When is the best time to serve rhubarb bread?
Serve in the morning, afternoon, or after dinner. It works for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.

Should I serve rhubarb bread warm or cooled?
This bread tastes great either way. Serve it warm for comfort or cooled for easy slicing and sharing.

Is rhubarb bread a good option for a potluck?
Yes, rhubarb bread travels well and slices cleanly. Bring it sliced and ready to share at your next potluck.

How should I slice rhubarb loaf for guests?
Use a sharp serrated knife and cut thick slices for breakfast or thinner pieces for snacks and party trays.

Do kids usually like rhubarb bread?
Yes, kids enjoy its soft and sweet texture. The cinnamon sugar topping adds extra fun and flavor.

Follow the tips and directions below to store your rhubarb bread the right way. You'll keep it fresh, soft, and ready to enjoy later. Use our guide for making ahead, freezing, and reheating without losing flavor or texture.

Can I make rhubarb bread ahead of time?
Yes, bake rhubarb bread the day before. Let it cool fully, then wrap it tightly and store it at room temperature.

What’s the best way to store leftover rhubarb bread?
Keep leftover rhubarb bread in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic. Store it on the counter for up to three days.

Can I freeze rhubarb bread?
Yes, you can freeze rhubarb bread. Wrap the whole loaf or slices in plastic, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month.

How do I thaw frozen rhubarb bread?
Thaw frozen rhubarb bread on the counter for a few hours or leave it in the fridge overnight for easy slicing.

What’s the best way to reheat rhubarb bread?
Warm a slice in the microwave for ten to fifteen seconds. You can also heat it in the oven until soft.

Can I freeze individual slices of rhubarb bread?
Yes, freeze slices with parchment between each one. That way, you can grab just what you need and thaw easily.