If you’ve ever walked past the ruby-red stalks of rhubarb at your local farmers market or grocery store and wondered what on earth to do with them, you’re not alone. This tart and tangy vegetable (yes, it’s technically a vegetable!) is often misunderstood—but once you learn how to use it, you’ll discover it’s one of the most versatile and rewarding ingredients in the kitchen.
Whether you’re a rhubarb newbie or a seasoned pro, this roundup of 27+ best rhubarb recipes will give you all the inspiration you need to fall head over heels for this springtime superstar.
What Is Rhubarb, Really?
Before diving into recipes, let’s talk about what rhubarb actually is. With its celery-like stalks and bright pink to deep red hue, rhubarb is a perennial vegetable that’s most often treated like a fruit. Its tartness is balanced beautifully with sugar, making it the perfect ingredient for jams, pies, crisps, and even savory dishes.
Pro Tip: Only the stalks of the rhubarb plant are edible. The leaves contain oxalic acid and are toxic, so be sure to discard them immediately.
Why We Love Rhubarb
- Seasonal and Fresh: Rhubarb has a short season (typically from April to June), making it a special ingredient to look forward to every year.
- Naturally Tart: Rhubarb brings a sharp, refreshing tang that balances sweet recipes perfectly.
- Versatile: It’s not just for desserts—you can use rhubarb in sauces, pickles, cocktails, and savory entrees too.
27+ Best Rhubarb Recipes You’ll Crave All Year Long
1. Classic Rhubarb Pie
Sweet, buttery crust meets tart rhubarb filling—it’s the ultimate rhubarb experience. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and you’ll have spring on a plate.
2. Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
A rustic favorite that’s easier than pie. The combination of strawberries and rhubarb under a golden oat crumble topping is simply irresistible.
3. Rhubarb Jam
Preserve the best of spring in a jar. A spoonful of this tangy-sweet jam on toast or scones is pure magic.
4. Rhubarb Compote
Simmer rhubarb with sugar and lemon zest until it becomes a silky topping for yogurt, pancakes, or even cheesecake.
5. Rhubarb Muffins
Soft, fluffy, and slightly tart muffins that make the perfect breakfast or snack. Toss in some chopped nuts for added crunch.
6. Rhubarb Bars
Think lemon bars, but tangier. These sweet and tart squares have a buttery shortbread crust and are always a crowd-pleaser.
7. Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
A timeless duo. This pie combines the sweetness of strawberries with the zing of rhubarb for a perfectly balanced dessert.
8. Rhubarb Chutney
A savory-sweet condiment that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, cheese boards, or even roasted veggies.
9. Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake
Take your cake game to the next level with caramelized rhubarb on top of a fluffy, moist base. Stunning and delicious.
10. Rhubarb Sorbet
Light, refreshing, and gorgeously pink. This sorbet is perfect for hot days and makes a stunning palate cleanser between courses.
11. Rhubarb Lemonade
Tart, tangy, and oh-so-refreshing. It’s like pink lemonade with a sophisticated twist.
12. Rhubarb Custard Pie
Rich, creamy custard meets the zesty bite of rhubarb in this silky, indulgent dessert.
13. Rhubarb Galette
A free-form pie that’s easy to throw together and doesn’t require a pie pan. Rustic elegance at its best.
14. Rhubarb Fool
An old-fashioned British dessert made by folding stewed rhubarb into whipped cream. Simple, light, and completely charming.
15. Rhubarb Pavlova
Crispy meringue, fluffy marshmallow inside, topped with tangy rhubarb and fresh berries. A show-stopping dessert.
16. Rhubarb Oatmeal Cookies
Add a twist to your cookie jar with chewy oatmeal cookies dotted with bits of rhubarb.
17. Rhubarb Scones
Tender, buttery scones with little pockets of juicy rhubarb. Perfect with clotted cream or a pat of butter.
18. Rhubarb Bread
Like banana bread, but with a bright, tart twist. Moist and lovely with a cup of tea.
19. Rhubarb BBQ Sauce
Sweet, smoky, and slightly tangy—this BBQ sauce is amazing on grilled chicken, ribs, or pulled pork.
20. Rhubarb Gin Fizz
Brighten up your cocktail hour with this fizzy, citrusy drink that gets a gorgeous hue from rhubarb syrup.
21. Rhubarb Salsa
Sweet, spicy, and totally unexpected. Try it with chips or spooned over grilled fish.
22. Rhubarb Tarts
Mini tarts with a flaky crust and rhubarb custard filling. Fancy enough for guests, easy enough for a weekday treat.
23. Rhubarb Popsicles
A fun, icy treat for kids and adults alike. You can swirl in some vanilla yogurt for added creaminess.
24. Rhubarb Pancakes
Add stewed rhubarb to your pancake batter or use it as a topping. A zingy way to start the day.
25. Rhubarb Cheesecake
Whether swirled into the batter or used as a topping, rhubarb brings a tart brightness that cuts through the richness.
26. Rhubarb Meringue Tart
A twist on lemon meringue—tart rhubarb curd with a cloud of toasted meringue on top.
27. Pickled Rhubarb
Crisp, tangy, and slightly sweet, pickled rhubarb adds flair to salads, sandwiches, and cheese platters.
28. Rhubarb and Apple Crumble
Sweet apples and tart rhubarb topped with a crunchy crumble—comfort food at its finest.
Tips for Cooking with Rhubarb
- Trim and discard the leaves: They’re toxic!
- Peel if needed: Older stalks may be stringy; a quick peel helps.
- Balance the tartness: Rhubarb needs sugar, honey, or another sweetener unless you’re going savory.
- Pair with fruit: Strawberries, apples, oranges, and raspberries work beautifully.
How to Store Rhubarb
Store fresh rhubarb in the refrigerator, wrapped loosely in a damp paper towel and then in a plastic bag. It can last up to a week this way.
Want to keep it longer? Rhubarb freezes like a dream. Just wash, chop, and freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag.
Final Thoughts
Rhubarb might not be the first ingredient that comes to mind when you think of spring cooking, but once you explore its possibilities, you’ll find yourself eagerly awaiting rhubarb season year after year.
Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, savory, frozen, or baked, these 27+ rhubarb recipes offer something for everyone—from classic pies to unexpected cocktails.
So next time you see those ruby-red stalks, don’t pass them by. Pick them up and give one (or all!) of these recipes a try. Your taste buds will thank you.
Which rhubarb recipe are you most excited to try? Or do you have a family-favorite recipe you’d love to share? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!
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