You Should Never Cut Rhubarb—Here's Why (2024)

When your garden is overflowing with tart, rhubarb goodness, turn to these vintage recipes grandma used to make. You’ll find the recipe details for the sweets in this video in the following 5 slides. Still hungry? Check out grandma's best vintage cookie ideas.

Rhubarb Upside-Down CakeI’ve baked this cake every spring for many years, and my family loves it! Use your own fresh rhubarb, hit up a farmers market or find a neighbor who will trade stalks for the recipe! —Helen Breman, Mattydale, New York

Cherry Rhubarb CrunchMy husband's grandmother gave me this recipe, along with a bundle of rhubarb, when we were first married. I had never cared for rhubarb, but after trying this dessert, I changed my mind. Now my children dig in, too! —Sharon Wasikowski, Middleville, Michigan

Strawberry Rhubarb PieWhile growing up on a farm, I often ate rhubarb, so it's natural for me to use it in a pie. I prefer to use lard for the flaky pie crust and thin red rhubarb stalks for the filling. These two little secrets helped this strawberry rhubarb pie recipe win top honors at the 2013 Iowa State Fair. —Marianne Carlson, Jefferson, Iowa

Rhubarb CrispI found this strawberry rhubarb crisp recipe on a box of Quaker Oats about 20 years ago. It's quick and easier to make than pie. It's versatile, too, because you can add strawberries in spring or apples in fall. I usually pop it into the oven shortly before we sit down to eat so it's still warm for dessert! —C.E. Adams, Charlestown, New Hampshire

Strawberry Rhubarb Dump CakeIt always seems like my rhubarb goes bad in a hurry, so I was looking for a simple way to combine two of my favorite flavors in an incredibly easy dessert. I added extra spices to enhance the flavor of this strawberry-rhubarb dump cake for a sweet treat my whole family loved! —Jessica Bridge, Grand Junction, Colorado

Rhubarb TartThe rhubarb flavor in this tart balances nicely with the honey and amaretto. The mascarpone cheese makes it rich and creamy. Sometimes I'll even double the rhubarb for really sumptuous tarts. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Rhubarb Strawberry CobblerMom's yummy cobbler is a truly wonderful finale to any meal. This family favorite is sweet and tart, chock-full of berries and rhubarb, and the thick crust is so easy to make. —Susan Emery, Everett, Washington

Strawberry-Rhubarb Upside-Down CakeI prepare this colorful dessert quite often in the late spring or summer when fresh rhubarb is abundant. I make this rhubarb cake with cake mix and take it to church potlucks. People actually line up for a piece. —Bonnie Krogman, Thompson Falls, Montana

Chunky Rhubarb ApplesauceOur backyard was filled with rhubarb when I was growing up in Illinois, and my mom would always add some to her applesauce. We liked ours tart, but you can adjust the sugar to your taste and depending on the tartness of your apples.This applesauce isn't my only memory of rhubarb...I still remember us kids eating it raw - after we sprinkled it liberally with salt!

Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee CakeAlthough my coffee cake makes a large pan, it never lasts very long! It's great for a Sunday brunch after church and nice to bring to family reunions, too. —Dorothy Morehouse, Massena, New York

Strawberry Rhubarb JamThis tangy Strawberry Rhubarb Jam recipe is a favorite with my family. They'll put it on almost anything, but especially like it on muffins or buttermilk biscuits. —Deb Kooistra, Kitchener, Ontario

Rhubarb Streusel MuffinsWhat a pleasure it is to set out a basket of these rhubarb muffins...although the basket doesn't stay full for very long! I have six children and two grandsons, so I do a lot of baking. The snacks are based on a coffee cake recipe. —Sandra Moreside, Regina, Saskatchewan

Lemon Rhubarb Tube CakeFor a taste of summer, try this dessert. The cake's fresh lemon flavor and tart rhubarb topping are so refreshing. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas

