41 Rhubarb Recipes, From Sweet Custard Tarts to Savory Pork Chops

Make the most of this rosy vegetable while it's at its peak.

rhubarb-strawberry lattice pie — Credit:
Con Poulos

Rhubarb fans, unite! The season for this tart, colorful spring vegetable is upon us. Yes, botanically rhubarb is a vegetable (and the tomato a fruit), but we mostly use this seasonal treat in desserts. If your garden yields an endless supply—or you stock up at the farmers market—and you're wondering what to do with the windfall, lucky for you, we're rhubarb connoisseurs. Here, we're sharing our treasure trove of rhubarb recipes, including pies, tarts, cakes, cobblers, crisps, pavlovas, chutney, and more.

How to Buy, Store, and Prep Rhubarb

When shopping for rhubarb, look for thin, red-pink crisp stalks and skip the floppy specimens, as they were likely picked too long ago. Once home, wrap the rhubarb stalks in plastic, and refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze the rhubarb to enjoy later. To use, rinse and trim the tops and bottoms of the stalks, and discard the toxic leaves.

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Lemon-Rhubarb Olive Oil Cake

lemon-rhubarb olive-oil bundt cake recipe — Marcus Nilsson

Olive oil plays a supporting role in this rich Bundt cake with a light, fluffy texture similar to a baked cake donut. Rhubarb is added to the batter, the perfect counterpoint to the zingy lemon flavor.

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Mini Strawberry-Rhubarb Galettes

Mini Strawberry-Rhubarb Galettes — Jennifer Causey

A cinch to assemble, these phyllo dough galettes are filled with a heavenly combo of rhubarb and strawberries, then sprinkled with lavender sugar and lavender buds.

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Rhubarb Custard Tart

Rhubarb Custard Tart — Kate Sears

The secret to success with this stunning tart is blind-baking the crust. Pop it in the oven before making the filling—this helps it get firm and crunchy, so you won't end up with a soggy bottom as the luscious custard and scored rhubarb stalks are baked in.

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Rhubarb-Apple-Almond Cobbler

Rhubarb Apple Almond Cobbler — Kate Sears

Cobblers are one of the most effortless desserts imaginable, and this rhubarb variation is no exception. The filling is made with greenmarket-fresh rhubarb, Granny Smith apples, and a hint of ginger and lemon, then crowned with an almond flour-enhanced biscuit topping.

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Roasted Rhubarb-and-Sour-Cherry Compote

Roasted Rhubarb-and-Sour-Cherry Compote — Kate Sears

This intensely sweet-tart condiment is as versatile as it is vivacious. Sour cherries pack a punch and keep their color when roasted with rhubarb and orange juice. Add a dollop to your morning yogurt, serve it on a cheese plate, or purée it for a vibrant spring cocktail.

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Roasted Rhubarb-and-Cherry Gimlet

Roasted Rhubarb-and-Cherry Gimlet — Kate Sears

This super spring drink starts with a puree of our Roasted Rhubarb-and-Sour-Cherry Compote, then come the classic gimlet ingredients: gin, fresh lime juice, and seltzer. Shake them together, and toast the season.

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Strawberry-Rhubarb Rolled Pavlova

Strawberry-Rhubarb Rolled Pavlova — Kate Sears

Strawberries and rhubarb always make a dynamic duo, and this tubular take on the usual mounded pavlova may be their best outing yet. Meringue is spread thinly, baked, and cooled, then rolled up with rhubarb and raspberry jam, sliced strawberries, and whipped cream.

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Pan Roasted Chicken With Rhubarb

Pan Roasted Chicken with Rhubarb — Kate Sears

Remember that rhubarb is, botanically speaking, a vegetable—so don't miss out on its savory applications like this easy sauce for chicken spotlighting an aromatic blend of turmeric, cumin, garlic, onion, and ginger.

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Rhubarb Crumb Cake

rhubarb crumb cake recipe circle plate — Sidney Bensimon

A double dose of our star vegetable is the secret to this orange-scented cake bursting with jammy rhubarb, topped with a brown-sugar crumble, and finished with whipped cream infused with rhubarb syrup.

