Oh, the smell of a freshly baked pie! It just wraps you up like a warm hug, doesn’t it? For me, nothing screams sweet nostalgia quite like my Irresistible Rhubarb Pie Recipe. My grandma used to make this every spring as soon as those tart, ruby-red stalks started popping up. It wasn’t just dessert; it was a celebration of sunshine and simple joys. The perfect balance of sweet and tart, all tucked into a flaky crust? Pure magic. This recipe isn’t just a set of instructions; it’s a little slice of my childhood, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Rhubarb Pie Recipe
This pie is just pure goodness, I’m telling you! It’s got that perfect zingy-tart rhubarb flavor mellowed out with just the right amount of sweetness, all tucked into the flakiest crust you can imagine. It’s surprisingly simple to whip up, which is always a win in my book. Plus, it seriously tastes like a trip back in time to grandma’s kitchen, making it a guaranteed hit for any gathering. You just can’t go wrong with a classic like this!
Ingredients for Your Irresistible Rhubarb Pie Recipe
Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to make this pie truly irresistible:
- 1 recipe for a double pie crust (store-bought or your favorite homemade kind!)
- 6 cups fresh rhubarb, cut into nice, chunky 1-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (this is for the filling!)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (our thickener!)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (just a hint to make it cozy)
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into little tiny pieces
- 1 large egg, beaten with a splash of water (this is our egg wash for a shiny crust)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling on top for that lovely crunch!)
Essential Equipment for Making Rhubarb Pie
Okay, so to make this pie truly fuss-free, you’ll want a few trusty tools handy. I always grab my trusty 9-inch pie plate (the deeper the better, I say!). You’ll also need a good-sized mixing bowl for all those lovely rhubarb bits, a rolling pin for that perfect crust, and of course, your measuring cups and spoons. Don’t forget a small bowl for your egg wash and a baking sheet to catch any potential drips – trust me on this one!
Step-by-Step Guide to Your Irresistible Rhubarb Pie Recipe
Alright, let’s get this pie in the oven! Don’t worry, it’s way easier than you think, and the smell alone will make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. We’re going to make this pie happen, one yummy step at a time! If you’re looking for another rhubarb treat, you might love this classic rhubarb crisp too!
Preparing the Pie Crust and Filling
First things first, get that oven preheating to a nice 400°F (200°C). You want it nice and hot so that crust gets beautifully golden! Now, gently lay one of your pie crusts into your 9-inch pie plate. No need to stretch it too much, just let it settle in. In a big bowl, toss those lovely rhubarb pieces with the 1 1/2 cups of sugar, the flour (which is key to thickening that filling!), the cinnamon, and the nutmeg. Give it a gentle mix so all the rhubarb is coated. We want to be careful not to mush it up!
Assembling and Baking Your Rhubarb Pie
Now, carefully pour that beautiful, sugary rhubarb mixture right into the crust-lined pie plate. See all those little dots of butter listed? Dot them all over the top of the rhubarb. This adds just a touch of richness that makes a big difference. Then, lay your second pie crust over the filling. Crimp those edges all around to seal it up tight – this is important! Don’t forget to cut a few slits or designs in the top crust so the steam has somewhere to escape. Nobody wants a steamy pie explosion! Now, whisk up that egg with a tiny bit of water, and brush it all over the top crust. Sprinkle that extra tablespoon of sugar on top for a little sparkle and crunch. Pop it into your hot oven for about 15 minutes. Then, lower the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and let it bake for another 35-45 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden brown crust and bubbly filling. If you notice the edges getting too dark too fast, just loosely tent a piece of aluminum foil around them. Easy peasy!

The Crucial Cooling Step for Perfect Rhubarb Pie
This is probably the hardest part, but you *have* to let it cool! Seriously, let this pie cool completely on a wire rack. I know, I know, the temptation to dive right in is HUGE. But if you cut into it too soon, all that lovely thick filling will just ooze out and make a mess. Letting it cool completely lets everything set up perfectly, so you get those beautiful, clean slices. Patience, my friends, patience!

