When it comes to springtime baking, few ingredients evoke the same sense of nostalgia and excitement as rhubarb. Its tart flavor and vibrant color make it a natural pairing with sweet fruits like strawberries and blueberries, while its versatility also lends itself well to being used in savory dishes like stews and soups. But perhaps one of the most iconic ways to enjoy rhubarb is in a classic pie, topped with a crumbly crust and served warm or chilled depending on your preference.
In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 different takes on the humble rhubarb pie, from traditional recipes that feature a lattice crust or streusel topping to more modern twists that incorporate non-traditional ingredients like cardamom or coconut cream. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for some inspiration in the kitchen, these delicious and creative rhubarb pie recipes are sure to hit the spot.
Classic Rhubarb Pie with Lattice Crust
This classic recipe showcases the sweet-tart flavor of rhubarb, perfectly balanced by a flaky and buttery lattice crust. A staple of springtime baking, this pie is sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
For the filling:
– 2 cups fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the crust:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Let sit for 15 minutes, allowing the rhubarb to release its juices.
3. Roll out half of the dough to form a lattice top crust. Place on top of the filling, weaving strips of dough across the pie.
4. Brush edges with cold water and sprinkle with sugar.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie with Vanilla Bean
This classic pie combines the natural sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of rhubarb, all wrapped up in a flaky crust and infused with the warmth of vanilla bean. Perfect for springtime gatherings or as a dessert to brighten up any meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 cup fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Toss until fruit is evenly coated.
3. Roll out crust dough and place in pie dish. Fill with fruit mixture and dot with butter.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.
5. Allow to cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Rhubarb Custard Pie with Cinnamon
A sweet and tangy pie that showcases the unique flavor of rhubarb, paired with a rich custard and warm cinnamon.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine rhubarb, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Roll out pie crust dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Arrange the rhubarb mixture in the pie crust.
5. In another bowl, whisk together melted butter, heavy cream, egg yolks, and vanilla extract.
6. Pour the custard mixture over the rhubarb.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Dutch Rhubarb Pie with Streusel Topping
This classic Dutch dessert combines the tangy sweetness of rhubarb with a crunchy, buttery streusel topping. A perfect treat for spring and summer!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 2 cups fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup streusel topping (see below)
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing crust)
Streusel Topping:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and sugar.
3. Add cold butter; use a pastry blender or fingers to work into crumbs.
4. Press mixture into a 9-inch pie dish.
5. Arrange rhubarb pieces on top of crust.
6. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over rhubarb.
7. Brush edges with beaten egg.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until crust is golden and filling is tender.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Rhubarb and Apple Pie with Cardamom
This sweet and tangy pie combines the natural tartness of rhubarb with the warmth of cardamom, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of apples.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed rhubarb and apple, sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine rhubarb and apple mixture, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cardamom, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with the fruit mixture and dot with melted butter.
4. Roll out remaining pie crust and use to cover pie. Crimp edges to seal.
5. Brush egg wash over pie crust and cut a few slits for steam to escape.
6. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Vegan Rhubarb Pie with Coconut Cream
This sweet and tangy pie is a perfect blend of summer flavors, featuring the natural sweetness of rhubarb paired with the creamy richness of coconut cream. A delicious vegan dessert option for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup non-dairy milk (such as almond or soy milk)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought, vegan-friendly)
– 1 can full-fat coconut milk, chilled
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, non-dairy milk, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. Roll out the pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Fill the pie crust with the rhubarb mixture and smooth out the top.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
6. Allow the pie to cool before serving.
7. To make the coconut cream, open the chilled coconut milk and scoop out the solid coconut cream into a bowl. Whip with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Gluten-Free Rhubarb Pie with Almond Flour Crust
This classic pie gets a gluten-free makeover using almond flour, creating a deliciously flaky crust that pairs perfectly with the tart and sweet rhubarb filling.
Ingredients:
For the crust:
– 1 1/2 cups almond flour
– 1/4 cup coconut sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
– 2 cups fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together almond flour, coconut sugar, and salt.
3. Add melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press crust into a 9-inch pie dish.
5. In a separate bowl, combine rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt.
6. Pour filling over crust.
7. Dot top with melted butter.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Rhubarb and Raspberry Pie with Lemon Zest
This sweet and tangy pie combines the tartness of rhubarb and raspberries with the brightness of lemon zest, creating a unique flavor profile that’s sure to delight.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine rhubarb and raspberries.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the fruit mixture and toss until evenly coated.
5. Roll out pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with the fruit mixture.
6. Dot the top of the filling with melted butter.
7. Brush edges of pie crust with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Deep-Dish Rhubarb Pie with Brown Sugar
This classic deep-dish rhubarb pie gets a boost of flavor from the addition of brown sugar, creating a sweet and tangy combination that’s perfect for springtime celebrations.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine rhubarb, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, salt, and nutmeg. Toss until well combined.
3. Roll out pie crust to fit a deep-dish pie dish. Fill with the rhubarb mixture and dot with butter.
4. Fold crust over filling, pressing edges to seal. Brush with beaten egg.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Rhubarb and Blueberry Pie with Oat Crumble
A sweet and tangy pie that combines the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of blueberries, topped with a crunchy oat crumble.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh rhubarb, sliced
– 1 cup fresh blueberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine rhubarb, blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Roll out pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with the rhubarb mixture and dot with melted butter.
4. To make the oat crumble, mix together oats, brown sugar, and chopped walnuts (if using). Add the beaten egg and mix until a crumbly consistency is achieved.
