How to Make Simple Rhubarb Butter: A Sweet-Tart Spread for Every Occasion

Rhubarb is one of spring’s most versatile treasures, with its vibrant color and distinctive tangy flavor. While many associate rhubarb with pies and crumbles, transforming it into a silky, spreadable butter opens up countless culinary possibilities. This simple rhubarb butter recipe requires minimal ingredients and effort but delivers maximum flavor – perfect for preserving rhubarb’s unique taste to enjoy long after the season ends. Whether you’re an experienced preserver or a complete beginner, this foolproof method will have you spreading homemade rhubarb butter on everything from morning toast to evening cheese boards.

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What is Rhubarb Butter?

Fruit butter is a smooth, concentrated spread made by cooking down fruit until it becomes thick and spreadable. Unlike jam, fruit butter contains no pectin and relies on slow reduction to achieve its silky consistency. Rhubarb butter is particularly special because it transforms the tart vegetable (yes, rhubarb is technically a vegetable!) into a sweet-tart spread with a beautiful pink hue and complex flavor profile.

What makes this simple rhubarb butter recipe so appealing is its versatility and ease. With just a handful of ingredients and some patience, you’ll create a spread that can elevate everything from breakfast to dessert. The natural pectin in rhubarb helps the butter thicken beautifully without additives, resulting in a pure, intense flavor that captures rhubarb’s essence.

Ingredients for Simple Rhubarb Butter

One of the beauties of this recipe is its simplicity. You’ll need just a few basic ingredients to create this delicious spread:

• 1 pound fresh rhubarb (about 4 cups when chopped) – choose the reddest stalks for the most vibrant color
• 1/2 cup sugar – adjust to taste depending on how sweet or tart you prefer
• 2 tablespoons water – just enough to prevent scorching at the start
• Squeeze of fresh lemon juice – brightens the flavor and helps preserve color

Simple ingredients for a delicious rhubarb butter

Optional Flavor Additions

While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, you can customize your rhubarb butter with these optional additions:

• Vanilla bean seeds or extract (add after cooking)
• Cinnamon or cardamom (1/4 teaspoon)
• Grated fresh ginger (1 teaspoon)
• Orange or lemon zest (from 1 small fruit)

Equipment You’ll Need

Step-by-Step Instructions

The transformation from fresh rhubarb to smooth butter

1. Prepare the rhubarb: Wash rhubarb stalks thoroughly and trim the ends. Cut into 1-inch pieces. Remember to discard the leaves as they are toxic.
2. Cook the rhubarb: Place the chopped rhubarb in a medium saucepan with sugar, water, and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rhubarb breaks down and becomes very soft.
3. Blend until smooth: Using an immersion blender, carefully puree the hot rhubarb mixture directly in the pot until completely smooth. If using a regular blender, let the mixture cool slightly, then blend in batches, being extremely careful with the hot liquid.
4. Reduce to thicken: Return the pureed mixture to the pot (if you used a regular blender) and continue cooking over low heat for another 20-30 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent scorching, especially as it thickens. The butter is ready when it’s glossy and a spoon dragged across the bottom of the pot leaves a trail that fills in slowly.
5. Cool and store: Let the rhubarb butter cool slightly, then transfer to clean glass jars. Allow to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.

How to Know When Your Rhubarb Butter is Done

The final consistency of your simple rhubarb butter is largely a matter of personal preference. Here are some ways to test if it’s ready:

• Spoon test: Drag a spoon across the bottom of the pot. If the path fills in slowly, it’s ready.
• Plate test: Place a small amount on a cold plate. If no liquid seeps out around the edges after a minute, it’s done.
• Color and appearance: The butter will darken slightly and become glossier as it thickens.

The spoon test shows when your rhubarb butter has reached the perfect consistency

Storage Tips

Choose the storage method that works best for your needs

Serving Suggestions

The sweet-tart flavor of simple rhubarb butter makes it incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy your homemade creation:

Rhubarb butter pairs wonderfully with soft cheeses for an elegant appetizer

A simple breakfast of yogurt swirled with rhubarb butter and topped with granola

Recipe Variations

While this simple rhubarb butter is delicious on its own, here are some variations to try:

Try different variations to discover your favorite rhubarb butter flavor

Why You’ll Love This Simple Rhubarb Butter

Why Make Rhubarb Butter

• Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand
• Perfect way to preserve seasonal rhubarb
• More versatile than jam or jelly
• Less sugar than traditional preserves
• No pectin or special canning equipment required

Homemade rhubarb butter makes a thoughtful seasonal gift

Making simple rhubarb butter is a wonderful way to preserve the unique flavor of this spring vegetable. The process is straightforward, requiring just a few ingredients and some patience as it cooks down to silky perfection. Whether you spread it on your morning toast, serve it with a cheese board, or give it as a homemade gift, this versatile preserve captures rhubarb’s essence in its most delicious form.

As rhubarb season comes and goes, having a jar of this ruby-hued butter in your refrigerator allows you to enjoy its distinctive taste year-round. We encourage you to try this recipe and experiment with different flavor variations to find your perfect version of this delightful spread.