With a peak season spanning from April to late July, rhubarb is a vegetable (but eaten most often in desserts) that is a true delight. Rhubarb is a favorite for desserts and preserves, thanks to its naturally tart flavor, which is too intense to enjoy raw. When cooked and paired with sugar and other fruity flavors, like strawberry, rhubarb transforms into a bright and delicious ingredient. It can be intimidating to work with, but some simple rhubarb recipes can get you started to enjoy the season’s bounty.
Typically, the edible red-pink stalks are the only part of rhubarb sold because the green leaves can be mildly toxic. For the best flavor in your rhubarb recipes, select stalks that are thin and deeply colored as these are typically more flavorful than lighter and thicker stalks. Rhubarb should be firm, shiny, and free of any bruises or nicks. To store, simply wrap the raw stalks in a damp paper towel, place them in a plastic bag, and refrigerate. To enjoy rhubarb beyond its peak season, cook the stalks and store them in the freezer in an airtight container for future use. You won’t want to miss these springtime rhubarb recipes that embrace the flavors of the season.
Easy Rhubarb Tart with Strawberry Glaze
A trusty freezer favorite will help you whip up this stunning dessert with just 10 minutes of prep. Frozen puff pastry creates the perfect flaky crust for a tart topped with fresh rhubarb and a sticky strawberry glaze. The combination brings a burst of flavor to each and every bite!
Get the recipe: Easy Rhubarb Tart with Strawberry Glaze
Mini Apple Rhubarb Pies
These hand pies are pure bliss! Easy to make with refrigerated pie dough, they’re filled with a tangy-sweet rhubarb filling and are bound to be the star at your next spring picnic or barbecue. Perfectly portable, they’re an irresistible treat that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Get the recipe: Mini Apple Rhubarb Pies
Strawberry-Rhubarb Icebox Cake
For those moments when you need a cool and creamy show-stopping dessert, this icebox cake is a real winner. With layers of sweetened rhubarb, strawberries, whipped cream, and wafer cookies, the cake goes straight from the freezer to the table—and you can make it a day in advance. The rhubarb and strawberries perfectly complement the creamy whipped filling, while the wafer cookies add a satisfying crunch.
Get the recipe: Strawberry-Rhubarb Icebox Cake
Raspberry-Rhubarb Cookie Bars
These Raspberry-Rhubarb Cookie Bars are the perfect springtime gift for a host. Made with store-bought cookie dough, add some homemade raspberry-rhubarb jam to create an unforgettable treat. The combination of tart rhubarb and sweet raspberries in each bite offers an impressive balance of flavors.
Get the recipe: Raspberry-Rhubarb Cookie Bars
Rhubarb and Strawberry Compote
Infused with the perfect balance of cinnamon, red pepper, and brown sugar, this Rhubarb and Strawberry Compost is a versatile topping that adds a sweet and spicy kick to breakfast favorites like yogurt and pancakes. We especially love it over decadent desserts like ice cream and pound cake.
Get the recipe: Rhubarb and Strawberry Compote
London Broil with Strawberry-Rhubarb Salsa
Sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy, this vibrant weeknight recipe delivers a perfect balance of bold flavors. Affordable, easy-to-cook London broil is topped with a delicious sweet-tart strawberry-rhubarb salsa, creating a refreshing springtime meal. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it both quick and impressive.
Get the recipe: London Broil with Strawberry-Rhubarb Salsa