Oh, rhubarb sauce! This sweet and tangy delight holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of family gatherings where my grandma would whip up a batch to serve over her famous vanilla ice cream. It’s such an easy recipe to master, and trust me, you’ll want to keep it on hand for all your dessert needs! Whether you drizzle it over pancakes for a weekend brunch or dollop it on a slice of cake, rhubarb sauce elevates any dish with its vibrant flavor. Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes to make, so why not give it a try? You’ll love it!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is super simple, and I promise you won’t need anything fancy! Here’s what you’ll need to make the most delightful rhubarb sauce:
- 4 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped: Look for vibrant, crisp stalks. Chop them into about 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This will balance out the tartness of the rhubarb. Adjust to your taste, but I find this amount works perfectly!
- 1 cup water: Just plain water to help cook the rhubarb down and create that lovely sauce.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: This adds a bright zing! Fresh lemon juice is great, but bottled works in a pinch.
With these straightforward ingredients, you’re all set to create something delicious!
How to Prepare Rhubarb Sauce
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making that delicious rhubarb sauce! It’s super straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro chef in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delightful sauce ready to impress everyone!
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by grabbing a medium saucepan and tossing in your chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, water, and lemon juice. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything evenly. Make sure all the rhubarb is coated in that sweet, sugary goodness. It’s going to help it break down beautifully!
Step 2: Boil the Mixture
Next, place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. You’ll want to keep an eye on it to avoid any messy splatters. A gentle, rolling boil is what we’re after—so don’t walk away just yet!
Step 3: Simmer
As soon as it’s boiling, lower the heat to a simmer. Let it bubble away for about 15-20 minutes, giving it a stir every now and then. This is where the magic happens! You’ll notice the rhubarb softening and breaking down. Just keep checking that softness; it should be tender and easily mashable.
Step 4: Cool and Blend
Once it’s soft, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool a bit. Now, here’s where you can get creative! Use a blender for a smooth sauce or a potato masher if you like a chunkier texture. Blend it until it’s just how you like it!
Step 5: Store Properly
Finally, pour your lovely rhubarb sauce into a jar and let it cool completely. Once it’s cool, seal it up and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to a week, ready for you to enjoy whenever the craving strikes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You can whip up this rhubarb sauce in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute dessert idea!
- Flavorful: The sweet and tangy balance is absolutely delightful—it pairs beautifully with so many dishes.
- Versatile: Use it on pancakes, ice cream, yogurt, or even as a filling in pastries. The options are endless!
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with simple, fresh ingredients that you can feel good about serving to your family and friends.
- Make Ahead: Prep it in advance and store it in the fridge for easy access whenever you need a fruity boost!
Tips for Success
To make the best rhubarb sauce, always start with fresh, vibrant rhubarb—it’s key for that bright flavor! If you find the sauce too tart for your taste, don’t hesitate to adjust the sugar. Just add a little more until it’s just right for you! And when serving, think beyond just ice cream or pancakes—try it over yogurt, in oatmeal, or even as a topping for cheesecake. The versatility is fantastic! Oh, and if you like a hint of spice, a dash of cinnamon can elevate it even further. Enjoy experimenting!
Nutritional Information
Please note that the nutritional values for this rhubarb sauce can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. The values provided are approximate and not precisely calculated. Always check your ingredient labels for the most accurate information, especially if you’re monitoring calories or sugar intake!
FAQ Section
Got questions about rhubarb sauce? No worries, I’ve got you covered! One common question is about alternative uses—besides drizzling it over ice cream or pancakes, you can also swirl it into yogurt, use it as a filling for pastries, or even mix it into smoothies for a fruity punch! If you’re wondering how to store it, just keep it in an airtight jar in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for up to a week. And if you find it too tart, simply add a bit more sugar, tasting as you go until it’s just right for your palate. Enjoy your rhubarb adventures!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the possibilities are endless when it comes to enjoying your rhubarb sauce! I love to pour it warm over a big scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast. It’s also heavenly on pancakes or waffles, adding a bright pop of flavor to your breakfast. You can even swirl it into yogurt or drizzle it on cheesecake for a delightful twist. Yum!
Check out more dessert recipes!
Try these strawberry shortcake crumble cookies!
Learn more about the health benefits of rhubarb.

Rhubarb Sauce: 5 Simple Steps to Sweet Success!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet and tangy rhubarb sauce perfect for desserts.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine rhubarb, sugar, water, and lemon juice.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until rhubarb is soft.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Use a blender or masher to achieve your desired consistency.
- Store in a jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- Use fresh rhubarb for the best flavor.
- Adjust sugar according to your taste preference.
- Serve it warm or cold over ice cream or pancakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: rhubarb sauce, dessert sauce, easy rhubarb recipe