Winning Rhubarb-Strawberry PieWhile growing up on a farm, I often ate rhubarb, so it's natural for me to use it in a pie. I prefer to use lard for the flaky pie crust and thin, red rhubarb stalks for the filling. These two little secrets helped this recipe win top honors at the 2013 Iowa State Fair. —Marianne Carlson, Jefferson, Iowa

Rhubarb Icebox DessertA light and fluffy marshmallow layer tops the tart rhubarb filling in this delicious make-ahead recipe. —Renee Schwebach, Dumont, Minnesota

Rhubarb DumplingsI love to try new recipes. When I served these at a recent family gathering, I got lots of compliments. —Elsie Shell, Topeka, Indiana

Easy Rhubarb RelishI remember eating this relish at my grandmother's over 50 years ago. My mother made it for years and now my daughters make it. The relish complements any meat, but I find it a must with meat loaf. —Helen Brooks, Lacombe, Alberta r

Raspberry-Rhubarb Slab Pie"Slab pie" is a pastry baked in a jelly-roll pan and cut in slabs like a bar cookie—or a pie bar, if you will. My grandfather was a professional baker and served pieces of slab pie to his customers back in the day. Here is my spin, featuring rhubarb and gorgeous red raspberries. —Jeanne Ambrose, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Rhubarb Strawberry CrunchGarden-fresh rhubarb is put to great use in this easy recipe. It's wonderful with ice cream. —Barbara Foss, Waukesha, Wisconsin

Homemade Rhubarb Upside-Down CakeThis light and airy yellow cake is moist but not too sweet, and the caramelized rhubarb topping adds tangy flavor and visual appeal. We like it served with strawberry ice cream. —Joyce Rowe, Stratham, New Hampshire

Rhubarb TorteEach year when Grandmother asked what kind of birthday cake I'd like, I always said I wanted her rhubarb torte. —Lois Heintz, Holmen, Wisconsin

Nut-Topped Strawberry Rhubarb MuffinsA sweet, crispy topping highlights these tender muffins that are filled with two favorite spring foods, rhubarb and strawberries. They're perfect for a brunch or a grab-and-go breakfast. —Audrey Stallsmith, Hadley, Pennsylvania

Strawberry Rhubarb CreamA friend gave me this recipe a long time ago. It’s rich and creamy yet refreshing. I make this often in early summer when rhubarb is readily available. —Norma DesRoches, Warwick, Rhode Island

Macaroon-Topped Rhubarb CobblerCrumbled macaroons are a surprising addition to this cobbler’s topping. We love that you can make the sweet treat in a baking dish or a cast-iron skillet. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Rhubarb Custard CakeRhubarb thrives in my northern garden and is one of the few crops the pesky moose don't bother! Of all the desserts I've tried, this rhubarb custard cake is my first choice. It has old-fashioned appeal but is so simple to prepare. —Evelyn Gebhardt, Kasilof, Alaska

Sour Cream Rhubarb PieA hint of orange flavor and a nice blend of spices complement the tangy rhubarb. I like to serve the pie while it's still warm. —Doreen Martin, Kitimat, British Columbia

RhubreadWe moved into a house with a yard of fresh rhubarb. To use some of those ruby stalks, we made rhubarb bread with cinnamon and pecans. —Erika Elliott, Panola, Illinois

Granny's Rhubarb PieThis recipe originated with my grandmother, who baked many different rhubarb desserts. This was always a favorite of mine. —Blanche Baninski Minto North Dakota

Rhubarb SconesMy grandfather grows rhubarb and gives us a generous supply. The tartness is similar to a cranberry—perfect for tossing into a scone. —Danielle Lee, Sewickley, Pennsylvania

Rhubarb PunchI love the tart taste of rhubarb, and this lively, beautiful punch makes a refreshing treat at any get-together. —Eleanor Martens, Rosenort, Manitoba

