30+ Rhubarb Recipes | The Recipe Rebel (2024)

These 30+ Rhubarb Recipes are perfect for baking, brunches, and entertaining! Discover new ways to use this springtime vegetable in cakes, pies, co*cktails, muffins, and more.

30+ Rhubarb Recipes | The Recipe Rebel (1)

What is Rhubarb?
What Does Rhubarb Taste Like?
Is it Poisonous?
How to Freeze Fresh Rhubarb

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!

Rhubarb Cake with Vanilla Sauce

Loaded with rhubarb and drizzled with warm vanilla sauce, this easy cake is the ultimate Springtime dessert!

Photo Credit:www.thecreativebite.com

Rhubarb Streusel Coffee Cake

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!

Photo Credit:theviewfromgreatisland.com

Norwegian Rhubarb and Almond Cake

A light, delicate almond cake full of delicious rhubarb. This craveable recipe makes the perfect breakfast, fruity dessert, or snacking cake!

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Bars

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.

Rhubarb Crisp Recipe

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.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

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!

Rhubarb Tart

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.

Photo Credit:www.thecreativebite.com

Strawberry Rhubarb Custard Dessert

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.

Photo Credit:www.spendwithpennies.com

Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler

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!

Photo Credit:celebratingsweets.com

Rhubarb Raspberry Fool

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!

Photo Credit:www.mykitchenlove.com

Sparkling Rhubarb Margarita Recipe

There’s nothing more quenching on a hot afternoon than a homemade margarita! This zesty co*cktail 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!

Photo Credit:tornadoughalli.com

Rhubarb Slush

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!

Photo Credit:www.spendwithpennies.com

Rhubarb Muffins

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!

Photo Credit:sweetpeasandsaffron.com

Healthy Cinnamon Rhubarb Muffins

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.

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Strawberries and rhubarb give this easy pie recipe the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and juicy summer flavor!

Photo Credit:www.thecreativebite.com

Rhubarb Custard Pie

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.

Photo Credit:www.tastesoflizzyt.com

Rhubarb Crisp Pie

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.

Rhubarb Sauce

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!