36 rhubarb recipes

When is rhubarb in season?

British rhubarb season runs from February until May. Forced rhubarb has a short shelf life, so store in the fridge with the leaves attached to keep it fresher for longer.

Why we love rhubarb

Rhubarb has an intensely tart flavour. We like to make the most of it by adding it to as many dishes as possible, while it's in season. Stewed gently with orange or ginger, it makes a delicious healthy breakfast, when served with porridge, pancakes or yogurt. It can also be pickled, roasted or baked into cakes, puddings and crumbles. The best combination of all is rhubarb and custard – whether in the form of a pavlova, panna cotta or tart. Surprisingly, rhubarb is delicious with rich meaty dishes, like pork and duck.

Health benefits of rhubarb

Rhubarb is a good source of vitamin K which can keep the heart and bones healthy, as well as vitamin C. It also contains potassium, which is known to reduce the negative impacts of eating too much salt, and fibre, so it could have laxative effects.

Rhubarb recipes

Rhubarb and custard eton mess

This summery dessert, packed with juicy rhubarb, can be whipped up in record time. The secret is buying ready-made meringue and custard to speed up the process.

We have lots more summer desserts right here.

Apple and rhubarb crumble

Rhubarb pieces and chopped apples are roasted before being topped with a buttery crumble, baked in the oven until golden.

Next up, our warming apple crumble.

Baked rhubarb and custard cheesecake

We've jazzed up this classic combination and baked it in the style of a cheesecake. This creamy recipe isn't just easy to make, it looks super impressive, too. Just check out those swirls.

Cheesecake fan? We've got all the cheesecake recipes you could need.

Rhubarb compote

In-season rhubarb is mixed with zesty orange and aromatic cardamom to make this oven-roasted compote. Try it dolloped on pancakes and porridge, or served with a dessert.

You could serve it with our easy vegan pancakes.

White chocolate panna cotta with stewed rhubarb

The sharpness of the rhubarb provides a seriously good contrast to white chocolate in this sophisticated panna cotta recipe.

Read our step-by-step guide on how to make panna cotta.

Rhubarb and apple pie

Make the most of rhubarb season with this tangy fruit pie with latticed shortcrust pastry. Serve with cream, custard or ice cream (or all three!) and you’ll have yourself a hug in a bowl.

Alternative, our classic apple pie is a real winner, too.

Rhubarb and custard crumble bars

The crumble topping adds crunch to the tangy rhubarb in this retro bake. Great for using up seasonal produce, the fruity bars are best served with a cup of tea.

Give our energising granola bars a go.

Pork and rhubarb traybake

Turn forced rhubarb stalks into an aromatic pork traybake, served with steamed veg and rice.

We have lots more more traybake recipes for when you need something effortless.

Rhubarb and ginger upside-down cake

A pink patchwork cake, flavoured with sweet forced rhubarb, two types of ginger, and white chocolate. Delicious served with thick clotted cream.

Bake our classic ginger cake to enjoy with tea.

Rhubarb breakfast pots

Check out these rhubarb pots for a healthy low cal breakfast. These colourful breakfast pots are super simple to make and are high in protein, perfect fuel to start your day.

See all our healthy breakfast ideas.

Rhubarb brown sugar cobbler

Make the most of sweet, vibrant rhubarb in this comforting pud and serve with cream for extra indulgence.

Have you ever tried a savoury cobbler? Start with our rich beef version with a cheesy Marmite topping.

Flaky rhubarb tart with star anise custard

Put rhubarb at the centre in this pretty afternoon tea idea from Chetna Makan. Puff pastry makes this tart extra flaky, with sharp rhubarb and a creamy star anise custard.

See all of Chetna's fabulous recipes.

Rhubarb and ginger cake

Bake our easy ginger traybake recipe with moreish Bonne Maman rhubarb compote, perfect with your afternoon cuppa.

We also have a Jamaican ginger cake that's really worth a try!

Rhubarb and custard bread and butter pudding

Check out our indulgent, creamy and super moreish rhubarb and custard bread and butter pudding. This recipe is a glorious mash-up of two classic British puds.

Browse all our best British pudding recipes.

Stewed rhubarb

Yogurt or porridge served with poached fresh fruit makes a great healthy start to the day. Try poaching rhubarb in honey and orange for a quick breakfast topper.

Here are our other low-calorie breakfast ideas.

Pink rhubarb shortcakes

American shortcakes are more like scones than biscuits. Usually filled with strawberries and cream, these pink rhubarb ones are a great British twist.

Here are more scone recipes.

