The 31 Best Rhubarb Recipes For Spring - Chatelaine (2024)

Recipe Collections

From mini hand pies to muffins and a classic crisp, there are endless ways to use rhubarb.

ByChatelaine

Updated March 8, 2024

The 31 Best Rhubarb Recipes For Spring - Chatelaine (1)

Photo, Erik Putz.

Spring is truly here when those signature pink stalks hit the grocery aisles. Get the most out of the short rhubarb season by starting early, preserving the extras (read more on how to freeze rhubarb below) and making as many tasty desserts and savoury mains featuring this spring vegetable as possible (yes, it's a vegetable, even though it's often used like a fruit). Get inspired with our favourite rhubarb recipes, and read more about rhubarb here, including how to store it:

Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake

Why hide that glorious colour under piles of pastry? Turn dessert upside down so the ruby rhubarb crowns an easy butter cake instead.Get this rhubarb upside-down cake recipe.

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Photo, Erik Putz.

Vegan Strawberry-Rhubarb Oat Squares

With an irresistible oat crust and fruity, vibrant centre, these plant-based bars are a sure sign of summer. Get this Vegan Strawberry-Rhubarb Oat Squares recipe.

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(Photography by Erik Putz. Food styling by Eshun Mott. Prop styling by Emily Howes. Art direction by Aimee Nish*toba)

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Strawberry-Rhubarb Sangria

When the sun shines bright, it's time for a little sangria action. This one is spiked with fruity rhubarb and strawberries. Get this strawberry-rhubarb sangria recipe.

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Photo, Erik Putz.

Spring Rhubarb Salad

A fresh and easy salad packed with colour for the season. Get this spring rhubarb salad recipe.

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Photo, Erik Putz.

Pink Rhubarb-Lemon Syrup

Make a delicious, fresh pop with this syrup and soda water. (Or add some gin for a more adult beverage.) Plus, variations for homemade ginger ale; lemon-mint; and cream soda syrups. Get this pink rhubarb-lemon syrup recipe.

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Lattice-Topped Rhubarb Pie

Delight your taste buds with a recipe (shown at the top of this post!) that makes spring’s first produce the star of the show. Plus, our step-by-step instructions make it easy to make a beautiful pie, even if it's your first time. Get this lattice-topped rhubarb pie recipe.

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Creamy Rhubarb Potato Salad

If you're breaking out your grill this spring, complement your BBQed meat with a classic potato salad studded with crunchy rhubarb and gherkins. Hot tip: to get flavour-packed potatoes, mix them with the dressing while they’re piping hot. Get this creamy rhubarb potato salad recipe.

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(Photo: Erik Putz)

Rhubarb Ice Cream

No ice-cream maker required. All you need is:Rhubarb + sweetened condensed milk + 35% cream. Get this rhubarb ice cream recipe.

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(Photo: Erik Putz)

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Rhubarb-Apple Crisp

Rhubarb-apple crisp is the spring version of your favourite fall recipe. Get this rhubarb-apple crisp recipe.

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Photo, Erik Putz.

Rhubarb-Vanilla Mille Feuille

Rhubarb adds a pop of colour to this classic French dessert that only needs 5 ingredients. Get this rhubarb-vanilla mille feuille recipe.

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Photo, Erik Putz.

Rhubarb-Buttermilk Tea Cake

Crunchy pecans and tangy rhubarb make this moist banana breadalternative addictively good.Get this rhubarb-buttermilk tea cake recipe.

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(Photo: Roberto Caruso)

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Rhubarb Coffee Cake

Rhubarb coffee cake with a streusel topping is a tasty spring treat. Get this rhubarb coffee cake recipe.

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Photo, Erik Putz.

Classic Rhubarb Custard Pie

Rhubarb is the star of the show in this classic custard pie. Get this classic rhubarb custard pie recipe.

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Photo, Erik Putz.

Strawberry-Rhubarb Pie

A sweet and savoury pie that will leave you wanting more.Get this strawberry-rhubarb pie recipe.

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Photo, Erik Putz.

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Strawberry-Rhubarb Sangria Jellies

The perfect party-starter! Hand these cute sangria jellies out at your next barbecue for a fun and fizzy co*cktail option. Get this strawberry-rhubarb sangria jellies recipe.

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Photo, Erik Putz.

Rhubarb Muffins

We’ve never been more excited to break out the muffin tin. Get this rhubarb muffin recipe.

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Photo, Erik Putz.

Stewed Rhubarb

Laced with real vanilla and cooked with sugar to a syrupy finish, this soft and sweet rhubarb is incredibly quick to make. Serve over ice cream or with a dollop of whipped cream. Get this stewed rhubarb recipe.

