Easy Rhubarb Butter Amazing Simple Spread

Last spring, I stood at my counter with a pile of bright pink stalks and a simple goal. I wanted something sweet but still sharp. So I made Easy Rhubarb Butter, and that first spoonful tasted like sunshine and lemon in one smooth swipe.
Easy Rhubarb Butter is a soft fruit spread made by slowly cooking rhubarb with sugar until it turns silky and thick. It feels fancy, yet it stays beginner friendly. You only need a few basic ingredients, about 45 minutes, and one saucepan.
Because rhubarb carries that bold tart bite, this recipe balances it with just enough sugar and a squeeze of lemon. As a result, you get a sweet tart flavor that tastes bright, fresh, and perfect for spring and summer baking.
In this post, I will walk you through every stage. You will also learn how to adjust sweetness, store it safely, and use it in everyday desserts.

What You Need to Make Easy Rhubarb Butter

Ingredients at a Glance

You only need a handful of simple ingredients for Easy Rhubarb Butter.
Use 1 pound or about 4 cups sliced rhubarb. Add 1 half cup sugar, 2 tablespoons water, and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice.
That is it. Because the ingredient list stays short, the rhubarb flavor truly shines.

Fresh vs. Frozen Rhubarb and Color Tips

You can use fresh or frozen rhubarb for Easy Rhubarb Butter. However, if you want deeper color, choose redder stalks.
Fresh rhubarb gives a brighter look. Meanwhile, frozen rhubarb works well when fresh is out of season. Just measure it while still frozen, then cook as directed.

Tools That Make the Process Easier

You need a heavy saucepan, a spoon, and a blender or food processor.
Because the mixture gets hot and bubbly, I recommend a deep pot. Then use a blender carefully to purée until smooth.
A clean jar with a tight lid helps for storage later.

How to Make Rhubarb Butter Step by Step

Prep time takes about 5 minutes. Cook time runs about 40 minutes. Total time comes to roughly 45 minutes. This recipe yields about 1 and a half cups.

Stage 1: Cook the Rhubarb Until Soft

First, wash and trim the rhubarb. Discard any leaves, then cut stalks into 1 inch pieces.
Next, place the rhubarb in a heavy saucepan with sugar, water, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Bring it to a boil over medium heat.
As it heats, stir gently. Soon the rhubarb releases liquid and begins to soften. Then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until very soft and mostly broken down.

Stage 2: Blend into a Smooth Purée

Carefully transfer the hot mixture to a blender or food processor.
Then blend until completely smooth. The texture should look glossy and even.
Because the mixture stays hot, work slowly and avoid overfilling the blender.

Stage 3: Reduce Until Thick and Glossy

Return the purée to the saucepan. Bring it back to a boil, then lower the heat.
Simmer gently for about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, stir frequently so it does not stick.
Easy Rhubarb Butter is ready when a spoon dragged across the bottom leaves a clear path that does not immediately fill in. It will thicken more as it cools.
Let it cool slightly, then transfer to a jar and refrigerate.

Tips for Perfect Flavor and Texture

How to Know When It’s Done

The mixture should look thick, shiny, and smooth.
When you run a spoon through the pan, it should leave a trail for a few seconds. If it fills in right away, cook a bit longer.
Remember, Easy Rhubarb Butter thickens further in the fridge.

Optional Add Ins and Flavor Variations

You can stir in a splash of vanilla after puréeing. You can also add seeds from a vanilla bean for deeper flavor.
If you enjoy warm spice, add about one quarter teaspoon cinnamon or cardamom. However, keep it light so the rhubarb still leads.

Adjusting Sweetness or Thickness

If your rhubarb tastes very tart, add an extra spoonful of sugar while it simmers.
For a thicker Easy Rhubarb Butter, cook it a bit longer. As a result, more moisture cooks off and the texture turns richer.

Storage and Make Ahead Instructions

Fridge Storage and Shelf Life

Store Easy Rhubarb Butter in a sealed jar in the refrigerator.
It will last up to 2 weeks. Because it contains fruit and sugar only, always keep it chilled.
Each tablespoon contains about 20 calories, around 5 grams carbohydrates, and about 4 grams sugar. It also offers small amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and potassium.

Freezing for Long Term Use

You can freeze extra batches for longer storage.
Let the Easy Rhubarb Butter cool completely, then spoon into freezer safe containers. Leave a little space at the top.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

Why It’s Not Intended for Canning

This recipe does not follow tested canning ratios.
Therefore, I recommend fridge or freezer storage only for safety.

Ways to Use Rhubarb Butter

Simple Spreads and Breakfast Ideas

Spread Easy Rhubarb Butter on warm toast, muffins, or biscuits.
It tastes lovely over pancakes or swirled into oatmeal. You can also layer it into a bowl with yogurt, similar to this Greek yogurt no bake dessert.
For a spring brunch, pair it with tender cake squares like these strawberry shortcake bars recipe.

Dessert Applications and Baking Inspiration

You can spoon Easy Rhubarb Butter between cake layers for a bright filling.
It also works inside thumbprint cookies or spooned over cheesecake, like these mini lemon blueberry cheesecakes recipe.
For a fruity twist, swirl it into bars such as this easy cherry pie bars recipe.
If you love chilled desserts, add a ribbon of it next to this fresh cherry sorbet recipe.
Meanwhile, for layered treats, it pairs beautifully with this strawberry pretzel dessert recipe or even a soft slice of strawberry heaven cake recipe.

Rhubarb Butter FAQs

More Such Recipes

• Strawberry Shortcake Bars Recipe
• Fresh Cherry Sorbet Recipe
• Greek Yogurt No Bake Dessert
• Easy Cherry Pie Bars Recipe
• Mini Lemon Blueberry Cheesecakes Recipe
• Strawberry Pretzel Dessert Recipe
• Strawberry Heaven Cake Recipe

Conclusion

Easy Rhubarb Butter turns simple stalks into a smooth, bright spread that tastes both sweet and tart. Because it takes less than an hour, you can make it on a quiet afternoon and enjoy it all week. Once you try this Easy Rhubarb Butter, you may start looking for excuses to buy more rhubarb.

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