Rhubarb and custard pavlova

Rhubarb and custard are always a winning combination but as a filling for a pavlova they become a special dinner party pudding. You can make all the elements of this ahead then just assemble to serve.

Alternatively, opt for our passion fruit pavlova.

Rhubarb pound cake

This recipe for rhubarb pound cake is guaranteed to please. We’ve hidden white chocolate chips in the middle, too, for an extra treat.

We've got fruity cake recipes for every season.

Rhubarb and ginger fool

Rhubarb and ginger are a delicious combination – try them in this creamy fool. It's easy to throw together for a speedy sweet treat.

Have a look at all our no-bake desserts.

Rhubarb, pistachio and soured cream cake

If you find yourself stuck for ideas to use rhubarb, this delicious cake with pistachios and soured cream is just the thing. It's dense, moist and lightly nutty.

Discover more recipes with sour cream.

Rhubarb bakewell tart

This is a modern twist on a British favourite made using rhubarb. It’s easy to make but looks impressive.

Fancy trying out a classic bakewell tart? We have just the recipe.

Rhubarb mess with candied rosemary

This is a delicious new twist on classic eton mess, made with rhubarb instead of strawberries. Rhubarb partners perfectly with rosemary.

Spiced rhubarb crumble

A classic rhubarb crumble is the easiest of puddings to make and perfect for making use of seasonal fruit. This crumble is filled with sweet, tangy rhubarb and warming spices.

Take a lot at our other crumble recipes.

Rhubarb frangipane cake

Pair tangy rhubarb with ground almonds in this nutty sponge and serve with crème fraîche for an easy dessert. This recipe comes from nose-to-tail Italian restaurant, Manteca.

You've got to try our almond cake.

Rhubarb and amaretti pie

Rhubarb and amaretti is a classic combination and this recipe puts them together into one super easy dessert. This is best served at room temperature, so it's a great make-ahead dinner party pudding.

Check out our fruity cherry pie.

Malted milk porridge with bay-scented roasted rhubarb

Porridge need not be run of the mill – this creamy, malted milk version with orange, vanilla and bay leaf roasted rhubarb is sure to start your day right.

Discover more porridge recipes.

Rhubarb, cinnamon and brown sugar muffins

If you love muffins as much as we do, you’ll always be on the lookout for new recipes. This one is a cracker – rhubarb, cinnamon and sugar with a sprinkling of demerara to give them that crunchy topping.

Got you thinking about muffins? Check out our best muffin recipes.

Rhubarb pie

This classic rhubarb pie makes a perfect comforting dessert. The orange zest adds a nice freshness and lifts the flavour.

We've got lots of sweet tarts.

Rhubarb and custard slice

We’ve taken a classic flavour combination and given it a modern twist with this recipe for rhubarb and custard slices.

For more ideas like this, see our individual dessert recipes.

Rhubarb, ginger and chilli jam

Give this seasonal rhubarb preserve an aromatic lift with the addition of fiery ginger and punchy chilli.

Read our guide to preserving.

Rhubarb and apple chutney

Using rhubarb here means you'll end up with a delicious tart and slightly sweet chutney that goes brilliantly with cheese, oily fish and roast pork.

We also have a wonderful tomato chutney.

Pink pickled rhubarb with ginger

Check out this easy recipe for pickled pink rhubarb. This jar of bright vibrant pickled rhubarb is super quick to make and can be a great gift for your foodie friends. Serve this with oily fish like mackerel or with cold meats and cheeses.

Then check out our recipe for pickled cherries.

Rhubarb cocktails

Rhubarb gin

For a new weekend project, why don't you try this make-it-yourself pink gin. Take trimmed rhubarb, add sugar and gin, then reap the rewards neat over ice or in a pink-tinged G&T.

Rhubarb and rose gin fizz

We’ve given a classic ramos gin fizz an update, swapping the usual orange blossom water for rose water and adding a touch of homemade rhubarb syrup to give it a blush of pink. It’s delicate in flavour and creamy enough to replace dessert and is bound to impress.

Time for celebration? Make the best bucks fizz.

Rhubarb and ginger negroni

This update on the classic negroni using rhubarb and ginger is a great shout for spring. It comes from Black Dice, a 1960s rock ‘n’ roll-inspired bar tucked away beneath Moroccan restaurant MOMO in Mayfair.

Rhubarb cordial

Tart rhubarb, sugar and lemon are all you need to make this refreshing soft drink, ideal for summer sipping in the garden or picnics.

While it's in season, enjoy making your own elderflower cordial.