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    Home » Recipes » Sauces, Marinades, and Butters

    Easy Rhubarb Sauce Recipe

    Published: May 11, 2023 · Modified: May 15, 2025 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

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    This delicious rhubarb sauce recipe is one of my favorites. Made as-is or with other fruits to make strawberry rhubarb sauce and the like, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. So full of sweet and tangy flavors you're going to love this recipe for rhubarb sauce.

    Closeup photo of Rhubarb Sauce recipe inside a glass jar surrounded by Rhubarb on a table.

    I love the flavor of rhubarb. Of course, I load it up with sugar to get that great sweet and sour flavor! I make this delicious sauce to serve over everything from meat to ice cream. It's so versatile.

    Rhubarb Sauce Recipe

    This was inspired by my balsamic cranberry sauce, rhubarb jam and my Easy Ham Sauce recipe on this site and pairs well with beef, chicken, pork, or sweet treats like ice cream!

    Why You Will Love this Recipe

    • Quick and easy to make with few ingredients.
    • Delicious sweet-tart flavor.
    • Make strawberry rhubarb sauce by adding equal amounts of rhubarb and strawberries with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice as well as the sugar and water.
    • Can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar.
    • Suitable for all diets, as it is vegan and gluten-free.
    • A great way to use up rhubarb from the garden or local farmers market.
    • Can be served warm or cold, depending on preference.
    • Perfect as a sauce for pies, pancakes, ice cream, cakes, tarts, cupcakes or as an ingredient in other recipes.

    Top Tip:

    It's vital to stir constantly to ensure your rhubarb sauce doesn't burn.

    Recipe for Rhubarb Sauce Ingredients

    You'll only need three simple ingredients to make this recipe for rhubarb sauce! You have water in your tap and sugar in your pantry, so the only thing you'll have to shop for is rhubarb. Be sure to check the recipe card at the end of the post for exact quantities.

    Overhead photo of all the ingredients needed to make recipe for rhubarb sauce.
    • Rhubarb
    • Sugar
    • Water

    Optional

    • Red food coloring
    • Strawberries

    Substitutions and Variations

    • Rhubarb - Add in or substitute blueberries, cranberries, raspberries or tart apples like granny smith, instead or with rhubarb.
    • Strawberry Rhubarb Sauce - Add equal amounts of rhubarb and strawberries with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice as well as sugar and water.
    • Water - Use apple or orange juice instead.
    • Add Flavor - Add spices such as citrus zest, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, a pinch of cayenne pepper, a teaspoon of vanilla extract or add a tablespoon or two of lemon juice, brandy, white wine, sherry or rum.

    Instructions

    It takes almost no effort to make this super easy recipe for rhubarb sauce. You'll be in and out of the kitchen in minutes! The highlights are here, but you'll find the exact instructions in the recipe card at the end of the post.

    1: Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.

    Rhubarb and sugar placed inside a medium sauce pan
    Poring water from a jug into a medium saucepan full of Rhubarb and sugar.

    2: Cook until the rhubarb begins to soften, smashing it as it cooks down, until it reaches your desired consistency.

    Overhead photo of Rhubarb Sauce inside a medium sized saucepan with a grey silicone spatula.
    Closeup photo of Rhubarb Sauce recipe inside a glass jar.

    Hint: The main thing to remember is that this sauce must be stirred continuously or it will stick.

    If you love recipes like this, then check out this easy Instant pot cranberry sauce or our delicious Avocado Hot Sauce recipe.

    Closeup photo of a bowl of vanilla ice cream topped with Rhubarb Sauce and bits of rhubarb.

    Storage

    Refrigerator: Store for up to a week in an air-tight container.

    Freezer: Store for up to 2 months in smaller portions in an air-tight, freezer-safe container.

    What to Serve with Rhubarb Sauce

    • Serve Rhubarb Sauce at room temperature or slightly warmed for added comfort and pleasure.
    • Perfect as a sauce for pies, pancakes, ice cream, cakes, tarts, cupcakes, as an ingredient in other recipes or instead of ketchup or barbecue sauce on burgers or tacos too!

