To some, rhubarb is a summertime staple, and for others, it’s a complete mystery (is it a fruit? Is it a vegetable? Hint: It’s totally a veggie). Lovingly dubbed the “pie plant,” it’s widely known as a summer pie filling — and not much else. We’re here to tell you that it is SO much more than the tangy sidekick to strawberry. Rhubarb recipes run the gamut from sweet cakes to savory summer crostini and everything in between. Make room in your farmers’ market tote, because these 16 recipes will make you want to go rhubarb crazy.
1. Homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Jelly Donuts: The first step in preparing these drool-worthy donuts is making the strawberry rhubarb jam that fills the middle. Go ahead and triple that batch, because you’ll want to spread it on every edible surface. (via Heather’s French Press)
2. Pistachio Pavlova With Rhubarb Curd: Pavlova has a really mild flavor that serves as a great base for topping with your favorite sweet sauce. The not-so-secret ingredient in the rhubarb curd is lightly floral rose water. Definitely keep this one in mind for your next dinner party. (via A Side of Sweet)
3. Strawberry Rhubarb Ice Cream Bars: This elegant dessert is made by assembling crumbly no-bake oat crust, coconut ice cream and perfect ribbons of candied rhubarb and strawberries. These will absolutely be on the menu all summer long. (via Posh Little Designs)
4. Strawberry Ice Cream With Drunken Rhubarb: The drunken aspect of this ice cream comes from simmering the rhubarb with red wine. The wine adds even more of a rose hue to the ice cream, and the flavor is the perfect accent to strawberry and rhubarb. (via Sugar Loves Spices)
5. Pink Champagne Cocktail: Say hello to your new go-to warm-weather cocktail. Strawberry, rhubarb and rosewater create a fancy syrup that’s worthy of adding to your favorite Champagne. (via Cali Girl Cooking)
6. Raspberry Rhubarb Almond Bars: Delicious desserts that also happen to be healthy are great for spring and summer cookouts. No one will know that these bars are paleo unless you spill the beans. (via Bakerita)
7. Rhubarb Cream Cheese Brownies: If you can think of anything more perfect than a combination of fudgy brownies and a fruity crumble, please do share. These unique brownies will be the talk of whatever event you choose to bring them to. (via Alisha Enid)
8. Raspberry Rhubarb Muffins: Rhubarb is technically a vegetable, so adding it to your morning muffins means you’re getting an early serving of the healthy stuff, right? These muffins freeze beautifully, so make an extra batch while rhubarb is in season. (via Oh My Veggies)
9. Rhubarb-Banana Crumble: Banana and rhubarb may sound like an odd pair, but the sweetness of the ripe banana is sublime with the tart rhubarb. A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream is not optional. (via Sweet and Simple Kitchen)
10. Rhubarb Goat Cheese Crostini: If you’ve never had rhubarb in a savory preparation, you NEED to try this crostini. The slight drizzle of honey is the perfect complement to the saltiness of the goat cheese and crunch of the crostini. (via Pretty Plain Janes)
11. Rhubarb Granola Breakfast Bake: It may seem like you’re eating dessert for breakfast, but this bake is gluten-free, refined sugar-free and vegan. Serve warm with a splash of milk of your choice. (via Veera R)
12. Riesling Rhubarb Crisp Cake With Oat Crumble: The question is, why haven’t we been putting Riesling in our cakes all along? This one is such a show-stopper, it’s worth every second spent on it. The strawberry rhubarb buttercream is to die for, and there’s a surprise layer of oat crumble right in the middle of the cake. (via Grandbaby Cakes)
13. Russian Cream (Sour Cream Panna Cotta) With Vanilla Rhubarb Compote: Rhubarb is normally partnered with a fruit in sweet dishes, but here it stands alone with nothing more than a bit of sugar and vanilla. This dish is served cold, so it’s a great choice for dessert on a hot day. (via Buttered Side Up)
14. Strawberry Rhubarb Smoothie: Rhubarb is packed with minerals, vitamins and fiber, all of which make it ideal for a healthy breakfast. All you have to do is give it a quick simmer before blending it up with yogurt and strawberries. Make a big batch to enjoy in your smoothies throughout the week. (via The Way to His Heart)
15. Strawberry Rhubarb Fool: No-bake dishes are a fun way to keep things cool and tasty on hot days. This classic dessert has been around for longer than you have, so you know it’s going to be good. (via Neighbor Food)
16. Strawberry Rhubarb Margaritas With Muddled Lime: You can’t go wrong with a strawberry margarita, and the addition of rhubarb plays well with tequila and lime. Definitely go with salt on your rim to complement the drink’s sweetness. (via Warm Vanilla Sugar)
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