Michelle Darmody: How to bake summer fruit loaf

Raw rhubarb softens perfectly while baking. It will become tender and juicy in the oven as the sponge bakes

It is best to have both the rhubarb and strawberries at room temperature before adding them to the batter

This is a dense loaf filled with oats, vanilla and early summer fruit. It holds its shape well when sliced so is a good portable snack.

Vanilla is one of the most popular flavours in the world and brings out the sweetness of other ingredients.