Rhubarb Applesauce • easy recipe! (2024)

making rhubarb applesauce

step 1. Load your non-reactive pot with apples, rhubarb, sugar and water

Nonreactive pans such as stainless steel, enamel-coated cast iron, or glass do not react with acidic ingredients, and prevent any metallic tastes from being imparted to the fruit.

Step 2. Cook for about 20 minutes to soften

After a few minutes the fruit will start to lose moisture and you’ll see that your pan is not quite so full after all. That 1/2 cup water is plenty to get the process started. It’s unlikely, but if your mixture seems too dry you can add a bit more water, or cover the pan while it cooks.

Step 3. Puree

I prefer to use my food processor rather than a high speed blender because I think it does a better job of processing just enough but not too much. I like a little texture in my applesauce.

Step 4. Fill jars

I fill the jars while the applesauce is hot. Of course you can chow down on your rhubarb applesauce right away, or at least taste it, it’s pretty amazing when it’s warm.

Step 5. Chill or freeze

Let the applesauce cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.

canning rhubarb applesauce?

We know you can safely can rhubarb, and you can safely can applesauce, but I could not find any authoritative recipe for canning rhubarb applesauce. How frustrating! So I contacted canning authorities including Ball® and The National Center for Home Food Preservation, about canning rhubarb applesauce and unfortunately they don’t officially recommend it because they haven’t specifically tested it for canning safety. My instinct tells me this is fine to can, but I can’t in good conscience recommend it. Frustrating, but there you have it.

The good news ~ this sauce can be easily frozen for up to a year. Just be sure to leave headspace in your jars to allow for expansion in the freezer.

When you’re ready to use the frozen applesauce, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, give it a good stir to recombine any separated liquids and ensure a smooth consistency.

playing with the proportions of rhubarb applesauce

As written, this recipe yields a subtle rhubarb flavor. It adds tartness and a nice background berry notes from the rhubarb. You could increase the rhubarb to apple ratio for a stronger flavor, up to a 1:1 ratio. With more rhubarb you may want more sugar, so be sure to taste as you go.

color story

No two batches of rhubarb applesauce will be the same, and that’s because rhubarb varies so much in color. Of course darker red rhubarb will lend more pink tones to the sauce. But no worries, even if your rhubarb is green you’ll still get that famous flavor (and a couple of drops of red food coloring never hurt anyone.)

rhubarb applesauce FAQs and tips

What else can I use instead of rhubarb in this recipe?

• You have lots of options: strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, pears, or peaches are just a few ideas.

What other flavorings can I add?

• You can add a touch of vanilla, or a hint of spice like cinnamon or cardamom. Nutmeg, allspice, cloves, or ginger can also be used. Ginger can be used fresh or powdered.

What about alternatives to sugar?

• You can use just about any sweetener or alternative sweetener you like. Honey, maple syrup, or your favorite sugar substitute can be used. You can go completely sugar free, as well. The apples will provide natural sweetness to balance the rhubarb for a tart applesauce.

Weck German Canning Jars

I use all sizes and shapes of these jars for serving and storage. You can buy them here.

Rhubarb Applesauce

Craving something unique? Rhubarb applesauce has a fresh tart flavor and a gorgeous rosy color!

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5 cup · Calories: 107 kcal · Carbohydrates: 28 g · Protein: 1 g · Fat: 0.3 g · Saturated Fat: 0.1 g · Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1 g · Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03 g · Sodium: 4 mg · Potassium: 274 mg · Fiber: 4 g · Sugar: 21 g · Vitamin A: 120 IU · Vitamin C: 10 mg · Calcium: 45 mg · Iron: 0.3 mg

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although The View from Great Island attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

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