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Sourdough Rhubarb Bread

A moist and tender sourdough rhubarb bread made with discard, fresh rhubarb, and simple pantry ingredients, finished with a crisp, caramelized sugar topping. Ready in about 1 hour with no yeast required.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time1 hour 25 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy rhubarb recipe, rhubarb quick bread, sourdough discard recipe, sourdough rhubarb bread
Servings: 10 slices
Calories: 220kcal
Cost: 8

Equipment

  • 9×5-inch loaf pan
  • mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • rubber spatula
  • parchment paper

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sourdough discard
  • 0.33 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups chopped rhubarb
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for topping)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
  • Chop rhubarb into small pieces and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  • In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, vanilla, sourdough discard, and oil until smooth.
  • Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Fold in chopped rhubarb with minimal stirring.
  • Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top. Sprinkle sugar evenly over the surface.
  • Bake for 60–65 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with dry crumbs.
  • Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then lift out and cool completely on a rack.
  • Refrigerate for 2–3 hours for clean slicing, then slice and serve.

Notes

Use recently refreshed sourdough discard (within 1–2 weeks) for best flavor. Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense texture. For more pronounced rhubarb flavor, use up to 2 cups rhubarb and extend baking time slightly. Always line the pan with parchment to prevent sticking from the sugar crust.