Rhubarb Dream BarsDreaming of a different way to use rhubarb? Try these sweet bars with a tender shortbread-like crust topped with rhubarb, walnuts and coconut for delicious results. —Marion Tomlinson, Madison, Wisconsin

Rhubarb-Filled CookiesI won a blue ribbon at our local fair for these tender cookies. They're so pretty with the ruby-red filling peeking through the dough. Try making these special cookies and watch the smiles appear. —Pauline Bondy, Grand Forks, North Dakota

Rhubarb BreadThis is quite a good bread - our family really enjoys it! It's also very quick and easy to prepare, once you have the rhubarb diced. —Grace Capen, Sacramento, California

Pineapple-Rhubarb JamRhubarb, pineapple and strawberry make an awesome jam that brings back memories of living on a farm and growing my own rhubarb. —Debbi Barate, Seward, Pennsylvania

English Rhubarb CrumbleWhen I met my English husband and served him just the crumble, he said it was fantastic but really needed a custard sauce over it. We found a terrific sauce recipe from England, and now the pair is perfect together. I wouldn't serve it any other way. —Amy Freeman, Cave Creek, Arizona

Refreshing Rhubarb Ice CreamNo matter where my military family is stationed, this ice cream always makes me think of my parents’ backyard rhubarb patch in Rochester, New York. —Rachel Garcia, Honolulu, Hawaii

Rhubarb Strawberry CobblerMom's yummy cobbler is a truly wonderful finale to any meal. This family favorite is sweet and tart, chock-full of berries and rhubarb, and the thick crust is so easy to make. —Susan Emery, Everett, Washington

Rhubarb Berry Upside-Down CakeI had leftover rhubarb and wanted to create something fresh. With blueberries, strawberries and dried cranberries on hand, I discovered I had a berry upside-down cake. —June Paul, Portage, Wisconsin

Rhubarb Nut MuffinsMuffins are my weakness! When I make these to take to a gathering, I always come home with an empty plate. —Mary Kay Morris, co*kato, Minnesota

Blueberry-Rhubarb CrumbleA dollop of whipped topping adds a nice finishing touch to this satisfying crumble. Sometimes I drizzle a little flavored coffee creamer on top instead of the whipped topping. —Nancy Sousley, Lafayette, Indiana

I took my daughter’s love of cheesecake plus my mom’s love of coconut and rhubarb and ran with it. Try it with a smidge of chocolate sauce, too. —Wendy Rusch, Trego, Wisconsin

Apple-Rhubarb BreadRhubarb is such a jewel that I freeze it to have all year. Here’s how my mother used rhubarb – in an apple bread spiced with cinnamon. —Linda Tom, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Shortcake with Fresh Rhubarb SauceEvery spring when her rhubarb was ready, my mother-in-law chopped it up for this moist cake. If your rhubarb is too tart for the sauce, just add in some strawberries. —Rena McCalment, Sharpsville, Indiana

Caramel Rhubarb CobblerI came up with this recipe after hearing a friend fondly recall his grandmother's rhubarb dumplings. My son especially likes rhubarb, and this old-fashioned dessert lets those special stalks star.-Beverly Shebs, Pinehurst, North Carolina

Raspberry Rhubarb JamI love making and enjoying this jam, but I usually end up giving most of it away! It's always a well-received gift. —LaVonne Van Hoff, Rockwell City, Iowa

Rustic Fruit TartMy husband and I love pie, but we can't eat a whole 9-inch pie by ourselves. So I make these easy tarts using rhubarb and raspberries picked at home. Sometimes I substitute apples, peaches or our garden blueberries for the rhubarb. —Naomi Olson Hamilton, Michigan

Rhubarb Mandarin CrispAn attractive dessert, this crisp is also a popular breakfast dish at our house, served with a glass of milk rather than topped with ice cream. Because it calls for lots of rhubarb, it's a great use for the bounty you harvest. —Rachael Vandendool, Barry's Bay, Ontario

