We’ve all been there—standing in the store, ready to try a recipe, only to realize rhubarb isn’t in sight. It happened to us last spring, and it threw off our dessert plans. Rhubarb pies, crumbles, or syrups just hit differently, so swapping it out feels tricky at first.
We’ve tried a bunch of substitutes, experimenting with whatever fruity options we could grab. Some worked like a dream, while others… well, not so much. The good news is, there are a handful of swaps that bring the tang and sweetness you need. You probably have at least one already sitting at home.
These picks keep things easy, workable, and tasty enough to hold up in your recipes.
5 Quick Substitutes for Rhubarb
Here are our top five choices for swapping out rhubarb in your recipes:
1 – Cranberries
Cranberries can save the day when we’re out of rhubarb. Use them at a 1-to-1 ratio as a substitute. They’re tart like rhubarb, though a bit sweeter, which makes balancing them in recipes easier.
We’ve tried cranberries in pies and sauces, and they worked really well. Their deep red color also gives desserts a nice pop. If the cranberries feel too sweet, adding a splash of lemon juice can bring in the needed tang.
For more substitute ideas, check out this guide on cranberry replacements. It’s full of practical options you can rely on.
2 – Tart Apples (like Granny Smith)
Tart apples can step in nicely when we’re out of rhubarb. Use them at a 1-to-1 ratio for a similar tangy flavor. They’re slightly less sour, so they bring a bit of natural sweetness to recipes.
We’ve swapped them in crumbles and jams, and they held up amazingly well. Their firmer texture stays intact even after cooking, which adds a bit of bite to desserts. If you need more of that rhubarb-like sharpness, a squeeze of lemon juice can do the trick.
Tart apples are super easy to work with, and you’ll barely miss the rhubarb in most recipes.
3 – Red Currants
Red currants work surprisingly well when we need a rhubarb replacement. Use them at a 1-to-1 ratio for a tangy swap in desserts and sauces. They’re naturally sour, so they replicate rhubarb’s sharpness pretty easily.
We’ve tried them in pies and they blended right in, especially with a bit of sugar added. Their small size makes them quick to cook, and their bright red color looks great in recipes. If you want to lean closer to rhubarb’s flavor, toss in a splash of lemon juice for an extra kick.
Red currants are a simple and effective option to use anytime rhubarb is out of reach.
4 – Raspberries
Raspberries make a solid backup when rhubarb’s out of reach. You can swap them in at a 1-to-1 ratio with ease. They’re tangy but lean sweeter, so you might want to dial back the sugar in your recipe.
We’ve tried them in crumbles and tarts, and they brought a nice balance of flavor without missing a beat. Their softness works well for anything baked or blended. Need a sharper bite? A splash of lemon juice does wonders to mimic rhubarb’s bold tang.
If you’re curious for more ideas, check this handy list of raspberry alternatives. It’s full of useful suggestions!
5 – Strawberries with Lemon Juice
Strawberries can step up as a rhubarb swap when we’re in a pinch. Substitute them at a 1-to-1 ratio without fuss. They’re sweeter than rhubarb, so you might want to cut back on sugar in your recipe.
We’ve tested them in jams and pies, and they brought a softer, fruity edge that worked well. Their bright flavor shines in baked goods and sauces. For more of rhubarb’s tang, try adding a squeeze of lemon or a dash of lime juice.
Strawberries are a dependable alternative, adding their own vibe to dishes needing rhubarb’s role.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.