3 Ingredient Rhubarb Squares – Easy, Tangy, and Totally Irresistible

Thank you so much for being here! If you’re craving a quick, no-fuss dessert that celebrates the tangy, vibrant magic of rhubarb, you’re in the right place. These 3 Ingredient Rhubarb Squares are shockingly simple, incredibly flavorful, and come together with just a few pantry staples—perfect for when you want something homemade and sweet without the big kitchen commitment.

I’ll be honest: I didn’t expect much from a recipe with only three ingredients. But oh wow—these are anything but boring!! They’re tender, tart, lightly sweet, and perfect with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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Why You’ll Love These 3 Ingredient Rhubarb Squares

• Only three ingredients! That’s right—just 3.

• No mixer, no special tools – Just a bowl and a pan.

• Perfectly sweet-tart – Rhubarb’s natural zing shines through.

• Freezer-friendly – Make a batch and stash some away (if you can resist!).

• Great for last-minute desserts – Or when you’re low on groceries but still want a treat.

What Do They Taste Like?

These squares are soft and moist, with a delicate crumb and the unmistakable tang of rhubarb in every bite. They’re a little custardy in texture (almost like a blondie meets a crumble bar) with pops of juicy rhubarb throughout. They’re not overly sweet, which means you really taste the fruit.

They’re equally perfect for a springtime brunch, a bake sale, or just a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea. Bonus: they smell amazing while baking—like sunshine in your kitchen.

Ingredients

Yes, just three ingredients!

• 2 cups chopped rhubarb (fresh or frozen)

• 1 cup sugar (white or coconut sugar work well)

• 1 cup self-rising flour (or see substitution below)

Need to Make Self-Rising Flour?

No problem! Just mix the following:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

This works exactly the same in this recipe!

Tools You’ll Need

• 8×8-inch baking dish

• Mixing bowl

• Spoon or spatula

• Knife and cutting board

No electric mixer needed—just simple tools for a simple bake.

Optional Add-Ins and Toppings

Want to jazz it up a bit? Try one or two of these (but totally optional!):

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• 1 egg (for more of a cakey texture)

• 2 tbsp butter or coconut oil (for extra richness)

• A handful of chopped strawberries

• Dusting of powdered sugar after baking

• Scoop of ice cream or dollop of whipped cream on top

I promised you versatile—and this recipe delivers!

How to Make 3 Ingredient Rhubarb Squares

1. Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the self-rising flour and sugar. Stir in the chopped rhubarb and mix until everything is well coated. The batter will be a bit crumbly—that’s okay!

3. Press into the Pan

Transfer the mixture into your prepared pan. Press it gently into an even layer using the back of a spoon or clean hands.

4. Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are slightly crisp. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs but not raw batter.

5. Cool and Cut

Let cool completely before slicing into squares. These bars firm up as they cool, making them easier to cut and even tastier the next day.

What to Serve with Rhubarb Squares

These 3 Ingredient Rhubarb Squares are charmingly simple, but with the right pairings, you can easily turn them into a full-on dessert experience or the star of your spring brunch table. Here’s how to dress them up or round them out—whether you’re serving guests or just treating yourself to something special.

🍨 Serve with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream

• Vanilla ice cream: A creamy, cool contrast to the tangy rhubarb.

• Whipped cream or coconut whip: Light and fluffy, perfect for a soft finish.

• Cinnamon ice cream: If you’re feeling fancy—it pairs beautifully with the tartness.

☕ Enjoy with Warm Beverages

• A cup of earl grey or chamomile tea: Soft floral flavors complement the fruit.

• Coffee or cold brew: Especially nice if you’re enjoying the squares chilled.

• Chai latte: The spices balance the tanginess of rhubarb in such a cozy way.

🍓 Pair with Fresh Fruit or Compote

• Strawberries or raspberries: Add extra berry brightness to your plate.

• A spoonful of strawberry-rhubarb compote: Layer it right on top for a double rhubarb moment.

• Citrus zest: A sprinkle of orange or lemon zest can bring a beautiful, fragrant lift.

🥞 Brunch-Style Ideas

Turn your rhubarb squares into something brunch-worthy with:

• Yogurt and granola: Crumble a square on top of Greek yogurt for a tangy-sweet parfait.

• French toast or pancakes: Add warmed rhubarb squares on the side or use them as a topping.

• Sparkling rhubarb lemonade: For a themed treat that’s both sweet and refreshing.

