These 30+ Rhubarb Recipes are perfect for baking, brunches, and entertaining! Discover new ways to use this springtime vegetable in cakes, pies, cocktails, muffins, and more.
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I’ll come right out and say it: Rhubarb is a go-to when it comes to spring desserts.
Everyone has some idea of what rhubarb is (consensus says: vegetable! More on this later). But for many, it’s still a bit of a mysterious ingredient and flavor when it comes to using it in recipes.
I will admit, I wasn’t even sure what rhubarb was until much later in life. Did anyone else have a slice of rhubarb pie as a kid and think it was the weirdest dessert ever? Because, same. But what I know now is that I’d 100% live off of rhubarb desserts if I could!
Whether you’re lucky enough to have a big, beautiful rhubarb plant in your backyard, or if you’re picking it up in the seasonal produce aisle, there are so many delicious recipes to make with this peculiar plant. I’ve rounded up some of my favorites below!
But first, let’s take care of some business. What exactly is rhubarb? Is it sweet or sour? Or even poisonous?! These were questions posed by readers and myself. So I dug in and did some research on this deliciously odd ingredient.
What is Rhubarb?
As it turns out, Rhubarb is considered a spring vegetable.
Rhubarb stalks are sold in grocery stores and farmer’s markets across the U.S. – generally from April to June when the stalks have the sweetest flavors. Rhubarb stalks are green, pink, or red in color, like celery but prettier. The redder the stalk the sweeter the flavor!
Rhubarb is often confused with fruit since it’s sometimes used in sweet recipes like pies, cobblers, tarts, and other dessert treats. But there is boundless potential for this tart vegetable stalk!
What Does Rhubarb Taste Like?
Rhubarb is a fibrous vegetable similar to celery but without the crispness. The texture of rhubarb is more like a bite into a walnut: smooth with a slight crunch. Typically, the stalks are sliced into bite-sized pieces for baking. When properly cooked, rhubarb gives recipes like pies and cobblers a delicious and gentle tartness.
However, eaten raw, rhubarb is extremely bitter and sour. This is why many rhubarb desserts will include other ingredients to soften, sweeten, or balance the flavors (strawberries and sugar are common go-tos).
Is it Poisonous?
Rest assured, you won’t find any recipes for poison pie on here! To clear up a common misconception: rhubarb stalks are not poisonous. It’s the leaves at the top of the stalks, however, that are extremely toxic to humans and should never be consumed.
Before preparing your rhubarb, cut and discard the leaves. Only use the stalks for eating. The leaves are not edible – at all – and should not be used for garnish or in any way touch the food.
How to Freeze Fresh Rhubarb
Rhubarb freezes like a dream! This is especially handy if, like me, you’re on a mission to try any and all fruit and rhubarb combinations, all year-round. Your freezer is your friend!
I recommend cutting the stalks into pieces to store airtight in the freezer. Here’s how to freeze fresh rhubarb:
- Slice the rhubarb and place it in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
- Place the whole sheet in the freezer until the rhubarb pieces are frozen solid.
- Transfer the frozen rhubarb to resealable bags or containers labeled with contents, amount, and recipe details as needed (ie. “2 cups rhubarb, muffins/scones”).
While it’s easy to freeze, rhubarb does tend to turn mushy after defrosting. This makes frozen rhubarb best to use in recipes where it can be added in and then cooked or baked from frozen, such as baking and sauces.
Without further adieu, here are some of my favorite rhubarb recipes that I just know you’ll love! Plus, a few from my favorite bloggers!
30+ Ways to Use Rhubarb
If you’re wondering what to do with a plentiful bunch of rhubarb, we’ve got you covered with over 30 ways to use it! Here are easy rhubarb recipes for lush springtime desserts, rhubarb drinks, breakfast ideas, and more!
Loaded with rhubarb and drizzled with warm vanilla sauce, this easy cake is the ultimate Springtime dessert!
This moist rhubarb coffee cake is perfect for breakfast or brunch, topped with a delicious toasted pecan and coconut streusel. Such a simple recipe packing loads of delicious flavor!
A light, delicate almond cake full of delicious rhubarb. This craveable recipe makes the perfect breakfast, fruity dessert, or snacking cake!
What do you get when you combine crunchy oatmeal cookies and tangy fruit with our favorite ingredient? These Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Bars! These are the perfect summer finger food for potlucks and dessert.
A simple and mouth watering recipe for tart rhubarb filling topped with a layer of crunchy, crispy oatmeal. Rhubarb crisp is a delicious dessert, just begging for a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
A deliciously sweet and tart rhubarb crisp complete with a tender oatmeal topping. Swap out the berries for any of your favorite fruit combinations for an effortless dessert that just smacks of spring!