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Photo, Erik Putz.

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Rhubarb Hand Pies

These golden mini pies have sugary sparkle on the outside, and fruity fillingon the inside. Kitchen Tip: It’s best to make the rhubarb filling just before making the hand pies, to prevent the rhubarb from watering out.Get this rhubarb hand pies recipe.

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Photo, Erik Putz.

Rhubarb Cranachan

Our take on a traditional Scottish dessert! Whipped cream, whiskey, poached rhubarb and a sweet crispy oat topping make this cranachan irresistible. Get this rhubarb cranachan recipe.

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Photo, Erik Putz.

Rhubarb Crisp

A golden crunch on top, and sweet-tart rhubarb perfection on the bottom. Serve with vanilla ice cream. Get this rhubarb crisp recipe.

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Photo, Erik Putz.

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Buttermilk Pannacotta With Poached Rhubarb

This Italian-inspired spring treat is the silkiest, sweetest spring dessert (watch out—you’ll be making it again and again). Get this buttermilk pannacotta with poached rhubarb recipe.

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Photo, Erik Putz.

Spring Salad With Rhubarb Vinaigrette

Delight your taste buds with a fresh salad, topped with a vinaigrette that adds a sweet-tart kick.Get this spring salad with rhubarb vinaigrette recipe.

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(Photo: Erik Putz)

Raspberry-Rhubarb Compote

Serve this compote over yogurt at breakfast, or over a cream scoop of vanilla ice cream after dinner. Get this raspberry-rhubarb compote recipe.

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(Photo: Sian Richards)

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Crispy Duck With Tangy Rhubarb Sauce

A sweet-and-tangy sauce tops juicy duck breast for a perfect melding of flavours. Serve with ginger and garlic beans and wild rice pilaf.Get this crispy duck with tangy rhubarb sauce recipe.

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(Photo: Erik Putz)

Rhubarb Curd

This genius idea was inspired by lemon curd—just sub in rhubarb. Spread it on pancakes, top on oatmeal, spoon it into little meringues, fold it into whipped cream—or eat it from the jar. Get this rhubarb curd recipe.

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(Photo: Sian Richards)

Strawberry-Rhubarb Granita

Whip up this Mediterranean frozen-fruit dessert, like a sorbet, only with a more crystalline texture. Get this strawberry-rhubarb granita recipe.

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(Photo: Michael Graydon)

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Rhubarb Sour

This rosy sipper bringsrhubarb’s kick to any happy hour.Get this rhubarb sour recipe.

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(Photo: Erik Putz)

Pickled Rhubarb

A savoury alternative that will leave you tickled pink. Delicious served with roast chicken or fish. It’s also perfect for cheese boards. Get this pickled rhubarb recipe.

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(Photo: Roberto Caruso)

Raspberry-Rhubarb Pavlova Cupcakes

Another afternoon tea favourite, these pretty cupcakesare as delicious as they are delightful.Get thisraspberry-rhubarb pavlova cupcakes recipe.

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(Photography: Michael Graydon)

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Rhubarb semifreddo

The classic combo of strawberries and rhubarb gets an Italian twist of citrus, for a cool and refreshing dessert you’ll be making well into summer.Get this rhubarb semifreddo recipe.

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(Photo: Erik Putz)

Roasted Halibut With Rhubarb-Bacon Jam

Roasted asparagus and a savoury rhubarb sauce make dinner a quick, healthy and colourful ode to spring.Get this roasted halibut with rhubarb-bacon jam recipe.

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(Photo: Erik Putz)

Things To Know About Rhubarb

Don't Eat Rhubarb Leaves

Safety alert! Rhubarb leaves are high in oxalic acid, which can be poisonous. Simply chop them off, discard and the rest of the stalk is then ready to use.

How to Freeze Rhubarb

If you're lucky enough to have rhubarb growing in your garden,chances are youhave more rhubarb than you can use. Thankfully, frozen rhubarbwill keep well for up to a year. To freeze, discard the leaves, chop stalks into 1-inch piecesand fillzip-top bags with 2 cup portions (easier for future use).

Related:How To Start Your Own Garden—Even If Your Yard Is Tiny

Watch: How To Make Stewed Rhubarb (Also Known As Poached Rhubarb)

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The 31 Best Rhubarb Recipes For Spring - Chatelaine (2024)

FAQs

How do you get the most Flavour out of rhubarb? ›

"You want to peel off the first layer, and then you want to simmer it with some brown sugar and ginger," he explains. "Once you let it simmer, and it's soft, let it sit overnight. Now you have these tender ribbons that you can jar up, or you can put them on anything."

