Delicious Rhubarb Bread with Zesty Orange Icing

Hey there, friend! Emily here, from my little kitchen in Austin. I’m so excited to share this recipe for Rhubarb Bread with Orange Icing. If you’re anything like me, you love a good, moist loaf cake, especially one that screams spring. This recipe? It’s a game-changer. The tangy rhubarb paired with the bright orange zest is a flavor explosion you won’t forget. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, even if you’re not a seasoned baker. Let’s get started!

The idea for this bread came to me during one of my trips to the local farmer’s market. I saw a pile of beautiful, ruby-red rhubarb stalks and immediately knew I had to bake something special. I wanted something that would highlight the rhubarb’s unique tartness, so I thought of pairing it with orange. And thus, this Rhubarb Bread with Orange Icing was born!

Why You’ll Love This Rhubarb Bread

Seriously, what’s not to love? But let me break it down for you:

• Moist and Tender: Thanks to the sour cream, this bread is incredibly moist and stays that way for days.
• Flavorful: The combination of rhubarb and orange is a match made in heaven. Tangy, sweet, and zesty all in one bite!
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for beginner bakers. You don’t need any fancy equipment or techniques.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this bread is always a hit.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a loaf now and save it for later. It freezes beautifully!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!

• 1/2 Cup Butter (softened): Use unsalted butter for best results. Make sure it’s properly softened for easy creaming.
• 1 Cup Sugar: Granulated sugar is perfect for this recipe. It adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
• 2 Egg: Large eggs are recommended. They add richness and structure to the bread.
• 2 Cups Flour, All Purpose: All-purpose flour is the workhorse of baking. Make sure to measure it correctly (spoon and level!).
• 1/2 tsp Baking Powder: This helps the bread rise and become light and fluffy.
• 1/2 tsp Baking Soda: Baking soda reacts with the sour cream to create even more lift.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Salt enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients.
• 1/2 Cup Sour Cream: This is the secret ingredient for a super moist bread. Full-fat sour cream is best.
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of warmth and enhances the other flavors.
• zest 1 orange: The orange zest is key to that bright, citrusy flavor. Use a microplane for the finest zest.
• 1 1/2 Cup rhubarb (small dice): Fresh or frozen rhubarb works well. If using frozen, thaw and drain it first.
• 1 Cup Powdered Sugar (sifted): For the icing. Sifting ensures a smooth, lump-free glaze.
• 2 tbsp orange juice (fresh): Freshly squeezed orange juice adds a vibrant flavor to the icing.
• pinch of salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness of the icing.

How to Make Rhubarb Bread: Step-by-Step

Ready to bake? Here’s how to make this delicious Rhubarb Bread, step-by-step:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This prevents the bread from sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Fold in Rhubarb: Gently fold in the diced rhubarb.
7. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
8. Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Make the Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, orange juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
11. Drizzle and Enjoy: Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the orange icing over the top. Let the icing set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Rhubarb Bread

Want to take your Rhubarb Bread to the next level? Here are a few of my favorite pro tips:

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps everything blend together smoothly and creates a more even texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
• Sift Your Powdered Sugar: This ensures a smooth, lump-free icing.
• Let the Bread Cool Completely: If you ice the bread while it’s still warm, the icing will melt and become runny.
• Toast the Rhubarb: Roasting the rhubarb brings out its natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor. Toss the diced rhubarb with a tablespoon of sugar and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the batter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

We all make mistakes in the kitchen! Here are a few common ones to watch out for:

• Using Cold Butter: Cold butter won’t cream properly with the sugar, resulting in a dense bread.
• Overmeasuring Flour: Too much flour will make the bread dry and crumbly. Use the spoon and level method.
• Overbaking: Overbaking will dry out the bread. Check for doneness with a wooden skewer.
• Not Greasing and Flouring the Pan: This will cause the bread to stick to the pan, making it difficult to remove.
• Skipping the Orange Zest: The orange zest is essential for that bright, citrusy flavor. Don’t skip it!

Variations to Try

Want to mix things up? Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Rhubarb Strawberry Bread: Add 1 cup of diced strawberries to the batter along with the rhubarb.
• Rhubarb Ginger Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger to the dry ingredients.
• Rhubarb Walnut Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts to the batter.
• Rhubarb Lemon Bread: Substitute lemon zest for the orange zest and lemon juice for the orange juice in the icing. This is a great alternative if you can’t find good oranges.
• Spiced Rhubarb Bread: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.

How to Store Rhubarb Bread

This Rhubarb Bread is best stored at room temperature in an airtight container. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Can I use frozen rhubarb?: Yes, you can! Thaw and drain it well before using.
• Can I make this bread gluten-free?: Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour.
• Can I make this bread vegan?: It’s a bit trickier, but you can try using a flax egg and a vegan sour cream substitute.
• Can I add nuts to the batter?: Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans would be delicious.
• Why is my bread dry?: You may have overbaked it or used too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour correctly and check for doneness with a wooden skewer.

Serving Suggestions

This Rhubarb Bread is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to take it to the next level:

• Warm with Butter: A classic choice!
• With a dollop of whipped cream: Adds a touch of indulgence.
• Alongside a cup of coffee or tea: The perfect afternoon treat.
• As part of a brunch spread: Pairs well with eggs, bacon, and fruit.
• Grilled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream: Trust me on this one!

And that’s it! I hope you enjoy this Rhubarb Bread with Orange Icing as much as I do. It’s truly one of my favorite springtime treats. If you give this recipe a try, be sure to let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you! Happy baking!

Oh, and before I forget, if you’re a fan of homemade bread, you can find another homemade-bread-recipe on my site! Or, for another zesty treat, check out my banana-bars recipe!

Thank you for sharing this baking adventure with me! I can’t wait to see what you create. Make sure the oven is ready and let’s get baking! The bread is waiting to be made, and if you follow this recipe, it won’t be anything short of amazing. This recipe with orange zest will be a hit! If you want a good rhubarb cake, look no further. The orange is a great complement! Let me know what you think.