Tips for the Perfect Irresistible Rhubarb Pie
Making a truly stellar rhubarb pie is all about a few little tricks I’ve picked up over the years. First off, the rhubarb itself! You want fresh, firm stalks – they should snap when you bend them. Avoid anything limp or slimy. And while this recipe is perfectly balanced, if your rhubarb is extra tart, you might want to sneak in an extra tablespoon or two of sugar when you’re mixing the filling. Oh, and for that golden crust? Don’t skip the egg wash! It makes all the difference for a beautiful sheen. If you’re worried about the bottom crust getting soggy (a common pie fear!), try pre-baking it for about 5-7 minutes before adding the filling. I find it really helps!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
We’re using regular granulated sugar and all-purpose flour here, but let’s chat about options! If you’re looking to tweak things, you can try using a bit of packed brown sugar instead of some of the white sugar in the filling – it adds a lovely caramel note! For the flour, you can substitute an equal amount of cornstarch if you’re gluten-free, but just make sure you toss it really well with the rhubarb so it doesn’t clump up. And if fresh rhubarb is just impossible to find, you can totally use frozen; just make sure to thaw it and drain it super well before using it. It might be a little more watery, so keep an eye on that filling!
Serving Suggestions for Your Rhubarb Pie
Now for the best part – eating it! This pie is divine all on its own, but oh, the toppings! A big dollop of creamy vanilla ice cream is just classic, you know? Or how about some freshly whipped cream? So dreamy! Sometimes I even do a light dusting of powdered sugar. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, a tall glass of cold milk or even one of our amazing chocolate milkshakes makes it a perfect dessert combo!

Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover rhubarb pie is a treasure! If you happen to have any (big if, I know!), you can keep it covered at room temperature for a day, or pop it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, I like to warm up just a slice at a time in a moderate oven for about 10-15 minutes until it’s lovely and warm again. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the crust might get a little soft.
Frequently Asked Questions About Irresistible Rhubarb Pie
Got questions about making this sweet and tart rhubarb pie? I’ve got answers! Baking, especially with fruits like rhubarb, can sometimes bring up a few things you might wonder about. Don’t worry, I’m here to help make your pie dreams come true! For another delicious rhubarb treat, check out this classic rhubarb crisp.
Is rhubarb supposed to be this tart?
Oh yes, absolutely! That tartness is what makes rhubarb so special, especially in pies. It balances out all the sweetness from the sugar we add. If you find your rhubarb is extra zingy, you can always add a tablespoon or two more sugar to the filling, but part of the charm of a good rhubarb pie is that lovely tang!
How do I stop my rhubarb pie filling from being too runny?
This is a common worry, but it’s totally fixable! The biggest key is that flour we toss in with the rhubarb – it’s our secret weapon for thickening. Also, and this is SO important, letting the pie cool completely is a must. The filling needs time to set up properly as it cools. Seriously, resist the urge to slice into a hot pie! If you’re using frozen rhubarb, make sure you drain it really, really well first, as it releases a lot of extra liquid.
Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh for this pie recipe?
You sure can! Frozen rhubarb is a fantastic option, especially when fresh isn’t in season. My biggest tip here is to thaw it completely and then drain off as much liquid as possible. You don’t want a watery pie! Sometimes I even pat it gently with paper towels to get rid of excess moisture. You might need a touch more flour or a slightly longer baking time, so keep an eye on it. It still bakes up beautifully!
My crust always browns too fast! Help!
I hear you! Pie crusts can be tricky. The easiest fix is that aluminum foil trick I mentioned in the instructions. As soon as you see the edges getting that perfect golden-brown color but the rest of the pie still needs more time, just loosely tent a piece of foil around the edges. It protects the crust from getting too dark while the inside finishes bubbling and cooking through. You might also find that making sure your oven temperature is accurate makes a difference!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info can dance around a bit depending on exactly what goes into your pie, like the brand of crust or how sweet your rhubarb is! But as a general idea, a slice of this irresistible rhubarb pie usually comes in around 350 calories, with about 15g of fat and 35g of sugar. It’s a treat, but one that’s totally worth it!
Print
Irresistible Rhubarb Pie
- Total Time: 75 min
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic rhubarb pie recipe that evokes sweet nostalgia.
Ingredients
- 1 recipe for double pie crust
- 6 cups fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a 9-inch pie plate with one pie crust.
- In a large bowl, combine the rhubarb, 1 1/2 cups sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss gently to coat the rhubarb evenly.
- Pour the rhubarb mixture into the prepared pie crust.
- Dot the top of the filling with the small pieces of butter.
- Place the second pie crust over the filling. Crimp the edges to seal. Cut vents in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Brush the top crust with the beaten egg wash and sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar.
- Bake for 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Notes
- For a sweeter pie, you can increase the sugar slightly, but be mindful of the rhubarb’s natural tartness.
- Ensure your rhubarb is fresh for the best flavor.
- Allowing the pie to cool completely is crucial for the filling to thicken.
- Prep Time: 25 min
- Cook Time: 50 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: rhubarb pie, classic pie, fruit pie, nostalgic dessert, homemade pie, baking recipe

