Strawberry-Rhubarb Sauce
A vibrant and sweet-tart sauce combining fresh or frozen rhubarb and strawberries, accented with warming spices like cardamom or cinnamon. Perfect for drizzling over ice cream, pancakes, or yogurt, this sauce offers a delightful balance of fruity brightness and spice that complements a variety of desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 2-quart saucepan, combine rhubarb, sugar, water, and ground cardamom or cinnamon.
- Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 5 minutes or until fruit is tender.
- Stir together the 1 tablespoon water and cornstarch in a small bowl.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the rhubarb mixture.
- Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly.
- Cook and stir for 2 minutes more.
- Stir in sliced strawberries. Serve warm over ice cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider replacing the ground cardamom with cinnamon if you prefer a more traditional taste. If you're out of cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as a thickener, just use a bit more. To enhance the sauce, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This strawberry-rhubarb sauce is delightful served warm over ice cream, pancakes, or yogurt. It also pairs beautifully with a slice of pound cake or as a filling for crepes. For a refreshing twist, serve it alongside a glass of Tangy Tea Mix for a complementary flavor experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to prevent overheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry-Rhubarb Sauce contains roughly 430 calories, with 5g protein, 111g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (79% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 for this recipe?
Yes, frozen rhubarb works well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using. It might take a little longer to cook down, so adjust your simmering time accordingly until the rhubarb is tender.
What can I do with leftover strawberry-rhubarb sauce?
Leftover sauce can be used in various ways! Use it as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or even as a filling for pastries. It can also be drizzled over grilled meats for a unique twist or incorporated into desserts like trifles or parfaits.
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).