Tips for the Best Rhubarb Squares

• Even though these 3 Ingredient Rhubarb Squares are incredibly simple, a few thoughtful tips can take them from good to unforgettable. Here’s how to make sure every batch turns out soft, tangy, and perfectly satisfying:

  ✅ Use Fresh Rhubarb When Possible

  Fresh rhubarb gives the best texture and a vibrant tartness. If you’re using frozen rhubarb, thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture that can make your squares soggy.

  ✅ Chop the Rhubarb Small and Evenly

  Smaller, evenly cut pieces of rhubarb ensure every bite is balanced and bakes evenly throughout the squares.

  ✅ Don’t Overmix the Batter

  This isn’t a cake—it’s more of a bar! Gently mix just until combined so the texture stays tender. Overmixing can lead to dense or tough squares.

  ✅ Add a Pinch of Salt (Optional but Effective)

  Even though it’s not one of the three main ingredients, a tiny pinch of salt can help enhance the flavor and balance the tartness of the rhubarb.

  ✅ Let Them Cool Completely Before Cutting

  These bars firm up as they cool, so be patient! Cutting too early can result in crumbly, messy squares instead of clean, beautiful ones.

  ✅ Taste and Adjust for Sweetness

  Depending on how tart your rhubarb is, you can adjust the sugar slightly. If you prefer a sweeter treat, increase the sugar by a couple tablespoons.

Storage Instructions

• One of the best things about these 3 Ingredient Rhubarb Squares (aside from how easy they are to make!) is how well they store. Whether you’re making them ahead for a gathering or saving a few for later snacking, here’s how to keep them fresh and delicious:

  🧊 Room Temperature

  • Storage Time: Up to 2 days

  • How to Store: Place the cooled squares in an airtight container and store in a cool, dry spot on your counter. Layer parchment or wax paper between layers if stacking.

  ❄️ Refrigerator

  • Storage Time: Up to 5 days

  • How to Store: Transfer cooled bars to an airtight container and refrigerate. They taste great cold and will firm up a bit more in the fridge.

  🧁 Freezer

  • Storage Time: Up to 2 months

  • How to Freeze:

    1. Let the squares cool completely.

    2. Wrap each square in plastic wrap or parchment.

    3. Place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.

  • To Thaw: Let sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes or microwave for 15–20 seconds for a quick treat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen rhubarb?
Yes! Just thaw and drain well before using to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes—use a gluten-free all-purpose blend and add 1½ tsp baking powder and ¼ tsp salt if it doesn’t already contain a leavening agent.

Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely. If your rhubarb is mild or you’re used to less sweetness, try using ¾ cup sugar.

Can I add eggs or butter?
Yes! Adding 1 egg and 2 tbsp melted butter gives a richer, more cakey texture.

Can I double the recipe?
You sure can—just bake in a 9×13-inch dish and add 5–10 minutes to the bake time.

In Conclusion

These 3 Ingredient Rhubarb Squares are the perfect way to celebrate rhubarb season with zero stress. They’re sweet, tart, tender, and totally doable—even for beginner bakers. If you’ve got rhubarb and 30 minutes, you’re already halfway to something special.

Whether you’re baking for a friend, your family, or just yourself (highly recommended!), I hope this recipe becomes one of those sweet little traditions you return to each spring.

If you make it, tag me in your photos or leave a comment below—I love seeing your kitchen wins! 💗🌿

More Rhubarb Recipes You’ll Love

• 🍓 [Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp with Oat Topping]

  Sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb come together under a golden oat crumble. Naturally sweetened and perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

  🧁 [Healthy Rhubarb Muffins (No Refined Sugar)]

  Moist, fluffy, and full of juicy rhubarb chunks—these muffins are perfect for breakfast or snacks, with a touch of honey and whole wheat goodness.

  🍯 [Rhubarb Chia Jam (Naturally Sweetened)]

  Quick, easy, and no canning required! This small-batch jam is perfect for spreading on toast, layering in yogurt parfaits, or gifting to friends.

  🥧 [Rustic Rhubarb Galette with Almond Flour Crust]

  A beautiful free-form tart with crisp edges, a tender filling, and the nutty richness of almond flour. Elegant, yet surprisingly simple.

  🍹 [Sparkling Rhubarb Lemonade]

  Tart, refreshing, and so pretty in a glass—this sparkling lemonade is a non-alcoholic hit at spring brunches and summer picnics alike.

Nutritional Information (Per Square – makes 9)

• Calories: ~160

• Fat: 2g

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Sugar: 18g

• Fiber: 2g

• Protein: 2g

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