Berry Rhubarb FoolA "fool" is a British dessert that's usually made with custard. This is a modified, quicker version I created. My kids love it because it doesn't taste like rhubarb—so I guess it's well named! —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado

Rhubarb Mallow CobblerMy mom used to make this cobbler every year when I was growing up. Now we take fresh rhubarb to my son in Texas so he can share this recipe with his family. —Judy Kay Warwick, Webster City, Iowa

Rhubarb Berry Coffee CakeI rely on a cake mix to speed the prep for this moist streusel-topped dessert that pairs tart rhubarb with sweet strawberries. It's great all by itself, but feel free to add some frosting or ice cream. —Jackie Heyer, Cushing, Iowa

Slow-Cooked Strawberry Rhubarb SauceThis tart and tangy fruit sauce is excellent over pound cake or ice cream. I have served this topping many times and have gotten rave reviews from friends and family. —Judith Wasman, Harkers Island, North Carolina

Strawberry Rhubarb Coffee CakeAlthough my coffee cake makes a large pan, it never lasts very long! It's great for a Sunday brunch after church and nice to bring to family reunions, too. —Dorothy Morehouse, Massena, New York

Rhubarb Cranberry CookiesI like the sudden hit of sweetness when you bite into the white chips. It really complements the tart flavor from the rhubarb and cranberries. —Elaine Scott, Lafayette, Indiana

Rhubarb Sour Cream Coffee CakeWith a tart kick from fresh spring rhubarb, this coffee cake is an irresistible way to start the day—or end it! —Roberta Schauer, Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Strawberry Rhubarb PieWhile growing up on a farm, I often ate rhubarb, so it's natural for me to use it in a pie. I prefer to use lard for the flaky pie crust and thin red rhubarb stalks for the filling. These two little secrets helped this strawberry rhubarb pie recipe win top honors at the 2013 Iowa State Fair. —Marianne Carlson, Jefferson, Iowa

Cherry Rhubarb JamThis tangy sweet spread is "jam-packed" with lots of cherry flavor, plus a hint of rhubarb. My mother gives jars of it to friends during rhubarb season—it's so delicious on toast and muffins. —Faye Sampson, Radcliffe, Iowa

Strawberry-Rhubarb Cream DessertA neighbor shared this recipe with me, and I created my own variation using garden-fresh rhubarb and strawberries. The shortbread crust and creamy sweet-tart layers went over big at a family party—not a crumb was left! —Sara Zignego, Hartford, Wisconsin

Almond Rhubarb CobblerIn spring, I frequently make this tangy biscuit-topped treat.—Pat Habiger, Spearville, Kansas

Rosy Rhubarb Upside-Down CakeHere’s a cake that gets its rosy hue from the rhubarb topping. It’s moist on top and light as a feather on the bottom. —Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

Rhubarb Fool with StrawberriesA fool is a classic British and Irish dessert that's usually made with whipped cream and cooked fruit. Try my quick version with rhubarb and berries. —Cheryl Miller, Fort Collins, Colorado

Blueberry Rhubarb Country TartWhen the rhubarb comes in, mix it with blueberries for a rustic and bubbly tart. Offer it to a friend with a warm cup of tea. —Jeanne Ambrose, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Strawberry-Rhubarb Flip CakeMy friend Dave always brought two strawberry rhubarb cakes to work to celebrate his birthday. He’d use up rhubarb growing in the yard and treat his co-workers. —Charlene Schwartz, Maple Plain, Minnesota

Rhubarb Cheesecake SquaresIt’s rhubarb season, so now’s the time to try this rich and tangy cheese bar. It’s bound to be a hit with the rhubarb lovers you know. —Sharon Schmidt, Mandan, North Dakota

Apple Rhubarb Crumb PieMy family and friends always ask for my apple rhubarb pie for birthdays and get-togethers. Everyone loves the unique flavor that the rhubarb adds to this pie. —Sherri Moon, Decatur, Indiana.