Rhubarb Pie Recipe

So, you’ve got rhubarb sitting in your fridge and you’re staring at it like, “What even are you?” Don’t worry, friend—I’ve been there. Turns out, this stalky little plant is secretly the star of one of the most deliciously tangy pies you’ll ever bake. And the best part? Making it is way easier than explaining to someone what rhubarb actually tastes like (spoiler: a mix between sour candy and grandma’s garden).

If you’re craving something that’s sweet, tart, and guaranteed to impress your taste buds (or your in-laws—if you’re into that kind of pressure), this rhubarb pie recipe has got you covered.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

  • It’s idiot-proof. Seriously, I didn’t burn it—and I’ve set popcorn on fire before.
  • It makes you look like a baking genius without requiring actual genius-level skills.
  • The flavor combo is chef’s kiss: tangy rhubarb mellowed out by sugar, all snuggled into a buttery, flaky crust.
  • It’s a total conversation starter. People love asking, “Wait… is this strawberry?!” (Nope, just rhubarb living its best life.)
  • Bonus: Your kitchen will smell like heaven (and by heaven, I mean sweet-tart pie glory).

Ingredients You’ll Need

(Keep it simple. No need to raid a specialty store in the middle of the night.)

  • 4 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped into bite-sized pieces (don’t peel it, we’re not that fancy)
  • 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar (yes, that much—you’ll thank me later)
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (aka the glue that keeps your pie from becoming soup)
  • 1 tablespoon butter, cut into tiny bits (for buttery magic)
  • 1 unbaked double pie crust (store-bought or homemade—no judgment here)
  • 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water (for the shiny golden “I tried really hard” crust finish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Don’t skip this. A cold oven is basically pie purgatory.
  2. Mix the filling. In a big bowl, toss chopped rhubarb with sugar and flour. Stir until everything looks coated and happy.
  3. Assemble the pie. Roll out the bottom crust and plop it into your pie dish. Dump the rhubarb mixture in there like you own the place.
  4. Add butter bits. Scatter those tiny butter cubes over the filling. It feels random, but trust me—it works.
  5. Seal the deal. Place the top crust over the pie. Crimp the edges like you’re giving your pie a fancy haircut. Cut little slits on top so steam can escape.
  6. Egg wash time. Brush the crust with your egg + water mix. This is how you get that shiny bakery look without selling your soul.
  7. Bake it. Throw that beauty into the oven for 15 minutes at 425°F. Then, lower the temp to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 40–45 minutes.
  8. Cool it down. Let the pie sit for at least 30 minutes before cutting. Yes, I know you want to dive in, but molten rhubarb lava on your tongue is not the vibe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forgetting the flour. Unless you want rhubarb soup in a crust, don’t skip it.
  • Overfilling the pie. More filling ≠ better pie. Unless you like scrubbing your oven.
  • Cutting too soon. Patience, grasshopper. Let the juices set.
  • Thinking rhubarb is celery. It’s not. Please don’t put ranch dressing on it.

Alternatives & Substitutions

  • Sugar swap: Want to cut down sugar? Try a mix of honey or maple syrup—but beware, it’ll change the texture.
  • Flour substitute: Cornstarch works if you’re gluten-free or just out of flour.
  • Mix it up: Toss in some strawberries if you want a sweeter, more classic combo. (Rhubarb + strawberries = besties.)
  • Crust cheats: Too lazy to make a crust? Use puff pastry. Zero judgment here.

FAQs

Can I use frozen rhubarb?

Yep! Just thaw and drain it first so your pie doesn’t turn into soup.

Do I have to peel rhubarb?

Nah. That’s wasted effort. Chop it and roll on with your life.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Totally. Bake it, cool it, and stash it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat before serving.

What if my pie crust burns?

Cover the edges with foil. It’s like giving your pie sunblock.

Can I skip the butter?

Technically yes… but then your pie misses out on that extra yum. Don’t do that to yourself.

Why is my filling watery?

Either you skipped the flour/cornstarch or cut into it too soon. Chill, literally.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—an easy, irresistible rhubarb pie recipe that’s part tangy sass, part sweet hug, and 100% worth the oven time. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people go, “Wait, what is this magic?” and then immediately ask for seconds.

So, next time you see rhubarb hanging out at the market looking all misunderstood, scoop it up and show it some love in pie form. Now go bake, eat, and brag a little—you’ve earned it.

Would you like me to also draft a short, snappy meta description (under 160 characters) for this rhubarb pie recipe so it’s fully SEO-optimized?

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