10 Best Rhubarb Desserts to Enjoy Seasonal Flavors

Rhubarb desserts are a perfect way to enjoy the distinctive tang and vibrant color of this unique plant. Whether you’re a fan of classic recipes or love experimenting with new flavors, there’s something about rhubarb that can transform an ordinary dish into something extraordinary.

Imagine biting into a slice of rhubarb pie with its perfect balance of sweet and tart, or savoring a rhubarb crumble that melts in your mouth.

Get ready to discover a world of delightful rhubarb desserts that will make you fall in love with this versatile ingredient all over again!

1. Rhubarb Crisp

This Rhubarb Crisp is the ultimate comfort dessert, perfect for those cozy evenings. The crunchy oat topping pairs beautifully with the soft, tangy rhubarb filling, creating a delightful contrast in textures and flavors. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence!

Recipe

Prep TimeCook TimeCourseCuisineEquipmentNo. of Ingredients
15 minutes45 minutesDessertAmericanBaking dish, mixing bowl9

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups rhubarb, chopped
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine rhubarb, sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.
  3. In another bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, flour, butter, and salt until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture over the rhubarb.
  4. Bake for 45 minutes until the topping is golden and crisp.
  5. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Serve with: Vanilla ice cream
Drink with: A glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee

2. Rhubarb Pie

Nothing says homemade comfort like a slice of Rhubarb Pie. This pie boasts a perfect balance of sweet and tart, with the rhubarb’s vibrant flavor shining through a flaky, buttery crust. It’s a nostalgic dessert that evokes memories of grandma’s kitchen and family gatherings. Perfect for any occasion, this pie is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party or picnic.

Recipe

Prep TimeCook TimeCourseCuisineEquipmentNo. of Ingredients
20 minutes1 hourDessertAmericanPie dish, mixing bowl, rolling pin7

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups rhubarb, chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix rhubarb, sugar, flour, and salt.
  3. Place one pie crust in the pie dish, fill with the rhubarb mixture, and dot with butter.
  4. Cover with the second pie crust, seal the edges, and cut a few slits for steam to escape. Brush with beaten egg.
  5. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 45 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
  6. Let the pie cool before serving.

Serve with: Whipped cream
Drink with: Sparkling water or lemonade

3. Rhubarb Cheesecake

This Rhubarb Cheesecake is a dreamy dessert that combines creamy, rich cheesecake with a tangy rhubarb topping. The smooth texture of the cheesecake pairs perfectly with the slightly tart rhubarb, creating a delightful symphony of flavors. This dessert is both elegant and comforting, making it ideal for special occasions or a fancy dinner party.

Recipe

Prep TimeCook TimeCourseCuisineEquipmentNo. of Ingredients
30 minutes1 hour 30 minutesDessertAmericanSpringform pan, mixing bowls11

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons flour

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
  2. Combine rhubarb, 1/2 cup sugar, and water in a saucepan. Cook until rhubarb is soft and sauce is thickened. Set aside.
  3. Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, press into the bottom of the pan.
  4. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla, sour cream, and flour. Pour over crust.
  5. Swirl in the rhubarb mixture.
  6. Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until set. Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Serve with: Fresh berries
Drink with: A glass of dessert wine or a cup of tea

4. Rhubarb Muffins

Start your morning right with these delightful Rhubarb Muffins. They’re moist, fluffy, and bursting with tart rhubarb pieces. The sweetness of the muffin batter perfectly complements the rhubarb’s tang, making for a balanced and delicious breakfast treat. These muffins are perfect for a quick snack on the go or a cozy brunch with friends and family.

Recipe

Prep TimeCook TimeCourseCuisineEquipmentNo. of Ingredients
15 minutes20 minutesBreakfastAmericanMuffin tin, mixing bowls10

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (for topping)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a muffin tin or line with paper liners.
  2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in rhubarb.
  5. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full and sprinkle with brown sugar.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.

Serve with: Butter and jam
Drink with: Freshly brewed coffee or a glass of milk

5. Rhubarb Bars

Rhubarb Bars are the perfect blend of sweet and tart, with a buttery crust and a tangy rhubarb filling. These bars are great for potlucks, picnics, or any occasion where you need a portable dessert that’s sure to impress. They’re easy to make and even easier to enjoy, offering a delightful burst of flavor in every bite.

