10+ Rhubarb Recipes to Brighten Up Your Spring Cooking

Rhubarb is a unique and tangy vegetable that adds a fresh twist to many dishes. You might think of it mostly in desserts, but rhubarb works in all kinds of recipes.

You can enjoy rhubarb in sweet treats or savory dishes. This article will help you find easy and tasty ways to use rhubarb in your kitchen.

1) Rhubarb Crisp with Orange Juice

Rhubarb crisp is a simple dessert you can make anytime. Adding orange juice gives it a fresh, tangy twist that balances the tartness of rhubarb.

You’ll mix chopped rhubarb with sugar, cornstarch, and fresh orange juice. Sprinkle a crumbly topping made from oats and butter over the fruit.

Bake the crisp at 375°F (190°C) until the topping turns golden and crunchy. The filling bubbles nicely as it cooks.

Serve this dessert warm with ice cream or yogurt.

Ingredients

• 5 cups chopped rhubarb
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ⅓ cup fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss rhubarb with sugar, cornstarch, orange juice, and zest in a baking dish.
3. Mix oats with butter until crumbly and sprinkle over rhubarb.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

2) Rhubarb Crumble Bars

Rhubarb crumble bars combine sweet and tart flavors. Start with a buttery shortbread base and add a juicy rhubarb filling.

Simmer rhubarb with sugar and lemon juice to make the filling soft and sweet. Layer the filling over the base and sprinkle a crispy crumble on top.

These bars are easy to make with simple pantry staples. They’re perfect for a summer snack or dessert.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups diced rhubarb
• 1 cup sugar (divided)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 ½ cups flour
• 1 ½ cups oats
• 1 cup butter (softened)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a pot, combine rhubarb, ½ cup sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer until soft.
3. Mix flour, oats, ½ cup sugar, baking powder, and butter to form the crumble base.
4. Press half the crumble mixture into a baking pan.
5. Spread the rhubarb filling evenly on top.
6. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture over the filling.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden.
8. Let cool before slicing and serving.

You can find more details at Del’s cooking twist rhubarb crumble bars.

3) Classic Rhubarb Pie

A classic rhubarb pie is simple and delicious. Use fresh rhubarb, sugar, and flour or cornstarch to thicken the filling.

Mix the filling and place it inside a flaky pie crust. Cover with a top crust or make a lattice pattern.

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes to set the crust. Lower the temperature and bake until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden.

This pie tastes great warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 double pie crust (top and bottom)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss rhubarb with sugar, flour or cornstarch, and lemon juice.
3. Pour filling into bottom pie crust.
4. Cover with top crust or lattice and seal edges.
5. Bake for 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
6. Reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 35-40 minutes more.
7. Let cool before serving.

For a detailed version, check this Fresh Rhubarb Pie Recipe.

4) Rhubarb Buckle Cake

Rhubarb buckle cake combines a soft, buttery cake with tart rhubarb pieces inside. The crumb topping adds a nice crunch.

This sweet and tangy treat is perfect with tea or coffee. You can find easy versions of the recipe online like the one on Alexandra’s Kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups diced fresh rhubarb
• 1 cup sugar (divided)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Toss rhubarb with ½ cup sugar and set aside.
3. Mix flour, baking powder, soda, and salt in a bowl.
4. Beat butter and remaining sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time.
5. Stir in vanilla, sour cream, then dry ingredients.
6. Pour half the batter into a greased pan. Spread rhubarb on top.
7. Add remaining batter, then crumb topping if desired.
8. Bake 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

5) Rhubarb BBQ Sauce

Rhubarb BBQ sauce adds a fresh twist to grilled meals. It offers a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Cook rhubarb with onions, brown sugar, vinegar, and spices to make a unique sauce. Some recipes use a bit of soda for extra sweetness.

You can pair this sauce with chicken, pork, or ribs. Store it in the fridge for a few weeks.

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped rhubarb
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup soda (optional, like a pepper-flavored soda or root beer)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, heat a little oil and sauté the onion until soft.
2. Add rhubarb, brown sugar, vinegar, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Pour in soda if using and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring often.
5. Puree the sauce with a blender until smooth.
6. Let the sauce cool and store it in the fridge.

Try this recipe for rhubarb barbeque sauce for a full guide.