Stunning for the eyes and taste buds, this rhubarb tart is a real showstopper! Ribbons of rhubarb are woven over top of a sweet almond filling and a buttery shortbread crust.
A tender sugar cookie crust filled with chopped tart rhubarb, sweet strawberries and rich, creamy custard gives this dessert the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
You’ll love this super easy cobbler recipe made with sweet strawberries and rhubarb. The most delicious combination, ready to be served with a scoop of ice cream!
I pity the fool who doesn’t love this dessert! Made from mostly whipped cream and sweetened raspberries, with the wonderful tartness of fresh rhubarb. I can never get enough!
There’s nothing more quenching on a hot afternoon than a homemade margarita! This zesty cocktail recipe is so easy and quick to make. Add in the unique flavors of rhubarb, and you’ve got a one-of-a-kind refreshment!
A refreshing and fruity summertime drink featuring rhubarb! This frosty slush recipe can be made with or without booze. Either way it’s the perfect treat for sipping by the pool!
Warm flavors of cinnamon and the tartness of rhubarb give these muffins a little something extra. You’ll love baking up a batch of these for your next occasion!
These are the most delicious muffins made with nutritious whole grains and zero refined sugar! And, of course, rhubarb. With fluffy insides and crunch tops, rhubarb muffins are the only thing you’ll be craving this spring.
Strawberries and rhubarb give this easy pie recipe the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and juicy summer flavor!
This homemade pie is made ultra decadent with a rich egg custard filling and the unique flavor of rhubarb. Enjoy a slice for a little summer indulgence.
A classic crisp recipe crossed with homemade rhubarb pie! Made with a buttery oatmeal crumble and sweet rhubarb filling for a light and easy dessert.
This rich and flavorful rhubarb sauce is bound to become a fast favorite! Delicious as a quick and easy topping for cake, ice cream, yogurt, pancakes and more!
Homemade rhubarb curd is perfect to spread over everything from pancakes to toast – or better yet, enjoy a spoonful right out of the jar!
A light and creamy, easy no-bake cheesecake recipe made with rhubarb. The lovely flavors and incredible texture make this dessert one of a kind, plus you can make it ahead!
Turn heads with this stunning homemade rhubarb cake recipe! A luxurious layer cake infused with Riesling flavors, filled with oat crumble, and frosted with a decadent rhubarb buttercream.
Enjoy rhubarb three ways with this dreamy panna cotta recipe. Lush and creamy panna cotta is the ideal "fancy" dessert that's actually so easy to make!
Rhubarb and cherry are the fruity and tart combination I never knew I needed. Until I found this rhubarb crisp recipe!
Rhubarb fool is a creamy and tangy, chilled dessert recipe that you’ll be making all season long. A perfect single-serving sweet treat!
A classic strawberry rhubarb pie is an art form, if you ask me! The balance of flavors, the juicy filling, the tender yet crisp pastry crust. Luckily, this recipe makes it super easy!
This is the perfect cupcake recipe for spring, made with moist and tender cupcakes filled with a homemade rhubarb jam.
A simple quick bread recipe loaded with fresh rhubarb and laced with swirls of cinnamon. Enjoy this for breakfast or as a snack! It never disappoints.
If an easy breakfast is calling, try this delightful version of baked oatmeal featuring strawberries and rhubarb! Seasonal and exceptional.
Dessert doesn't get more rich and creamy than this homemade gelato recipe! Rhubarb puts an interesting spin on this delicious chilled treat.
Tender homemade dessert bars made from strawberry rhubarb filling between layers of pastry and a crunchy crumb topping. The best grab-and-go dessert!
Kay says
These rhubarb recipes look amazing! Thanks so much for sharing them! I am so excited to try them out, as my rhubarb is doing extremely well this year!
The Recipe Rebel says
Hope you enjoy some of them Kay!
Pamela J Neumann says
Ashley you missed my favorite Norwegian Rhubarb Pudding. YUMMMM
The Recipe Rebel says
Sounds tasty!
Liz says
I never know what to do when we get rhubarb in our CSA so this list is going to be the perfect resource! Thanks for sharing these ideas!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Liz!
Aimee Shugarman says
I just got some fresh rhubarb, and don’t even know where to start. So many delicious goodies!
Ashley Fehr says
Definitely some I need to try!
Sarah Skaggs says
I have always been scared to try rhubarb but now I am excited! These all look so good!
Abigail Raines says
I love rhubarb and I am so happy to see so many ways I can use it for! The question is where do I begin?
Lisalia says
I LOVE rhubarb… so I’m excited to work my way through this list. A great project for me this summer. Thanks – your recipes are ALWAYS a hit.
Ashley Fehr says
Thank you Lisalia!