Imagine the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen as you simmer fresh rhubarb and sweet apples together, creating a vibrant symphony of tangy and sweet flavors that dance on your taste buds. The moment you take a spoonful of this luscious Rhubarb Applesauce, the tartness of the rhubarb perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the apples, leaving you craving just one more bite.
As a child, I remember eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring when my grandmother would whip up her famous Rhubarb Applesauce to accompany our Sunday dinners, turning an ordinary meal into a cherished family tradition. Whether served warm as a comforting side dish or chilled as a refreshing dessert, this delightful blend is sure to elevate any occasion, leaving everyone at the table savoring every last drop with smiles on their faces.
Why Is Rhubarb Applesauce So Irresistibly Good?
Bright flavors of tangy rhubarb and sweet apples create a delightful balance that’s hard to resist. Quick to prepare, this recipe takes just 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking—perfect for busy weeknights. Versatile, it can be served as a side dish or dessert, appealing to both kids and adults alike. Customizable, adjust the sugar and cinnamon to match your taste preferences for a truly unique experience. Healthy fruits combine to create a guilt-free treat that’s rich in vitamins and fiber, making it a smart addition to any meal!
Rhubarb Applesauce Ingredient List
- 2 cups rhubarb, chopped (fresh or frozen) – This tart fruit adds a delightful zing to your applesauce.
- 4 cups apples, peeled and chopped (any sweet variety) – Choose your favorite sweet apples for a balanced flavor.
- 1 cup water – This helps create the perfect saucy consistency as the fruits cook down.
- ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste) – Sweeten to your preference; adjust based on the tartness of your rhubarb.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional) – A warm spice that enhances the flavors beautifully; add it for an aromatic touch.
How to Make Rhubarb Applesauce
1. Combine In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of chopped rhubarb and 4 cups of peeled and chopped sweet apples with 1 cup of water. Bring the mixture to a lively boil over medium heat, filling your kitchen with inviting aromas.
2. Simmer Reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the rhubarb and apples become tender, turning soft and delightful.
3. Sweeten Stir in ½ cup of sugar and add 1 teaspoon of optional cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the sweetness to meld perfectly with the tangy fruits.
4. Cool Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly before blending. This step ensures a safer blending process while maintaining that vibrant color.
5. Blend Transfer the warm mixture into a blender, blending until smooth, or leave some chunks for added texture if you prefer a rustic feel in your Rhubarb Applesauce.
6. Serve Serve your delicious creation warm or chill it in the refrigerator for later enjoyment. Leftovers can be stored easily, ensuring you can savor this treat again!
Optional: For a pop of color, garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips
- Rhubarb Selection: Use fresh, vibrant rhubarb for the best flavor. Avoid any that looks wilted or discolored, as this can affect your Rhubarb Applesauce.
- Apple Variety Matters: Opt for sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji; their natural sweetness balances the tanginess of rhubarb beautifully.
- Adjusting Sweetness: Start with ½ cup of sugar, but taste after mixing in. You might want to add more or less depending on your apple's sweetness.
- Simmering Time: Ensure you simmer long enough for both fruits to soften properly. Undercooking can leave a chunky texture that doesn't blend well.
- Blending Options: For a smoother sauce, blend it fully. If you enjoy a bit of texture, pulse it lightly to retain some fruit chunks.
- Storing Leftovers: Keep your Rhubarb Applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave when serving again.
How to Store and Freeze Rhubarb Applesauce
- Fridge: Store your Rhubarb Applesauce in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This keeps it fresh and delicious for easy snacking or side dishes.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the applesauce in freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 6 months, perfect for enjoying later!
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stove or microwave until heated through. Stir well before serving.
- Serving Size: Consider portioning out servings before freezing, making it easier to thaw just what you need!
Rhubarb Applesauce Your Way
Feel free to unleash your creativity and make this delightful recipe your own with a few simple tweaks!
- Sweetener Swap: Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetness. Adjust the quantity to taste, keeping in mind their unique flavors. These alternatives can add a warm, earthy note that complements the tartness of rhubarb beautifully.
- Cinnamon Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of nutmeg along with cinnamon for an aromatic twist. The nutmeg enhances the warm spices, giving your applesauce a cozy flavor perfect for chilly days.
- Berry Boost: Mix in 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries like strawberries or blueberries. This adds a pop of color and a burst of fruity goodness, creating a deliciously vibrant blend that elevates every spoonful.
- Tart Twist: Incorporate ½ cup of cranberries for an extra tangy punch. Their tartness contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of apples, resulting in a well-rounded flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more.
- Zesty Infusion: Stir in the zest of one lemon or orange for a refreshing hint of citrus. This brightens up the flavor and adds an unexpected zing that pairs perfectly with the fruitiness.
- Spicy Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger for a subtle kick. This spice introduces warmth and depth, making your applesauce intriguing and deliciously complex.
- Texture Variation: Blend half until smooth while leaving the rest chunky for added texture. This combination provides a satisfying mouthfeel, making each bite exciting as you enjoy both creamy and chunky elements together.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing Rhubarb Applesauce is a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing you to savor its tangy sweetness at your convenience. You can chop the rhubarb and apples up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to whip up this delightful sauce, simply combine the prepped fruits with water and bring them to a boil over medium heat. After simmering for about 20 minutes until tender, stir in the sugar and cinnamon; then let it cool slightly before blending. For optimal freshness, enjoy your homemade Rhubarb Applesauce within three days, and don't forget to store any leftovers in the refrigerator. This way, you’ll always have a delicious side dish or dessert ready to brighten your meals!
Rhubarb Applesauce Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen rhubarb works wonderfully in this Rhubarb Applesauce. Simply add it directly to the saucepan without thawing. The cooking time may remain the same, as the heat will help soften it quickly.
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
For a deliciously sweet blend, choose any sweet variety of apples—like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala. These types not only complement the tanginess of the rhubarb but also add natural sweetness to the sauce.
How should I store leftover Rhubarb Applesauce?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 5-7 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again; you might find that it thickens a little as it cools down.
Can I freeze Rhubarb Applesauce?
Yes! This applesauce freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely and transfer into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying!
What if my mixture is too tart?
If you find your Rhubarb Applesauce a bit too tart for your taste, simply add more sugar! Start with an additional tablespoon and adjust until you reach your desired sweetness level. Remember, it's all about finding that perfect balance that suits your palate.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This delightful recipe yields about 4 servings, each clocking in at around 120 calories. It's perfect as a side dish or dessert, whether you're having a cozy family dinner or enjoying it solo!
