Rhubarb might be known for its tart edge, but there’s a lot more to it than the usual pie.
These rhubarb dessert recipes show just how versatile this stalk can be—paired with strawberries, tucked into cookies, swirled into brownies, or baked into muffins, crisps, and cakes.
Whether you’re working with fresh rhubarb or frozen, these ideas offer a mix of cozy, creamy, fruity, and tangy treats.
If you’ve got rhubarb on hand, these are the recipes worth trying.
1. Rhubarb Vanilla Bean Crumble
Sweet vanilla and tart rhubarb balance each other out in this simple crumble. The topping gets golden and crisp in the oven, making it perfect with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Try this easy rhubarb vanilla crumble recipe right here.
2. Strawberry Rhubarb Jam
This homemade jam is a classic blend of sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb. It’s great on toast, biscuits, or stirred into yogurt. The balance of flavors makes it a staple in spring and summer.
Make your own strawberry rhubarb jam with this recipe.
3. Strawberry Rhubarb Shortcake
Flaky shortcakes hold layers of soft, sweet fruit and whipped cream. The rhubarb adds just enough tartness to balance out the berries and cream for a fresh and satisfying dessert.
Here’s the recipe for strawberry rhubarb shortcake to try now.
4. Rhubarb Lemon Pound Cake
Tart rhubarb and bright lemon come together in this moist, buttery loaf. It’s got a dense crumb, a gentle citrus flavor, and sweet-tart bites of rhubarb throughout.
Check out this rhubarb and lemon pound cake at this link.
5. Honey Roasted Rhubarb with Yogurt
Roasting rhubarb with honey softens its tartness and brings out a mellow sweetness. Served over yogurt, it makes a simple breakfast or light dessert that’s naturally sweet and satisfying.
Learn how to make this honey roasted rhubarb yogurt dish right here.
6. Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee Cake
A soft, tender cake with a layer of juicy strawberry-rhubarb filling and a crumbly topping. It’s just the kind of thing to serve with coffee or tea, any time of day.
Get the full recipe for this fruit-filled coffee cake on this page.
7. Rhubarb Oatmeal Cookie Bars
These bars are chewy and hearty, with a layer of sweetened rhubarb baked right in. They make a nice change from regular cookies and are easy to pack or share.
Try these rhubarb oatmeal bars using this recipe.
8. Rhubarb Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
Fudgy brownies get a twist with tangy rhubarb swirls and a creamy cheesecake layer. It’s a rich, bold dessert with a bit of fruitiness to balance things out.
Check out these cheesecake swirl brownies with rhubarb right here.
9. Rhubarb Apple Crisp
Tart rhubarb and tender apples come together under a crunchy oat topping. It’s a warm, classic dessert that works well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Here’s how to make this rhubarb and apple crisp step by step.
10. Rhubarb Almond Tart with Cardamom
This tart layers rhubarb slices over a sweet almond filling with hints of cardamom. The flavors are cozy and a little unexpected, and the result is both pretty and delicious.
Make this cardamom almond rhubarb tart with this recipe.
11. Rhubarb and White Chocolate Blondies
White chocolate and rhubarb are a surprisingly good match in these buttery blondies. The chocolate adds sweetness while the rhubarb gives each bite a fruity edge.
Find the full recipe for rhubarb white chocolate blondies right here.
12. Rhubarb Poppy Seed Muffins
These muffins are lightly sweet with a tender crumb and a subtle crunch from poppy seeds. The rhubarb brings bursts of tartness that brighten up each bite.
Bake your own rhubarb poppy seed muffins using this guide.
13. Rhubarb and Pistachio Ice Cream
This creamy ice cream combines the tang of rhubarb with the nuttiness of pistachios. It’s a smooth and slightly tart treat that’s a little different from the usual frozen flavors.
Try this pistachio rhubarb ice cream recipe at this link.
14. Rhubarb Meringue Pie
A twist on lemon meringue, this pie fills a crust with tart rhubarb curd and tops it with fluffy meringue. It’s light, airy, and sweet with a zingy filling underneath.
You can make this rhubarb meringue pie with this recipe.
15. Rhubarb Coconut Panna Cotta
Creamy coconut panna cotta gets topped with rhubarb for a cool, elegant dessert. It’s dairy-free and has a light texture that pairs well with the tangy fruit.
Try this rhubarb panna cotta with coconut right here.
16. Rhubarb and Rosewater Cupcakes
These cupcakes use rhubarb and a hint of rosewater to create a light floral flavor. Topped with frosting, they’re soft, colorful, and a little out of the ordinary in a good way.
Check out the recipe for these rhubarb rose cupcakes on this page.
17. Caramelized Rhubarb Upside Down Cake
This cake starts with a layer of rhubarb caramelized in butter and sugar, flipped over for a shiny, tangy-sweet top. It’s a rustic dessert that looks beautiful too.
Make this rhubarb upside-down cake using this recipe.
18. Rhubarb Dump Cake with Jello
A quick and easy dessert where rhubarb is layered with cake mix and gelatin for a soft, sweet finish. It’s a no-fuss option when you want something cozy and homemade.
Try this rhubarb dump cake recipe from this link.
19. Cinnamon Swirl Rhubarb Bread
This soft loaf has a cinnamon swirl running through and bits of rhubarb baked right in. It’s warm, slightly spiced, and great toasted with a bit of butter.
Here’s the recipe for rhubarb cinnamon swirl bread you can try now.
20. Rhubarb Custard Bars
These bars have a soft custard layer baked with tart rhubarb and a simple crust underneath. They’re creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet.
Check out this recipe for rhubarb custard dessert bars right here.
21. Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Muffins
These muffins have a soft, moist center filled with sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb, topped with a buttery crumble for texture. They’re easy to grab for breakfast or a snack and strike a nice balance between fruity and cozy.
Get the full recipe for these strawberry rhubarb crumble muffins right here.
Final Thoughts
Rhubarb can do a lot more than pie—and these recipes prove it. Whether you like your desserts soft and creamy, fruity and tart, or full of crunch, there’s a way to work rhubarb in. It plays well with strawberries, nuts, and warm spices, and it shines in everything from cakes to jams to frozen treats.
If you’re looking for a new way to use rhubarb, this is a good place to start.