5. Spread the crumble mixture evenly over the filling.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spiced Rhubarb Pie with Ginger and Nutmeg
This sweet and tangy pie combines the tartness of rhubarb with the warmth of spices, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. The addition of crystallized ginger adds a delightful depth of flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon crystallized ginger, finely grated
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine rhubarb, sugar, flour, nutmeg, and ginger. Let it sit for 15 minutes, until the mixture becomes syrupy.
3. Roll out the pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Fill the pie crust with the rhubarb mixture and dot with melted butter.
5. Roll out the remaining pie crust to create a lattice-top or simple border.
6. Brush the egg wash over the crust and sprinkle with sugar.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Rhubarb and Peach Pie with Honey Glaze
Sweet and tangy, this Rhubarb and Peach Pie with Honey Glaze is a perfect blend of summer flavors. This unique pie combines the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of peaches, topped off with a drizzle of honey glaze.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup fresh peaches, diced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon milk
– Honey glaze (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine rhubarb and peaches. Add sugar, cornstarch, and salt; mix until well combined.
3. Roll out pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with fruit mixture and dot with butter.
4. Roll out remaining pie crust and use to cover pie. Crimp edges to seal.
5. Brush top of pie with beaten egg mixed with milk. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Honey Glaze:
– 1/2 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Combine honey and heavy cream in a small bowl. Drizzle over pie after baking.
Cooking time: 40-50 minutes
Mini Rhubarb Hand Pies with Vanilla Glaze
Mini Rhubarb Hand Pies with Vanilla Glaze: Sweet and Tart Treats in a Tiny Package
These bite-sized treats combine the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of vanilla, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– Pastry dough for mini pies (homemade or store-bought)
– Vanilla glaze (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, combine rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Let sit for 15 minutes, until rhubarb starts to release its juice.
3. Roll out pastry dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into small squares.
4. Place a spoonful of the rhubarb mixture in the center of each square. Fold the dough over the filling, pressing edges together to seal.
5. Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Vanilla Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons milk
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix all ingredients until smooth. Drizzle over warm hand pies.
Rhubarb and Cherry Pie with Almond Extract
This sweet and tangy pie combines the natural tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of cherries, enhanced by the subtle flavor of almond extract.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup pitted cherries, fresh or frozen
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine rhubarb, cherries, sugar, flour, and salt. Mix until well combined.
3. Add almond extract and mix gently.
4. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with rhubarb-cherry mixture.
5. Dot top of filling with butter pieces.
6. Roll out remaining pie crust to form a lattice-top crust or use a pastry sheet for a simple topping.
7. Place lattice or pastry sheet on top of filling, pressing edges to seal.
8. Brush egg wash over crust and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Rhubarb Meringue Pie with Toasted Marshmallow
This classic pie gets a luxurious upgrade with the addition of toasted marshmallows, adding a playful twist to the traditional tartness of rhubarb. With its crunchy meringue topping and gooey marshmallow centers, this dessert is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large egg yolks
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup marshmallows
– Meringue topping (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, combine rhubarb, sugar, flour, and salt. Let it sit for 15 minutes, until the rhubarb starts to release its juice.
3. Roll out pie crust and fill with the rhubarb mixture. Dot with melted butter.
4. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is tender.
5. While the pie bakes, toast marshmallows by placing them on a baking sheet and broiling for 30-45 seconds, or until golden brown.
6. Top the baked pie with meringue topping (recipe below) and toasted marshmallows.
Meringue Topping:
– 2 large egg whites
– 1 cup granulated sugar
Beat egg whites and sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread over pie and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Rhubarb and Pear Pie with Walnut Crust
This pie combines the natural sweetness of pears with the tartness of rhubarb, all wrapped up in a crunchy walnut crust. Perfect for springtime or anytime you want a taste of the season.
Ingredients:
For the filling:
– 1 cup fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 ripe pears, peeled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the walnut crust:
– 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1 tablespoon ice water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine rhubarb, pears, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Roll out the walnut crust dough to fit your pie dish.
4. Fill with the fruit mixture and dot with butter.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Rustic Rhubarb Galette with Whipped Cream
This sweet and tangy galette is a perfect springtime dessert, featuring the flavors of fresh rhubarb and whipped cream.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2 cups fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Whipped cream (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Roll out puff pastry and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. In a bowl, combine rhubarb, sugar, honey, lemon juice, and salt. Spread mixture onto the center of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Fold the edges of the pastry up over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
5. Brush the pastry with egg wash (beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water) for golden brown color.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until pastry is golden.
Whipped Cream:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Beat cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Top warm galette with whipped cream and serve immediately.
Rhubarb and Blackberry Pie with Cornmeal Crust
A sweet and tangy twist on the classic pie, this Rhubarb and Blackberry Pie with Cornmeal Crust combines the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of blackberries. The cornmeal crust adds a delightful crunch to this flavorful dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup cornmeal
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine rhubarb, blackberries, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and salt. Let it sit for 15 minutes, until the fruit starts to release its juices.
3. Roll out the cold butter and cornmeal mixture between two sheets of parchment paper to form a circle about 1/8 inch thick.
4. Place the filling in the center of the dough circle, leaving a 1-inch border around it.
5. Fold the edges of the crust up over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
6. Brush with egg wash and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Summary
Ribbons of sweet and tart rhubarb are the star of these 18 scrumptious pie recipes. From classic lattice-crusted pies to innovative vegan and gluten-free variations, there’s something for every taste bud. Try pairing rhubarb with strawberries, apples, or blueberries for a sweet surprise, or go bold with cinnamon-spiced custard or toasted marshmallow meringue. With these delicious rhubarb pie recipes, you’ll be sure to impress your friends and family with your baking skills.