Yay!!! It’s rhubarb season!!! That means it’s time to make Rhubarb Pecan Orange Zest Bread!

This bread is deliciously moist, dense, and abundant with fantastic flavor and texture. Oh, by the way, the recipe is also ridiculously easy to make gluten-free! Make a couple of loaves, wrap one up, and give it to your mom or grandmother, a neighbor, or someone special in your life. 

Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom of the post to see pictures of gluten-free Rhubarb Pecan Orange-Zest Bread!!

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Fresh Bread

There’s something about a loaf of fresh bread that puts a smile on my face. Probably because this stuff practically melts in your mouth! Especially when a pad of butter melts into a warm slice or when it’s slathered with Homemade Pineapple Rhubarb Strawberry Jam. It really is delicious! 

Rhubarb

Naturally, fresh rhubarb is a key ingredient and when baked, it helps make this bread incredibly moist. 

See how to make a Rhubarb Pie > HERE!

Pecans

Chopped pecans are another key ingredient and help add a lovely texture. 

See how to make Sugar and Spicy Pecans > HERE!

Orange Zest

The easiest way to add a hint of orange flavor is to use a zester to zest orange peel. (Don’t skip this step because it really does add flavor to this bread!)

See how to make Refreshing Orange Smoothies > HERE!

Two Different Sizes

As I previously mentioned, this recipe will make one large loaf or two smaller loaves. I use a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan to make one big loaf or two 8 x 4-inch loaf pans to make two smaller loaves of bread. 

Character 

In the picture above (a large 9x 5-inch loaf of bread), you will notice a crack in the top of the bread. This happens because of the moist, dense batter. When the baking process begins, the heat from the oven causes the top of the bread to form a crust while the inside of the bread is still rising. The top crust splits or cracks in order to make room for the bread to rise higher. I think that the splits add character to each individual loaf of bread. 

The Best Aroma

Oh, and let me tell you… your kitchen will smell incredible as a loaf of Rhubarb Pecan Orange-Zest Bread bakes in your oven! 

Yield: 9 x 5 Loaf

Rhubarb Pecan Orange Zest Bread

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

This bread is deliciously moist, abundant with flavor and texture, and extremely easy to make gluten-free.

Print

Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk (Dairy-Free Option: use coconut, soy, or almond)
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated orange zest
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (GF Option: use gluten-free flour + 2 teaspoons xanthan gum unless flour already contains it)
• 1 Tablespoon ground flax
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder (GF Option: use a gluten-free brand)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup pecans, chopped
• 2 cups fresh rhubarb, finely chopped
• TOPPING:
• 1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
• 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease bottoms only of a (9 x 5-inch) loaf pan OR two (8 x 4-inch) loaf pans with shortening or cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, beat together sugar, oil, eggs, milk, and orange zest. Add flour, flax, baking powder, and salt; stir just until flour is moistened. Stir in rhubarb.
3. Pour batter into a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan (OR... divide batter evenly between two 8 x 4-inch loaf pans). Sprinkle the top with 1/4 cup chopped pecans, (lightly press them into the batter) and 2 tablespoons sugar.
4. Bake 50 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 2 hours. Cut with a serrated knife and serve with butter.

Gluten-Free

Remember, it’s extremely easy to make this bread gluten-free. The picture above shows a smaller (8 x 4-inch) loaf of gluten-free Rhubarb Pecan Orange Zest Bread. (Notice it’s split on top too?)

Slices of Gluten-Free Bread

You can quickly see just how dense and moist this gluten-free bread is just by looking at a slice. Can you see the chunks of rhubarb, chopped pecans, and orange zest? Fyi… I also added a little ground flax for extra fiber and nutrition.

Thanks for sharing this recipe! 

Enjoy! 

Linda 

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