    Tips

    • Cooked Rhubarb Sauce should not be left out at room temperature for longer than two hours as bacteria can start growing if left out too long.
    • Start with a small amount of sugar and add more to taste, as the rhubarb will become sweeter as it cooks.
    • Gently smash the rhubarb rather than blending or puréeing, as this will give a richer texture and flavor.
    • If you prefer a brighter red color in your sauce, add some food coloring at the end of cooking time while still warm, not boiling.
    • If you want a sweeter sauce, add more sugar when cooking
    • To prevent Rhubarb Sauce from burning while cooking over medium heat, remember to stir regularly.
    • For added convenience cook extra portions and freeze for later use.
    • Make sure to use fresh, ripe rhubarb for the best flavor and texture in your sauce.

    FAQ

    Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?

    Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw the rhubarb before adding it to the pan with the other ingredients.

    Do I need to peel the rhubarb stalks before using them in this recipe?

    No, you do not need to peel the rhubarb stalks before using them in this recipe. Just give them a good wash and then cut into ½-inch pieces before adding them to the saucepan with the other ingredients. By mid July the stalks tend to be more fibrous and tough so you may need to peel rhubarb so it tastes better.

    Can I make this Rhubarb Sauce in my slow cooker?

    Yes! If you have a slow cooker you can easily make this Rhubarb Sauce by simply combining all of your ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours (or high for 2-3 hours).

    How do I know when the Rhubarb Sauce is ready?

    The sauce will be ready when it reaches a thick and syrupy consistency and the rhubarb is completely mashed. The cooking time will vary depending on how hot your stovetop is, so you may need to adjust the heat accordingly.

    Closeup photo of a spoonful of this Rhubarb Sauce recipe.

    Video

    YouTube video

    More Rhubarb Recipes

    Do you like rhubarb? Here some recipes you may also like to try.

    • A rhubarb cookie held up by a hand to show the front of it.
      Rhubarb Cookies
    • Three slices of Rhubarb Bread stacked on a wooden cutting board next to cinnamon sticks.
      Rhubarb Bread
    • A Rhubarb Muffin on a white plate with a cinnamon stick and the half removed.
      Rhubarb Muffins with Cinnamon Sugar Topping
    • A bowl of rhubarb jam in a bowl with an orange wedge on top.
      Homemade Rhubarb Jam

    Rhubarb Sauce Recipe

    Ready to get cooking? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.

    Easy Rhubarb Sauce Recipe

    Karin and Ken
    This easy rhubarb sauce recipe is a family favorite and can be made as is or as strawberry rhubarb sauce. This recipe for rhubarb sauce is worth a try!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 20 minutes mins
    Course Sauce
    Cuisine American
    Servings 16
    Calories 55 kcal

    Equipment

    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • saucepan
    • wooden spoon
    • Rubber spatula
    • mason jar

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 cups rhubarb ½ inch pieces
    • 1 cup sugar
    • ½ cup water

    Optional

    • Drops Red food coloring
    • Strawberries
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Place all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
    • Continue stirring, preventing from it burning.
    • Rhubarb will begin to soften.
    • Gently smash the rhubarb until it forms a sauce.
    • This will take about 12-15 minutes.
    • Pour into mason jar or resealable container with lid. Allow to cool before placing lid on.

    Video

    Notes

    Strawberry Rhubarb Sauce - Add equal amounts of rhubarb and strawberries with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice as well as sugar and water.
    • If the sauce is a bit to thick, you can add a little bit more water.
    • Cooked Rhubarb Sauce should not be left out at room temperature for longer than two hours as bacteria can start growing if left out too long.
    • Start with a small amount of sugar and add more to taste, as the rhubarb will become sweeter as it cooks.
    • Gently smash the rhubarb rather than blending or puréeing, as this will give a richer texture and flavor.
    • If you prefer a brighter red color in your sauce, add some food coloring at the end of cooking time while still warm, not boiling.
    • If you want a sweeter sauce, add more sugar when cooking
    • To prevent Rhubarb Sauce from burning while cooking over medium heat, remember to stir regularly.
    • For added convenience cook extra portions and freeze for later use.
    • Make sure to use fresh, ripe rhubarb for the best flavor and texture in your sauce.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 55kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 0.3gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.03gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 88mgFiber: 1gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 31IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 27mgIron: 0.1mg
    Keyword rhubarb sauce
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Closeup photo of Rhubarb Sauce inside a glass jar surrounded by Rhubarb on a table.
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    Welcome!

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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