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Vintage rhubarb recipes your great grandma made ~ from crumbles and pies, to cordials and fools ~ and they’re ready for a delicious comeback!
![Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (1) Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (1)](https://i0.wp.com/theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rhubarb-recipes-2.jpg)
vintage rhubarb recipes
Rhubarb is easy to grow and there are rhubarb patches in backyards all over America hitting their stride right now. With the proper care, it can produce from April right through fall. Rhubarb is also one of the first crops available in the spring, which helps explain why there are so many beloved rhubarb recipes out there.
Rhubarb is often paired with sweet strawberries to balance out its famously tart taste but in these classic recipes rhubarb is the star. The flavor is sour if you try to eat it raw, but cooked rhubarb mellows out and has a berry-like flavor that so many of us (raising hand!) find irresistible.
Let’s dig in
- vintage rhubarb recipes
- Rhubarb Snack Cake
- Rhubarb Ice Cream
- Rhubarb Jelly
- Rhubarb Muffins
- Rhubarb Curd
- Old Fashioned Rhubarb Crunch
- Rhubarb Cordial
- Ginger Rhubarb Crisp
- Rhubarb Fool
- Rhubarb Sauce Recipe
- Rhubarb Soda
- Rhubarb Shortcake
- Rhubarb Scones
- Rhubarb Butter
- Rhubarb Martini
- Rhubarb Bars
- No Bake Rhubarb Dream Bars
- Rhubarb Bread
- Rhubarb Pudding Cake
- Rhubarb Custard Pie
- Rhubarb Grunt
- Rhubarb Pie
- Pickled Rhubarb
- Rhubarb wine
- Sugar Rhubarb
- still want more vintage rhubarb recipes?
![Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (2) Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (2)](https://i0.wp.com/theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/rhubarb-2.jpg)
Rhubarb was definitely more popular in the past century than it is now, particularly during the early to mid-1900s. In fact, during World War II, rhubarb became an important crop because it was hardy and could grow in less than ideal conditions. Our grandmas and great-grandmas treasured their rhubarb recipes but so many of them have been forgotten. Here are just a few of the best.
Rhubarb Snack Cake
All it takes is a few ruby red stalks of rhubarb to make this simple breakfast cake ~ you’ll want to snack on it all day long!
![Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (3) Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (3)](https://i0.wp.com/theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rhubarb-breakfast-cake-1727-March-12-2018.jpg)
Rhubarb Ice Cream
Rhubarb ice cream has been around for many years and was particularly popular in the early 1900s when ice cream parlors were in their heyday. It’s since been eclipsed by modern ice cream flavors, but the tart flavor is definitely one you need to try.
![Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (4) Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (4)](https://i0.wp.com/theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/rhubarb-ice-cream-8507999-June-22-2020.jpg)
Rhubarb Jelly
Rhubarb jelly is a great way to ‘spring-i-fy’ your morning toast or scone. But did you know it was also a dessert? It was especially popular in the early to mid-20th century, when jellies and other molded desserts were in vogue.
![Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (5) Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (5)](https://i0.wp.com/theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/rhubarb-jelly-8506964-June-03-2019.jpg)
Rhubarb Muffins
Homey rhubarb muffins harken back to simpler times when the first slender stalks of spring rhubarb would have been baked up into a sweet breakfast treat.
![Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (6) Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (6)](https://i0.wp.com/theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/rhubarb-muffins-1575-March-22-2021.jpg)
Rhubarb Curd
Silky rhubarb curd is a throwback to traditional British farmhouse cooking where every last stalk of rhubarb would have been used in pies and preserves like this one.
![Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (7) Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (7)](https://i0.wp.com/theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/rhubarb-curd-8507044-June-04-2019.jpg)
Old Fashioned Rhubarb Crunch
Rhubarb crunch is a dessert that is similar to a crisp or a crumble. It is made with a layer of diced rhubarb on the bottom, topped with a mixture of oats, flour, sugar, and butter. When baked, the topping becomes crispy and golden brown, while the rhubarb becomes soft and tender.
![Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (8) Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (8)](https://i0.wp.com/theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/rhubarb-crunch-8454-June-06-2022.jpg)
Rhubarb Cordial
This old time tipple is easily made by infusing cooked rhubarb with vodka. The traditional way is to let the mixture sit for about a month. My way is faster and I think produced better rhubarb flavor ~ give it a try!
![Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (9) Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (9)](https://i0.wp.com/theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/rhubarb-liqueur-4258-May-23-2016-2.jpg)
Ginger Rhubarb Crisp
Make your crisp topping ahead and freeze it so you can have this beautiful dessert on a whim!
![Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (10) Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (10)](https://i0.wp.com/theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Rhubarb-ginger-crumble-8504352-March-02-2020-2.jpg)
Rhubarb Fool
This vintage rhubarb recipe has been around since the 1600s! Basically you fold cooked rhubarb into whipped cream and you’ve done it! It’s light and refreshing, but obviously rich at the same time. All in all, rhubarb fool is a fabulous spring dessert that takes hardly any effort at all.
![Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (11) Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (11)](https://i0.wp.com/theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rhubarb-fool-2125-March-27-2023.jpg)
Rhubarb Sauce Recipe
A classic rhubarb sauce is one of the most versatile things you can have in your spring kitchen. Spoon it over ice cream, pound cake, or yogurt!
![Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (12) Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (12)](https://i0.wp.com/theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/rhubarb-sauce-3.jpg)
Rhubarb Soda
The way they used to refresh before co*ke and Pepsi! Just mix a rhubarb simple syrup with fizzy water and voila!
![Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (13) Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (13)](https://i0.wp.com/theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rhubarb-soda-2000-March-23-2023.jpg)
Rhubarb Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake doesn’t hold a candle to rhubarb shortcake! How could it? Rhubarb brings its famously tart berry flavor to the party and makes this dessert even more irresistible.
![Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (14) Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (14)](https://i0.wp.com/theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/rhubarb-shortcake-8505714-May-08-2019.jpg)
Rhubarb Scones
Hands down the best way to start a spring morning!
![Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (15) Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (15)](https://i0.wp.com/theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Rhubarb-Scones-12.jpg)
Rhubarb Butter
Rhubarb butter is a sweet spread made from cooked rhubarb that is blended to a smooth, buttery consistency. It concentrates the unique flavor of rhubarb
![Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (16) Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (16)](https://i0.wp.com/theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/rhubarb-butter-3881-April-17-2024.jpg)
Rhubarb Martini
An old fashioned gin co*cktail that still feels fresh thanks to an infusion of tart rhubarb!
![Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (17) Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (17)](https://i0.wp.com/theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rhubarb-co*cktail-2.jpg)
Rhubarb Bars
Gorgeously pink and tangy rhubarb curd bars are right off the church bazaar bake sale table, where they’re always to first to disappear.
![Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (18) Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (18)](https://i0.wp.com/theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/rhubarb-crumb-bars5.jpg)
No Bake Rhubarb Dream Bars
You won’t find anything like these rhubarb dream bars at a restaurant or a bakery, they’re the kind of thing your grandma would whip up on a summer afternoon — they have a simple, vintage charm.
![Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (19) Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (19)](https://i0.wp.com/theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/no-bake-rhubarb-dream-bars-image.jpg)
Rhubarb Bread
Old fashioned rhubarb bread is a tender quick bread loaded with sweet tart nuggets of fruit. Grandma would have offered you a slice the minute you walked into her kitchen.
![Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (20) Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (20)](https://i0.wp.com/theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rhubarb-bread-1800-March-19-2023.jpg)
Rhubarb Pudding Cake
This recipe dates back to the 1930s and is a delicious combination of tangy rhubarb and sweet cake. If you’ve had my Warm Lemon Pudding Cake you’ll have the idea. The one below is from Seasons & Suppers.
![Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (21) Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (21)](https://i0.wp.com/theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/rhubarb-pudding-cake-6.jpg)
Rhubarb Custard Pie
This is a classic American dessert that was popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It is made by lining a pie crust with stewed rhubarb, then pouring a custard mixture over the top and baking until set. The Lemon Apron’s version is below.
![Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (22) Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (22)](https://i0.wp.com/theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/rhubarb-custard-pie-5.jpg)
Rhubarb Grunt
This is one classic rhubarb dessert recipe that definitely stands the test of time, from Boulder Locavore.
![Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (23) Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (23)](https://i0.wp.com/theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Rhubarb-Grunt.webp)
Pickled Rhubarb
A super simple pickled rhubarb recipe from Autumn Giles’ Beyond Canning. If you love ‘quickles’, check out my How To Quick Pickle (almost) Anything tutorial.
![Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (25) Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (25)](https://i0.wp.com/theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pickled-rhubarb.jpg)
Rhubarb wine
The University of Vermont sustainable food systems program shares this easy method for making old time rhubarb wine. I like it because you don’t need any special wine making equipment.
![Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (26) Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (26)](https://i0.wp.com/theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/rhubarb-wine.jpg)
Sugar Rhubarb
Eating raw rhubarb dipped in sugar is a traditional practice, especially among children, in the Northern United States, Canada, and Scandinavian countries. In Sweden it’s known as “rabarberpaj,” or rhubarb pie.
![Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (27) Forgotten Rhubarb Recipes • from crumble to fool! (27)](https://i0.wp.com/theviewfromgreatisland.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rhubarb-ginger-crumble-8504271-March-02-2020-3.jpg)
Sugar Rhubarb
5 from 6 votes
Nostalgic rhubarb recipes you'll want to try this spring!
Print RecipePin RecipeRate Recipe
Prep Time:5 minutes minutes
Total Time:5 minutes minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients
- 1 stalk raw rhubarb, washed
- sugar for dipping
Instructions
Rinse your rhubarb and trim both ends. Be sure to trim off all the leaves, as they are toxic.
Dip the ends of the rhubarb into the sugar and enjoy! Double dipping is encouraged 🙂
NEW FEATURE! Click here to add your own private notes.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Author: Sue Moran
Keyword: dessert, rhubarb, spring
Nutrition
Serving: 1 stalk · Calories: 27 kcal · Carbohydrates: 7 g · Protein: 0.5 g · Fat: 0.1 g · Saturated Fat: 0.03 g · Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1 g · Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02 g · Sodium: 2 mg · Potassium: 147 mg · Fiber: 1 g · Sugar: 5 g · Vitamin A: 52 IU · Vitamin C: 4 mg · Calcium: 44 mg · Iron: 0.1 mg
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although The View from Great Island attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
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