6) Rhubarb Jam

Making rhubarb jam is simple and lets you enjoy the tart flavor of rhubarb. Cook chopped rhubarb with sugar and a bit of lemon juice to balance the tartness.

Simmer the mixture on the stove until the rhubarb breaks down and thickens. Stir often as the jam cooks.

You don’t need pectin if you cook it long enough. This jam tastes great on toast, yogurt, or desserts.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups chopped rhubarb
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Cooking Instructions:

1. Place rhubarb, sugar, and lemon juice in a medium saucepan.
2. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Let it simmer until thick, about 20-30 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and pour into sterilized jars.
5. Let cool, then store in the fridge.

Learn more about easy rhubarb jam at Leite’s Culinaria.

7) Rhubarb Lemonade

Rhubarb lemonade is a refreshing drink that blends tart rhubarb with lemon juice. It’s perfect for warm days.

Make a simple rhubarb syrup by cooking chopped rhubarb with sugar and water until it softens. Mix the cooled syrup with fresh lemon juice and cold water.

Serve rhubarb lemonade over ice. Add sparkling water if you want a fizzy drink.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chopped rhubarb
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 cups water (divided)
• ½ to ¾ cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
• Ice cubes
• Sparkling water (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, combine rhubarb, sugar, and 2 cups water.
2. Cook on medium heat for 10-15 minutes until rhubarb is soft.
3. Strain the syrup and cool completely.
4. In a pitcher, mix cooled syrup, lemon juice, and remaining water.
5. Stir well and serve over ice. Add sparkling water if you like fizz.

8) Rhubarb Muffins

Rhubarb muffins mix sweet and tangy flavors in every bite. Soft muffins hold chunks of rhubarb, and a cinnamon-spiced topping adds crunch.

These muffins are easy to make and perfect for breakfast or a snack. Add walnuts if you want extra texture.

Use fresh rhubarb for the best taste. Bake the muffins quickly at a high temperature to keep them tender and fluffy.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup sugar
• ⅓ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups diced rhubarb

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

3. In another bowl, mix sugars, sour cream, eggs, oil, and vanilla.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients just until mixed.

5. Fold in diced rhubarb gently.

6. Spoon batter into lined muffin cups.

7. Bake for 15 minutes.

8. Reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-15 more minutes.

9. Let muffins cool before serving.

Try this simple recipe for a fresh take on rhubarb muffins like those found on Dance Around the Kitchen.

9) Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake

This strawberry rhubarb coffee cake makes a sweet and tangy treat. The cake is soft and tender, with a jammy layer of strawberries and tart rhubarb in the middle.

The filling cooks down with lemon juice to balance the flavors. You can add a crumbly streusel on top for extra texture and sweetness.

Baking this cake fills your kitchen with a warm and inviting smell.

Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped fresh rhubarb
• 1 (10 oz) package frozen sliced strawberries, thawed
• ⅔ cup white sugar
• ⅓ cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Coffee cake batter (your favorite or homemade)
• Streusel topping (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Combine rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a saucepan.

3. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture thickens (about 15-20 minutes).

4. Pour half the coffee cake batter into a greased pan.

5. Spread the fruit mixture over the batter.

6. Add the remaining batter on top.

7. Sprinkle streusel if using.

8. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and set.

You can find more details on Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake recipes.

10) Rhubarb Ice Cream

Rhubarb ice cream is a tangy and creamy treat you can make at home. Fresh rhubarb cooks down with sugar until soft and then mixes into your ice cream base.

This process gives the ice cream a lovely pink color. The flavor is bright and slightly tart.

You can make a rhubarb sauce with maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetness. This sauce works well as a topping.

Adding lemon juice brings out the rhubarb’s tang. Chill the mixture before freezing it in your ice cream maker.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup sugar (for ice cream base)
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions

1. In a saucepan, combine rhubarb, 1 cup sugar, lemon juice, and a splash of water.
2. Simmer over medium heat until rhubarb is soft, about 10 minutes. Cool.
3. In a bowl, whisk cream, milk, ½ cup sugar, and salt until sugar dissolves.
4. Stir in cooled rhubarb mixture.
5. Chill the mixture in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
6. Pour into your ice cream maker and freeze according to the machine’s instructions.
7. Transfer to a container and freeze for 2 more hours before serving.

You can see more details on making rhubarb ice cream from The View from Great Island. For ideas on rhubarb sauce, visit It’s a Veg World After All.