Rhubarb is a unique ingredient that brings a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness to desserts. Its bright flavor pairs beautifully with sugar, strawberries, custards, and buttery toppings, making it a favorite in many classic recipes. Whether baked into pies, cakes, or crisps, rhubarb transforms simple ingredients into comforting and flavorful desserts.
This collection features six easy and delicious ways to enjoy rhubarb, each offering a different texture and taste. From creamy custard pies to warm, crumbly crisps, these recipes are perfect for making the most of fresh rhubarb.
Rhubarb Custard Pie
This pie combines the tartness of rhubarb with a smooth and creamy custard filling. The contrast between the flaky crust and soft filling creates a comforting and classic dessert. It is perfect for serving chilled or slightly warm.
Ingredients
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
3 cups fresh rhubarb
½ tsp orange zest
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream
2 large eggs
1–2 tbsp salted butter
1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl mix sugar, flour, and nutmeg. Add chopped rhubarb and toss to coat evenly.
In another bowl whisk together eggs, cream, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Combine with the rhubarb mixture.
Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust and dot with small pieces of butter.
Bake for about 45–50 minutes until the custard is set. Allow to cool before slicing.
Rhubarb Dump Cake
This dessert is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort. The rhubarb softens into a jam-like layer while the cake mix forms a golden, crumbly topping. It is a perfect last-minute dessert.
Ingredients
4 cups rhubarb
1½ cups sugar
1 box yellow cake mix
1 cup butter
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread chopped rhubarb evenly in a baking dish and sprinkle sugar over the top.
Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the rhubarb without mixing. Drizzle melted butter over the top and add cinnamon and vanilla.
Bake for 40–45 minutes until the top is golden and the fruit is bubbling. Serve warm.
Rhubarb Bread
This soft and moist bread is filled with pieces of rhubarb and lightly sweetened with a hint of citrus. It is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. The glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness.
Ingredients
1 cup sugar
1 tsp orange zest
2 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup vegetable oil
¾ cup milk
2 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
2 cups fresh rhubarb
Glaze
½ cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp heavy cream
1–2 drops orange oil
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan. In a bowl mix sugar, orange zest, vanilla, oil, milk, and eggs until smooth.
Add flour and baking powder and mix until combined. Fold in the chopped rhubarb.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50–60 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Allow to cool, then mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over the bread before serving.
Strawberry Rhubarb Cake
This cake blends the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of rhubarb for a balanced and flavorful dessert. The soft crumb and slightly crisp top make it a crowd favorite. It is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 cup diced strawberries
1 cup diced rhubarb
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 egg
¾ cup sugar
½ cup unsalted butter
¾ cup milk
½ cup brown sugar
Glaze
½ cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then add the egg and mix well.
In another bowl combine flour and baking powder. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the batter.
Fold in strawberries and rhubarb. Pour into the pan and sprinkle brown sugar on top.
Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden. Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over the cooled cake.
Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake
This cheesecake is creamy, fruity, and beautifully layered with a strawberry rhubarb topping. The combination of tangy fruit and smooth cheesecake creates a perfect balance. It is a stunning dessert for gatherings.
Ingredients
Crust: graham crackers, butter, sugar
Cheesecake layer: cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, whipped topping
Fruit topping: strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice
Instructions
Prepare the crust by mixing graham crumbs with butter and pressing into a pan.
Beat cream cheese with sugar and vanilla, then fold in whipped topping and spread over the crust.
Cook strawberries and rhubarb with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice until thickened.
Cool the topping, spread over cheesecake, and refrigerate until set.
Rhubarb Crisp
This dessert features tender rhubarb filling topped with a crunchy oat topping. The contrast between the soft fruit and crisp topping makes it incredibly satisfying. It is best served warm, often with a scoop of ice cream.
Ingredients
Filling: 4 cups rhubarb, 1 cup sugar, 1 tsp vanilla, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp cornstarch
Topping: ¾ cup flour, ¾ cup rolled oats, ¾ cup brown sugar, ½ tsp cinnamon, pinch of salt, ½ cup butter
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl mix rhubarb with sugar, vanilla, lemon juice, and cornstarch, then spread into a baking dish.
In another bowl combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and butter until crumbly.
Sprinkle the topping over the rhubarb and bake for 40–45 minutes until golden and bubbling. Serve warm.
Final Words
Rhubarb is a versatile ingredient that shines in a variety of desserts, from creamy pies to warm crisps and soft cakes. Its natural tartness pairs beautifully with sweet ingredients, creating balanced and flavorful dishes. These six recipes offer simple and delicious ways to enjoy rhubarb and make the most of its unique taste in your kitchen.