May Special Rhubarb Dessert
A vibrant, sweet-tart rhubarb dessert layered with marshmallows and Cool Whip, perfect for spring gatherings and fans of fruity, creamy treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare a graham cracker crust and press into a 9 x 13-inch pan.
- Combine rhubarb and sugar and let stand until juice forms; cook until tender.
- Sprinkle strawberry jello in gradually into the warm mixture.
- Add marshmallows while mixture is still warm and stir until melted.
- Cool until it starts to set.
- Fold in Cool Whip.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared crust.
- Chill and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a bit of lemon juice to enhance the rhubarb's tartness. If you don't have miniature marshmallows, you can substitute with chopped regular marshmallows. Make sure to let the rhubarb mixture cool enough before adding the Cool Whip to avoid melting it. This dessert is perfect for spring gatherings.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful dessert chilled, garnished with fresh strawberries or mint leaves for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of Home Fries With Smoked Sausage for a fuller meal experience. Perfect for picnics or potlucks!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the dessert becomes too soft, you can gently re-chill it to firm up the texture. Avoid freezing, as the Cool Whip may separate upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of May Special Rhubarb Dessert contains roughly 618 calories, with 8g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (46% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 594mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb! Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess liquid before mixing with sugar. This will help maintain the texture of the dessert.
How can I make this dessert lighter?
To lighten this dessert, consider using a sugar substitute for the sugar and a light whipped topping instead of Cool Whip. You can also reduce the amount of marshmallows to maintain flavor while lowering calories.
What can I use if I don’t have graham crackers?
If you don't have graham crackers, you can easily substitute with crushed vanilla wafers or even a basic cookie crust made from digestive biscuits. Each option will give a different flavor profile but will still complement the rhubarb filling nicely.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).