Rhubarb, that tart and tangy spring vegetable, transforms into something magical when cooked with sugar.
Those ruby-red stalks pack a punch of flavor that brightens up desserts, drinks, and even savory dishes.
Whether you’re swimming in a bumper crop or just spotted some at the farmers’ market, these mouthwatering rhubarb recipes will have you racing to the kitchen faster than you can say ‘pie plant’!
1. Classic Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie
Nothing beats the sweet-tart marriage of strawberries and rhubarb tucked inside a flaky, golden crust! The ruby filling bubbles with bright flavor while the buttery pastry provides the perfect contrast.
Adding a splash of orange juice intensifies the fruity notes. Sprinkle the top with coarse sugar for that irresistible sparkle and crunch!
2. Rhubarb Crisp With Oatmeal Topping
Forget fussy pie crusts! This rustic dessert combines tart rhubarb chunks bathed in sugar with a crunchy, cinnamon-scented oat topping that browns beautifully in the oven.
Warm from the oven, it begs for a cold scoop of vanilla ice cream. Quick to assemble and impossible to resist, you’ll want to make extra for breakfast the next day!
3. Tangy Rhubarb Compote
Whip up this versatile ruby sauce in just 15 minutes! Chopped rhubarb simmers with sugar, lemon zest, and a touch of vanilla until it breaks down into a gloriously vibrant mixture.
Spoon it over yogurt, ice cream, or pound cake. Store in jars for up to two weeks—though it rarely lasts that long! Have you tried it swirled into morning oatmeal?
4. Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake
Wow dinner guests with this showstopper! Sliced rhubarb arranges in a pretty pattern under a brown sugar caramel, then gets topped with tender vanilla cake batter.
After baking, flip it over to reveal the glistening, jewel-toned top. The contrast between the buttery cake and the tart fruit creates pure magic on your plate. Everyone will beg for seconds!
5. Zippy Rhubarb Chutney
Sweet meets savory in this condiment that elevates any cheese board! Diced rhubarb simmers with onions, ginger, raisins, and warm spices in a tangy vinegar base.
The resulting chutney adds zing to roasted pork or chicken. Made ahead, the flavors deepen beautifully over time. Bottle some up as gifts that’ll make your friends swoon with delight!
6. Pink Rhubarb Lemonade
Quench summer thirst with this blush-colored refresher! Rhubarb syrup—made by simmering stalks with sugar and water—transforms ordinary lemonade into something extraordinary.
Inherently, the rhubarb has a lovely pink color. For adult events, add a little vodka; for family get-togethers, keep it virgin. For cocktails that are Instagram-worthy, garnish with mint leaves!
7. Rhubarb-Vanilla Bean Jam
Capture spring in a jar with this gorgeous preserve! Tiny flecks of real vanilla bean elevate the humble rhubarb to new heights, creating a sophisticated spread that’s miles beyond store-bought varieties.
Rhubarb’s inherent pectin contributes to its lovely setting. For a surprise treat, spread warm scones on top or sandwich between layers of cake. You won’t have the same morning toast again!
8. Roasted Rhubarb With Honey
Marvel at how high heat transforms rhubarb into tender, caramelized perfection! Simply toss chunks with honey, orange zest, and a split vanilla bean before roasting until just soft but still holding shape.
The natural juices create a luscious syrup. Serve warm over ricotta pancakes or chilled with Greek yogurt. Such an elegant treatment for this humble vegetable deserves a standing ovation!
9. Strawberry-Rhubarb Muffins
Jump-start mornings with these bakery-style treats! Tender muffins studded with diced rhubarb and strawberries deliver little pockets of tangy-sweet goodness in every bite.
A crunchy streusel topping adds textural contrast. Bake a double batch because they’ll disappear faster than you can imagine! Freeze extras for grab-and-go breakfasts that’ll make weekday mornings something to look forward to.
10. Rhubarb Custard Bars
Holy moly, these three-layer bars will steal the show at any potluck! A buttery shortbread base cradles a middle layer of rhubarb suspended in creamy custard, all crowned with a fluffy cream cheese frosting.
Cutting into squares allows the lovely pink filling to show through. For the smoothest edges, let it cool fully before slicing. When these beauties arrive at the dessert table, see how fast the plate fills up!
11. Rhubarb-Ginger Ice Cream
Churn up summer magic with this no-ordinary frozen treat! Rhubarb compote rippled through a ginger-infused custard base creates spectacular flavor fireworks in your mouth.
The subtle heat from crystallized ginger bits perfectly balances the tart rhubarb ribbons. No ice cream maker? No problem! This mixture makes fantastic popsicles too. Who needs the ice cream truck when you’ve got this recipe?
12. Savory Rhubarb & Pork Stir-Fry
Surprise your taste buds with this unexpected savory application! Thinly sliced rhubarb adds bright acidity to balance the rich pork in this Asian-inspired dish.
Ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey create a complex sauce that coats every bite. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s faster than takeout! Serve over steamed rice for a weeknight dinner that’ll have everyone asking for your secret ingredient.
13. Rhubarb-Apple Crumble Pie
Can’t decide between pie and crumble? Have both with this hybrid dessert! Tart rhubarb and sweet apples mingle beneath a mountain of buttery crumb topping.
The filling’s juices bubble up around the edges, creating irresistible caramelized bits. A hint of cardamom adds mysterious depth that will have tasters wondering about your secret ingredient. Baking doesn’t get more comforting than this countryside classic!
14. Rhubarb-Cardamom Coffee Cake
Brunch guests will swoon over this aromatic cake! Chunks of rhubarb dot a moist, fragrant batter while cardamom adds exotic warmth that perfectly complements the tart fruit.
A crackly sugar top creates the perfect textural contrast. Bake in a bundt pan for an extra wow factor. Cut thick slices while still warm and watch as everyone gravitates toward the heavenly aroma wafting from your kitchen!
15. No-Bake Rhubarb Cheesecake Jars
Beat the heat with these adorable individual desserts! Layers of graham cracker crumbs, fluffy no-bake cheesecake filling, and vibrant rhubarb compote create edible art in a jar.
Make ahead for effortless entertaining—they’ll keep in the fridge for three days. The portable format makes them perfect for picnics or potlucks. Don’t forget cute spoons so friends can dig all the way to the bottom!
16. Rhubarb-Almond Tart
Channel your inner pastry chef with this sophisticated dessert! A buttery almond frangipane filling cradles thin rhubarb slices arranged in a stunning geometric pattern.
There is a striking visual contrast between the golden almond cream and the scarlet berries. The almond cream swells around the rhubarb as it bakes, softening it. To give it a professional patisserie touch, sprinkle with powdered sugar right before serving!
17. Rhubarb-Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta
Impress dinner guests with this silky Italian dessert! Creamy vanilla bean-flecked custard jiggles gently beneath a layer of brilliant rhubarb gelée.
The contrast of smooth, rich panna cotta against the tart, jewel-toned topping creates perfect harmony in each spoonful. Served in clear glasses, the striking two-tone effect makes for a stunning presentation. Restaurant-quality dessert with surprisingly little effort!
18. Rhubarb-Raspberry Fool
Whip up this cloud-like dessert in minutes! This traditional English treat features layers of tart rhubarb-raspberry compote folded into lightly sweetened whipped cream.
The swirls of pink against white create a marble effect that’s as pretty as it is delicious. Serve in wine glasses or clear bowls to showcase the beautiful color. Such an elegant yet simple ending to any spring meal!