Recipe

Prep TimeCook TimeCourseCuisineEquipmentNo. of Ingredients
20 minutes40 minutesDessertAmericanBaking dish, mixing bowls9

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
  2. Combine 1 cup flour, powdered sugar, and melted butter to form a crust. Press into the baking dish and bake for 15 minutes.
  3. Mix rhubarb, sugar, 2 tablespoons flour, salt, eggs, and vanilla in a bowl.
  4. Pour the rhubarb mixture over the crust and bake for 25 minutes until set.
  5. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Serve with: Whipped cream
Drink with: Iced tea or lemonade

6. Rhubarb Ice Cream

This homemade Rhubarb Ice Cream is a refreshing and creamy dessert that’s perfect for hot summer days. The tangy rhubarb blends seamlessly with the rich, velvety ice cream base, creating a unique and delicious treat. It’s a fun and fruity twist on classic ice cream that will delight both kids and adults alike.

Recipe

Prep TimeCook TimeCourseCuisineEquipmentNo. of Ingredients
30 minutes4 hours (freezing time)DessertAmericanIce cream maker, saucepan8

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine rhubarb, 1 cup sugar, and water. Cook until rhubarb is soft and mixture is thickened. Let cool.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together cream, milk, 1/2 cup sugar, vanilla extract, and salt.
  3. Add cooled rhubarb mixture to the cream mixture.
  4. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
  5. Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours.

Serve with: Fresh berries
Drink with: Sparkling water or iced tea

7. Rhubarb Tart

This Rhubarb Tart is a sophisticated dessert that combines the bright flavor of rhubarb with a buttery, flaky crust. The tart’s beautiful presentation makes it perfect for special occasions or as a stunning centerpiece for your dessert table. Each bite offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart, with the rhubarb’s natural tartness complemented by a sweet glaze.

Recipe

Prep TimeCook TimeCourseCuisineEquipmentNo. of Ingredients
25 minutes45 minutesDessertFrenchTart pan, mixing bowls8

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/4 cups flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 3 cups rhubarb, sliced
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a tart pan.
  2. In a bowl, mix flour and powdered sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg yolk and mix until dough forms.
  3. Press dough into the tart pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
  4. In a bowl, combine rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Pour over the crust.
  5. Bake for 35 minutes until the filling is set and the crust is golden.
  6. Cool before serving.

Serve with: Vanilla ice cream
Drink with: A glass of chilled white wine

8. Rhubarb Compote

Rhubarb Compote is a versatile and easy-to-make condiment that can be used in a variety of ways. Its sweet and tangy flavor makes it perfect for topping yogurt, ice cream, pancakes, or even savory dishes like pork or chicken. This simple recipe showcases the natural taste of rhubarb, making it a delightful addition to your kitchen repertoire.

Recipe

Prep TimeCook TimeCourseCuisineEquipmentNo. of Ingredients
10 minutes20 minutesCondimentAmericanSaucepan4

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups rhubarb, chopped
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine rhubarb, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rhubarb is soft and mixture is thickened.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
  3. Let cool before serving. Store in the refrigerator.

Serve with: Yogurt or ice cream
Drink with: Herbal tea

9. Rhubarb Crumble

Rhubarb Crumble is a classic dessert that’s easy to make and loved by all. The tender, tangy rhubarb filling is topped with a crunchy, buttery crumble that’s simply irresistible. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting and delicious treat.

Recipe

Prep TimeCook TimeCourseCuisineEquipmentNo. of Ingredients
15 minutes40 minutesDessertBritishBaking dish, mixing bowls8

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups rhubarb, chopped
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
  2. In a bowl, mix rhubarb, sugar, and 1 tablespoon flour. Spread the mixture in the baking dish.
  3. In another bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle over the rhubarb.
  4. Bake for 40 minutes until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling.
  5. Let cool slightly before serving.

Serve with: Vanilla ice cream
Drink with: A cup of tea or coffee

10. Rhubarb Sorbet

Cool off with this refreshing Rhubarb Sorbet. It’s a light and fruity dessert that’s perfect for hot summer days. The tartness of the rhubarb shines through in this icy treat, making it a great palate cleanser or a delightful end to a meal. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make with just a few ingredients and an ice cream maker.

Recipe

Prep TimeCook TimeCourseCuisineEquipmentNo. of Ingredients
15 minutes4 hours (freezing time)DessertAmericanIce cream maker, saucepan4

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups rhubarb, chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine rhubarb, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until rhubarb is soft and mixture is thickened. Let cool.
  2. Puree the mixture in a blender until smooth.
  3. Stir in lemon juice.
  4. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  5. Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours.

Serve with: Fresh mint leaves
Drink with: Sparkling water or a fruity cocktail

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