Lemon Rhubarb Loaf with Glaze

Lemon Rhubarb Loaf with Glaze 🍋🍓

This Lemon Rhubarb Loaf is a delightful balance of tart and sweet, featuring tender rhubarb, zesty lemon, and a buttery glaze. The tangy rhubarb pairs beautifully with the bright citrus flavors, making this loaf perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. With its moist crumb and sweet-tart glaze, it’s a show-stopping dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

Let’s dive into how to make this vibrant and flavorful loaf step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Tart & Sweet : The combination of rhubarb and lemon creates a refreshing, balanced flavor.
2. Moist & Tender : Sour cream or yogurt ensures the loaf stays soft and moist.
3. Perfect for Spring : Celebrate rhubarb season with this vibrant, seasonal treat.
4. Easy to Make : Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.
5. Customizable : Add nuts, spices, or extra zest for a personalized twist.

Ingredients

For the Loaf:

• ½ cup butter , softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons )
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup sour cream or yogurt (plain, full-fat works best )
• 1 cup diced rhubarb (about ½-inch pieces )

For the Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice (adjust for desired consistency )
• Optional : 1 tablespoon rhubarb syrup or compote for color and added tartness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes .
2. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the lemon juice and lemon zest. Mix until fully combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream or yogurt, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
2. Gently fold in the diced rhubarb until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few crumbs are okay, but no wet batter).
3. If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the loaf with aluminum foil during the last 10–15 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Cool

1. Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes .
2. Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add more lemon juice if needed to reach your desired consistency.
2. (Optional) : Stir in rhubarb syrup or compote for a pinkish hue and extra tartness.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

1. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf, allowing it to drip down the sides for a decorative finish.
2. Slice and serve once the glaze has set slightly.

Tips for Success

1. Pat the Rhubarb Dry : After dicing the rhubarb, pat it dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture from making the loaf soggy.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients : Ensure the butter, eggs, and sour cream/yogurt are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
3. Add Nuts or Spices : Fold in chopped walnuts or a pinch of cinnamon for added texture and warmth.
4. Storage : Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
5. Freeze for Later : Wrap slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Perfect Pairings

This Lemon Rhubarb Loaf with Glaze pairs beautifully with:

• Coffee or Tea : Perfect for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack.
• Ice Cream : Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Fresh Berries : Pair with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
• Whipped Cream : Add a dollop for extra indulgence.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approx.)

(Based on 10 slices per loaf)

• Calories : ~250 kcal
• Protein : ~3g
• Carbohydrates : ~40g
• Fat : ~9g
• Fiber : ~1g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Rhubarb Loaf with Glaze is a vibrant, seasonal treat that celebrates the tartness of rhubarb and the brightness of lemon. Whether you’re enjoying it as a slice with your morning coffee, serving it at a springtime gathering, or gifting it to friends and family, this loaf is sure to impress with its moist texture and sweet-tart flavors.

The addition of a zesty glaze takes it to the next level, adding a touch of elegance and sweetness to every bite. So grab your rhubarb, zest that lemon, and get ready to enjoy a loaf that’s as fun to bake as it is to eat.