Should you soak rhubarb before baking? ›

Wash rhubarb with cool tap water, but do not soak.

What is the best way to eat rhubarb? ›

1. Raw: Before you do any cooking with rhubarb, you ought to at least try it raw. (Note: Be sure to remove all the leaves, as they are poisonous.) Many suggest dipping the stalk in sugar or some other sweet, such as honey, maple syrup or agave nectar, to mellow its tartness a touch.

What is the best thing to do with rhubarb? ›

Rhubarb is a truly special ingredient. With its vivid pink colour and distinctively tangy taste, it can be stewed, poached, roasted and puréed in a range of dishes as well as drinks. Use it in a comforting crumble, a classic syllabub, a fruity chutney or a zingy kebab sauce – the possibilities are endless.

What takes the tartness out of rhubarb? ›

Although it can be eaten raw, rhubarb tends to be too tart this way, and it's usually best when cooked with plenty of sugar.

What are the tips and tricks for rhubarb? ›

Rhubarb grows best in an open, sunny site with fertile, moist but free-draining soil. It will also cope in light shade. Avoid ground that gets waterlogged, as plants are liable to rot. If your soil is heavy, plant in raised beds or large containers.

Should you soak rhubarb before planting? ›

Soak crowns in water for several hours before planting to rehydrate the crown if they look dry. Plant about 3 feet apart in a loose soil amended with well aged compost and a handful of fertilizer high in phosphorus and potassium.

How to cook rhubarb without it going mushy? ›

Method. Put the rhubarb into a saucepan with the orange zest, juice, sugar and 2 tbsp water. Bring to the boil then simmer for 8 mins until the rhubarb is cooked but still holds its shape.

Do you peel red skin off rhubarb? ›

So, in conclusion: You don't have to peel rhubarb before eating it. Of course, you can if you want to. But doing it means that some of the lovely red flavor is going to disappear. I usually just prepare rhubarb by rinsing it and then cutting it into thin slices!

Should rhubarb be kept in the fridge or on the counter? ›

For the most part, fresh rhubarb should be refrigerated. These few steps will help make storing quick, easy, and beneficial. Add unwashed stalks to a Ziplock bag and keep it unopened, or wrap them in plastic wrap and cut a few holes to help them breathe.

Is cooked rhubarb a laxative? ›

The fiber in rhubarb helps keep things moving through your digestive tract, preventing problems such as constipation. It also contains compounds called sennosides, which act as natural laxatives. The tannins in rhubarb also provide anti-diarrheal effects.

Does rhubarb interact with any medications? ›

Medications for inflammation (Corticosteroids) interacts with RHUBARB. Rhubarb is a type of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives can cause diarrhea and decrease potassium levels. Some medications for inflammation, called corticosteroids, can also decrease potassium levels.

What does rhubarb do to your body? ›

Rhubarb is a rich source of nutrients providing 45% of the Daily Value for Vitamin K in a serving size of 1 cup. In addition, rhubarb provides phytochemicals to help our body prevent chronic diseases.

When should you not pick rhubarb? ›

The best time to harvest rhubarb is during the months of May, June and early July. After this, it's best to let the plant be, so it can regrow and recharge to survive the winter. You can cut the flower stalk away before it blooms to help extend the harvesting season.

How many cups is two pounds of rhubarb? ›

A cup is a measure of volume while pounds is a measure of weight so a direct calculation is difficult. If we only take liquid weight into account, one cup is eight ounces and two pounds would be 32 ounces so two pounds of rhubarb would equate to 4 cups.

What enhances rhubarb? ›

7 Ingredients to Pair with Rhubarb (Beyond Strawberries)
  • Lavender. While lavender can make something taste like soap if you're too heavy-handed with it, be gentle and you'll be greatly rewarded. ...
  • Dates. ...
  • Cardamom. ...
  • Ginger. ...
  • Coconut. ...
  • Tomatoes. ...
  • Other Berries.

What is the best way to sweeten rhubarb? ›

Stewed rhubarb, made with honey instead of sugar, needs just a few minutes to make. This is one of the simplest and best ways to use rhubarb. Almost certainly the most simple – and one of the most delicious – ways to enjoy rhubarb, stewed rhubarb is a treat and makes for the most wonderful springtime breakfast.

How to take the bitterness out of rhubarb? ›

The flavor of rhubarb can be improved by adding orange juice, marmalade, or cinnamon.

How to reduce the acidity of rhubarb? ›

Adding a bit of baking soda to a recipe can help reduce the acidity of your baked rhubarb dish. Rhubarb has versatility for sweet and savoury applications; for instance, it is often part of Iranian and Afghan stews and is used as you would use spinach.

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