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Pickled Rhubarb

Pickled Rhubarb — Kate Sears

We love this super-versatile condiment on cheese plates or mixed with savory ingredients like chopped parsley, olive oil, and red pepper flakes, the ultimate relish for grilled steak or pork chops.

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Green Salad With Roasted Beets and Pickled Rhubarb

Green Salad with Roasted Beets and Pickled Rhubarb — Kate Sears

One of the many ways to coax rhubarb in a savory direction: pickled rhubarb made with a brine of white vinegar, sugar, and star anise. Enjoy the bread-and-butter pickle flavor with tender lettuces and roasted beets, or with slaws and sandwiches.

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Rhubarb-Strawberry Lattice Pie

Rhubarb-Strawberry Lattice Pie — Con Poulos

Here we have the classic rhubarb pairing, made with a top crust that shows off the glorious fruit filling. You can also crisscross fruits, and swap raspberries for strawberries, a delicious take on tradition.

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Rhubarb-Strawberry Tart

strawberry-rhubarb tart — Christopher Testani

The ace pairing of rhubarb and strawberries is enhanced with sugar and fresh lemon juice and thickened with cornstarch for the filling in this showstopping tart.

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Rhubarb and Beets

Romulo Yanes

Toss rhubarb and baby beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until tender. Scatter toasted walnuts on top for crunch before serving. Voila: a dish that tastes as good as it looks.

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Pistachio-Rhubarb Yogurt Cake

Christopher Testani

Sweet and moist, with just the right amounts of roasted rhubarb and ground pistachios throughout, this cake makes a spectacular spring dessert. Serve with more roasted rhubarb swirled into yogurt.

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Pavlova With Rhubarb and Pistachios

Jonathan Lovekin

A feast for the senses, this dessert is as delicious as it is beautiful! The sweet-tart baked rhubarb contrasts with crunchy pistachios and the crispy yet soft and sugary meringue.

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Rhubarb-Raspberry Cheesecake Squares

Con Poulos

A ruby-red gelée of rhubarb and raspberries tops the creamy filling and graham-cracker crust in this easy cheesecake. A crowd-pleaser, all around.

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Rhubarb Buckle

Dana Gallagher

Dotted with rhubarb and topped with irresistible crunchy crumbs, this scrumptious buckle will bowl over friends and family. Make it a day in advance, cut it into squares, and watch it disappear.

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Rhubarb Fizz

John Kernick

Homemade rhubarb syrup, gin, prosecco, and lemons are all you need to make this pretty-in-pink beverage. Try it at your next brunch.

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Rhubarb Muffins

We love the eye-catching chunks of tart rhubarb in these sweet, moist buttermilk muffins. They'll be the first to go at your breakfast spread.

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Rosé-Poached Rhubarb

Simmer rhubarb with rosé wine and a trio of spices—vanilla bean, cinnamon, and star anise—then serve with vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for an elegant spring dessert.

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Rosy Rhubarb-Meringue Cake

rosy rhubarb meringue cake — Dana Gallagher

If you're searching for an over-the-top spring dessert that's sure to wow guests, look no further than this sky-high meringue cake topped with fresh whipped cream and homemade rhubarb compote.

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Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake

Whether you put it on a pedestal or not, this pretty upside-down cake with a delicate crumb base is a winner—and it's one of Martha's favorite recipes.

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Pork Chops With Rhubarb-Cherry Sauce

One for the savory side, this lively sauce pairs rhubarb with dried cherries, onion, and a splash of balsamic. It goes well with pork chops or chicken or spread it on a slice of goat-cheese-topped bread for a genius crostini.

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Strawberry-Rhubarb Sangria

Bubbly, fruity, and altogether festive, this fresh take on sangria is made with sparkling wine, orange juice, cooked rhubarb, and strawberries.

