17 tasty rhubarb recipes to make in 2024

When is rhubarb in season in the UK?

Forced rhubarb starts to appear at the beginning of the year – between January and March – while field-grown rhubarb is in season between April and June.

What’s the difference between rhubarb and forced rhubarb?

Forced rhubarb is grown without light in ‘forced’ conditions in order to speed up the growth of the plant and extend its harvest period. This means forced rhubarb is available much earlier in the year than its seasonal cousin. Forced rhubarb is bright pink in colour with a delicately sweet-yet-tart flavour.

Did you know? Forced rhubarb is cultivated to grow so fast that you can actually hear it cracking and creaking as the buds open!

Our best-ever rhubarb recipes…

Rhubarb, lime and ginger custard tart

We’ve added a little zing to this classic flavour match – rhubarb and custard – with lime and stem ginger.

Rhubarb and custard layer cake

A showstopper cake for a springtime celebration. This quadruple layer cake is sandwiched with roasted rhubarb and a custardy cream, smothered in cream cheese buttercream and adorned with shards of white choc and candied rhubarb. Wow.

Oaty rhubarb and ginger streusel cake

This seriously moist cake comprises layers of almond sponge, roasted rhubarb and an oaty streusel crumble. We like that it’s really versatile too – serve with a cup of earl grey in the afternoon or as a dessert with thick crème fraîche.

Rhubarb gin

This pretty rhubarb gin goes perfectly with a sharp tonic, adds a dash of sharpness to spring cocktails or can be drunk on its own over ice.

Sticky ribs in rhubarb

Gill Meller’s sticky ribs recipe uses the sharpness of rhubarb to create a sweet-sour marinade that’s perfect for rich pork ribs. Napkins at the ready – this is a gloriously messy main to eat with your fingers.

Rhubarb, vanilla and almond lattice pie

Learn how to lattice with our recipe for this impressive rhubarb pie. We’ve added ground almonds to the pastry too, for extra richness.

White chocolate rice pudding with rhubarb and passion fruit compote

We’re not going to lie to you, this creamy white chocolate rice pudding is tremendously rich and sweet (it’s made with full-fat milk and cream). But that’s where the slightly tart rhubarb and passion fruit compote comes in… Give this heavenly pairing a go for a pudding to complete your Sunday roast.

Rhubarb and custard brioche loaf

The comforting flavours of rhubarb and custard are threaded through this candy-coloured brioche loaf. Pull away hunks of the sugar-crusted bread to discover a soft, pillowy interior.

Savoury custard with mackerel and pickled rhubarb

Chawanmushi is a savoury egg custard dish from Japan. We’ve given it a twist with the addition of pickled rhubarb, which adds piquancy to the traditional seafood and dashi-based custard.

Deep-fried custard with rhubarb dipping sauce

Inspired by Italy’s crema fritta, these custard croquettes have a creamy interior and a crispy shell. Dunk them into the hot pink dipping sauce for a dessert that will get everyone talking.

Rhubarb, rose and pistachio crumble

Give classic crumble an upgrade. Rhubarb’s tartness pairs well with the Middle Eastern flavours of rose, sesame and creamy pistachios. Try it with extra-thick double cream.

Baked rhubarb and orange cheesecake

Rhubarb and orange makes a surprisingly pleasant pairing and contrasts nicely to the rich creaminess of this baked cheesecake.

Fresh crab with rhubarb

Another clever savoury recipe from delicious. contributor Gill Meller. Here, he pairs delicate crab meat with rhubarb baked with chilli and fennel seeds to create an incredible sharing dish. Serve with crusty bread.

Rhubarb and ginger twice-baked soufflé

Soufflés are notoriously difficult to master, but this recipe yields soft and fluffy puds every time. Finish off by baking them with the rhubarb compote, cream and brown sugar, then dive in spoon first!

Rhubarb and strawberry cobbler

Rhubarb and strawberries make a pretty pink duo in this summery cobbler, topped with puffed-up scones, honey and pistachios.

Rhubarb jelly and Bird’s custard ice cream

To all those who grew up eating Bird’s custard, here’s a dessert that’s dedicated to the stuff. We love this retro pudding!

Rhubarb chutney

If you’re lucky enough to have a glut of rhubarb lying a round, then whip up a batch of spiced chutney to see you through the rest of the year.

Browse all of our rhubarb recipes for even more inspiration.