Rhubarb Sauce Recipe: An Easy And Sweet-Tart Delight

I can still remember the first time I tasted rhubarb sauce. It was one of those cool spring mornings when the garden was just beginning to wake up, and my grandmother handed me a warm bowl of rhubarb sauce fresh off the stove. I wasn’t expecting much, I mean, rhubarb? But one spoonful in, and I was hooked. It was tangy, slightly sweet, and comforting in a way I didn’t know fruit could be. This rhubarb sauce recipe brings that same nostalgia and flavor to your kitchen.

Perfect for spring and early summer when rhubarb is in season, this recipe fits right into your rotation of fresh, homemade staples. Whether spooned over pancakes, stirred into yogurt, served with pork chops, or eaten straight from the jar, this rhubarb sauce recipe is an easy and versatile way to celebrate the season’s bounty.

And best of all? It’s just as good whether you’re working with fresh or frozen rhubarb.

Why This Rhubarb Sauce Recipe is So Good (And So Easy)

What sets this rhubarb sauce recipe apart is its simplicity and flexibility. You only need a few ingredients to let the natural tartness of rhubarb shine, but there’s plenty of room to play. That sweet-tangy balance is key, and you can dial it up or down depending on how you plan to serve it. Add more sugar for dessert-style sauce or keep it light for savory pairings. Want it chunky or smooth? You’ve got control.

This recipe also stands out because it comes together in under 20 minutes. No peeling, no pectin, no canning required. It stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer and transforms everyday meals — breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Here are just a few ways to make this recipe your own:

• Add orange or lemon zest for a citrusy twist
• Stir in vanilla or cinnamon for warmth
• Use maple syrup or honey instead of sugar for natural sweetness
• Go savory with a pinch of salt and serve it alongside meats

Whether you’re a rhubarb rookie or a lifelong fan, this rhubarb sauce recipe will earn a permanent spot in your seasonal rotation.

Recipe Card

Rhubarb Sauce Recipe

Recipe by Soukayna

0.0 from 0 votes

Cuisine: EuropeanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

50

kcal

This rhubarb sauce recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy the bright, tangy flavor of rhubarb. Whether paired with pancakes, ice cream, or savory dishes, it’s a versatile and delightful treat!

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 4 cups rhubarb (chopped into 1-inch pieces)

• 3/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1/4 cup water

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Optional: 1/2 tsp cinnamon or zest of 1 orange for added flavor

Directions

• Prep the Rhubarb:
  Wash the rhubarb stalks thoroughly and chop into small, even pieces.
• Cook the Sauce:
  In a medium saucepan, combine rhubarb, sugar, and water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
• Simmer Until Soft:
  Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rhubarb softens and breaks down into a sauce-like consistency.
• Add Flavorings:
  Stir in vanilla extract and any optional flavorings like cinnamon or orange zest.
• Cool and Serve:
  Remove from heat and let the sauce cool. Serve warm or chilled as a topping or side dish.

Notes

• Adjust Sugar: Rhubarb is naturally tart, so adjust sugar based on your sweetness preference.
• Texture: For a smoother sauce, use a blender or immersion blender to puree it.

Like this recipe?

Follow @therecipemasterblog on Pinterest

Pro Tips for Making the Best Rhubarb Sauce Every Time

1. Use Fresh Rhubarb: Choose firm, crisp stalks for the best flavor and texture.
2. Balance the Sweetness: Taste-test the sauce as it cooks to ensure the perfect sweet-tart balance.
3. Don’t overcook: Rhubarb breaks down quickly. Once it’s softened and you can mash it with the back of a spoon, it’s done. Cooking too long can turn it stringy or overly mushy.
4. Flavor Boosters: Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm twist.
5. Serve Creatively: Pair with ice cream, pancakes, oatmeal, or even pork chops.
6. Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Fun and Tasty Variations of Rhubarb Sauce You’ll Love

1. Strawberry Rhubarb Sauce

This is perhaps the most popular twist, and for good reason. The sweetness of strawberries mellows the tartness of rhubarb beautifully. Add one cup of chopped strawberries for every two cups of rhubarb. Reduce the sugar slightly if your strawberries are very ripe. This variation is dreamy spooned over pancakes or swirled into Greek yogurt.

2. Ginger Rhubarb Sauce

Add a little zing with a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger or a half teaspoon of ground ginger. The warm spice pairs incredibly well with rhubarb’s tang. I especially love this version with grilled pork or roast chicken, as the ginger adds a savory-sweet balance that works beautifully with meat.

3. Vanilla Rhubarb Sauce

A half teaspoon of pure vanilla extract stirred in after cooking adds depth and a subtle dessert-like warmth. If you’re serving rhubarb sauce with ice cream or over pound cake, this version is for you.

4. Orange Rhubarb Sauce

Bright citrus notes can elevate the entire dish. Add 2 tablespoons of orange juice and a bit of orange zest to your simmering rhubarb. The resulting sauce is light, aromatic, and ideal for spring brunches or as a glaze for roasted duck.

FAQs

Wrapping Things Up

This rhubarb sauce recipe is the kind of simple, joyful cooking that just works. It brings together the season’s freshest ingredients, requires minimal effort, and offers maximum versatility. Whether you make the basic version or explore the fun variations like strawberry rhubarb sauce or ginger-spiced sauce, it’s one of those kitchen staples that you’ll come back to again and again.

If you love versatile fruit-based sauces, try our Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe, it’s just as easy and delicious!