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Best Lemon Rhubarb Loaf

Best Lemon Rhubarb Loaf

A moist and tangy lemon loaf bursting with tender, seasonal rhubarb. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Rhubarb Filling
  • 1 cup rhubarb, finely chopped about 4-5 stalks
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
For the Loaf Cake
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest from about 2 lemons
For the Glaze (Optional)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 9x5 inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper.
  2. Toss the chopped rhubarb with 1 tablespoon of sugar in a small bowl and set aside. This lightly coats the rhubarb and helps prevent bleeding into the batter.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Mix in the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lemon juice, and lemon zest until just combined. Gradually beat in the dry ingredients until no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in the coated rhubarb pieces until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  7. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil after 30 minutes.
  8. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. To make the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle generously over the cooled loaf before slicing and serving.

Notes

Using Greek yogurt or sour cream ensures a wonderfully moist crumb. If rhubarb is unavailable, substitute with 1 cup of finely chopped strawberries or blueberries.