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Rhubarb Meringue Pie

rhubarb pie

Better than lemon meringue pie? There's room for both at the dessert table, but this rhubarb curd take on the classic meringue pie may be a smidge prettier

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Baked Thick-Cut Bacon With Rhubarb Chutney

Cheesy Spinach-Potato Egg Casserole — Con Poulos

Chutney is a versatile fruity condiment that adds another dimension to all kinds of dishes, like cheese, cured meats, and roast chicken or pork. When paired with bacon, it takes brunch to the next level.

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Rhubarb Pie

rhubarb pie — Lisa Cohen

Some fruit fillings might be a tad sweet for the brown-sugar crumble topping, but not this one, thanks to tangy rhubarb. Note: no strawberries here!

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Strawberry-Rhubarb Crisp

Frederic Lagrange

Easier than pie and just as tasty, this crisp calls for rhubarb and strawberries under a crunchy oat topping. Fresh basil leaves lend a colorful enhancement.

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Poached Rhubarb With Elderflower Sabayon

Johnny Miller

Simmer rhubarb with water, sugar, vanilla bean, and lemon zest until tender, then finish with a warm, frothy St-Germain-spiked sabayon. Simple, but sublime.

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Vanilla-Rhubarb Tart

vanilla rhubarb tart — Con Poulos

This gorgeous tart calls for arranging short pieces of rhubarb in a herringbone pattern, but it would be just as delicious without the careful arrangement. Once you try the combination of rhubarb and fragrant vanilla bean, you're sure to put it on repeat, time and again.

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Chilled Rhubarb and Raspberry Soup

Chilled Rhubarb and Raspberry Soup

So refreshing, this sweet-tart, vanilla-scented dessert soup takes rhubarb far from its usual pie-cake-crisp territory.

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Rhubarb Crumb Bars

rhubarb crumb bars

Going to the sweet—and buttery—side, these rhubarb-filled streusel bars are an irresistible teatime treat. You can also trade half of the rhubarb with an equal weight of its classic companion, quartered strawberries.

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Rhubarb Custards

rhubarb custards — Johnny Miller

Another classic pairing for rhubarb: Here, the plant's sweet-tart flavor shines through in a creamy custard. Our recipe simplifies the technique—no water bath required—but doesn't compromise on taste.

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Rhubarb Compote

Rhubarb Compote — Jacob Fox

Just three ingredients—rhubarb, sugar, and a little fresh ginger—create this compote that complements yogurt, ice cream, pound cake, and lots more.

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Rhubarb-Buckwheat Scones

rhubarb buckwheat scone — Con Poulos

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these glorious rhubarb scones are made with all-purpose flour, a hint of buckwheat flour, and served with our pretty strawberry butter.

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Classic Rhubarb Fool With Farm-Fresh Cream

dessert spoons cup

This classic warm-weather English dessert is light and sweet with the contrasting tartness of rhubarb. And with only three ingredients—rhubarb, cream, and sugar—it is simplicity itself.

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Rhubarb Crisp

Rhubarb Crisp — Jacob Fox

Our rhubarb crisp is a simple, delectable way to celebrate this tart and springy vegetable. The filling comes together quickly with only three ingredients, then it's topped with a sweet, flaky oat mixture.

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Rhubarb Custard Pie

Mike Krautter

This spring-forward custard pie lets the tangy flavors of rhubarb shine. We use one of our favorite buttery pie dough recipes and the filling is a classic custard mixture—heavy cream, melted butter, eggs, and sugar.

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Strawberry-Rhubarb Coffee Cake

Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake — Jake Sternquist

A tangy take on the beloved coffee cake. This recipe was developed by Emily Donahue for Rosey's Coffee and Tea in Hanover, New Hampshire, and it is one of our favorite spring treats to make.

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Rhubarb-Blueberry Corn Muffins

Blue Barb Corn Muffins — Johnny Miller

Pair tart and sweet flavors in this easy, one bowl muffin recipe. The recipe yields 12 muffins, making it ideal for meal prepping or feeding a brunch crowd.

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