Rhubarb season is short but oh-so-sweet (and tangy!). Whether you’ve got a backyard patch bursting with stalks or you scooped some up at the farmer’s market, it’s the perfect time to turn that tart little veggie (yep, it’s technically a vegetable!) into something delicious.
From cozy cakes to zesty sauces, these easy rhubarb recipes cover the classics and throw in a few fun twists, too. So grab your sugar and let’s get baking, stirring, and maybe even grilling.
Rhubarb Cake
A soft, slightly tangy cake that lets rhubarb shine without overwhelming your sweet tooth. Whether it’s topped with streusel, whipped cream, or just a dusting of powdered sugar, rhubarb cake is an easy go-to for tea parties, potlucks, coffee breaks, or just because.
Sweet Home Cook’s rhubarb cake is a must-try—moist, tangy, and easy to make.
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Rhubarb Jam
Bright, tart, and spreadable, rhubarb jam is a pantry staple once you’ve had a taste. It pairs beautifully with toast, yogurt, or even as a layer in desserts. Some rhubarb recipes mix in strawberries or ginger for an extra punch, but rhubarb holds its own just fine.
This is a favorite in our house. My grandmother had a patch that grew in her yard. Every year, she would make batches to give to family and friends.
If you’ve never tried homemade rhubarb jam, start here—MissMemesPlace version is simple, tart, and totally spoon-worthy.
Rhubarb Bread
Think banana bread’s sassier cousin. Rhubarb bread is moist, slightly tangy, and a great way to sneak a veggie into your baked goods. Some versions lean into the spice route with cinnamon and nutmeg, while others keep it simple and let the rhubarb do the talking.
Rhubarb bread is underrated, and this rhubarb recipe from Baking You Happier proves it—moist, just sweet enough, and perfect with a cup of coffee.
Rhubarb Crisp
This is comfort food at its finest—tender baked rhubarb bubbling under a buttery oat topping. It's a no-fuss, crowd-pleasing rhubarb dessert that tastes like spring in a bowl, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Little Sweet Baker shares a rhubarb crisp that is perfect for spring baking.
Rhubarb Crumble
Similar to a crisp, but often with a more crumbly, cookie-like topping. Rhubarb crumble is rich, cozy, and ridiculously easy to throw together. It's perfect for when you want something homemade without pulling out every dish in the kitchen.
You’ll want to bookmark this rhubarb crumble from Gift of Hospitality—it’s a keeper.
Rhubarb Pie
The grand finale of rhubarb desserts and the one most people think of first. Rhubarb pie can be sweet, tart, or somewhere in the middle—depending on how heavy-handed you go with the sugar. Classic, crowd-pleasing, and often served with a flaky lattice crust that’s just begging for a photo.
Baking this weekend? The Rhubarb Pie at Well Plated by Erin is a great place to start.
Rhubarb Muffins
A grab-and-go favorite with just enough sweetness to balance the tart chunks of rhubarb inside. Great for breakfasts, lunchboxes, or stashing in the freezer for later. They’re also a nice intro to rhubarb for anyone on the fence.
If you’re craving something cozy and sweet, check out these rhubarb muffins from A Kitchen Addiction
Rhubarb Sauce for Desserts
This simple sauce is like rhubarb’s answer to hot fudge—only fruity and fresh. Pour it over ice cream, cheesecake, pancakes, or even yogurt. It keeps well in the fridge, which means you can turn any plain dessert into something fancy with zero effort.
This rhubarb simple syrup is even a great addition to sweeten summer drinks.
This rhubarb sauce is super versatile—drizzle it over ice cream, cheesecake, pancakes… You really can’t go wrong with this one from Hello Little Home.
Rhubarb BBQ Sauce
Ready to go savory? Rhubarb makes a surprisingly good base for BBQ sauce, especially when mixed with smoky or spicy ingredients. Brush it on grilled chicken, pork, or even tofu for a tangy twist that’s a little unexpected but totally addictive.
This Rhubarb BBQ Sauce from Let's Dish Recipes has rave reviews—and for good reason.
Grilled Rhubarb
Yep, you can grill rhubarb—and it’s shockingly good. Grilling softens the stalks and brings out their natural sugars, giving you a smoky-sweet flavor that’s totally different from baked versions.
You can brush them with honey or maple syrup, or even marinate in a little balsamic before grilling. Put them on kebab skewers or a veggie grilling tray to easily turn or remove them from the grill.
Serve grilled rhubarb alongside meats, toss it into a salad, or use it as a topping for ricotta toast or vanilla ice cream. It’s unexpected, easy, and definitely worth trying at least once this season.
Whether you’re baking up a storm or experimenting with something new (rhubarb BBQ sauce, anyone?), this quirky little stalk has a lot to offer beyond the usual pie.
With just a few ingredients and a little time in the kitchen, you can turn a bundle of rhubarb into something sweet, savory, or somewhere in between.
Don’t forget to bookmark your favorite rhubarb recipes, you’ll want them on repeat every spring and summer!
Summer Posts:
- 12 Sweet and Simple: The Best Summer Desserts to Cool You Off
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- 17 Easy & Delicious Summer Salad Ideas Perfect All Season
- 45 Cool Outdoor Birthday Party Ideas for Teens
- 15 Simple Strawberry Desserts That Taste Like Summer
