Apple Rhubarb Sauce

Name: Apple Rhubarb Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 cups rhubarb, chopped; 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and chopped; 3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup water; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; Pinch of salt

Author: Tracy Marger

Published: June 2, 2026

Updated: June 2, 2026

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Apple Rhubarb Sauce is a sweet, tangy, and warmly spiced fruit sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes on the stovetop. It is made with just a handful of simple ingredients and works beautifully as a topping, a side, or even a light dessert on its own. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, it adds a bright, cozy flavor to almost anything.

Why You’ll Love This Sauce

Apple and rhubarb are a natural pairing because the apple brings mellow sweetness while the rhubarb adds tartness and a beautiful rosy color. Cinnamon ties both fruits together and gives the sauce a warm, comforting quality that makes it feel like a homemade staple. It is also incredibly versatile and can be stored in the fridge for several days, making it great to prepare ahead and use throughout the week.

Ingredients

2 cups rhubarb, chopped
2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Pinch of salt

How to Make Apple Rhubarb Sauce

Step 1: Combine and simmer

Add the rhubarb, apples, sugar, water, lemon juice, salt, and half of the cinnamon to a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low.

Step 2: Cook until tender

Let the sauce cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring from time to time, until the rhubarb has broken down and the apples are tender but still slightly chunky. The mixture will turn a deep pink and look glossy as the juices reduce.

Step 3: Adjust the texture

If you prefer a thicker sauce with some visible fruit pieces, lightly mash a few chunks with the back of a spoon. If you want it smoother, mash more thoroughly. Both textures work well depending on how you plan to use it.

Step 4: Finish and serve

Stir in the remaining cinnamon, then taste and add a little more sugar if the sauce feels too tart for your preference. Let it cool slightly before serving warm, or refrigerate until fully chilled.

How to Serve Apple Rhubarb Sauce

This sauce is one of those recipes you will find a dozen uses for. It goes beautifully over:

Yogurt or overnight oats
Pancakes, waffles, or French toast
Oatmeal or granola bowls
Cheesecake or vanilla ice cream
Toast with butter or cream cheese
Pork chops or roasted chicken for a savory contrast

For a homemade presentation like the photo, top the bowl with a few small diced pieces of fresh apple and rhubarb and a light dusting of cinnamon.

Tips for Best Results

Use a tart apple variety like Granny Smith for a more complex flavor, or a sweeter variety like Gala if you prefer a milder taste. Add the cinnamon in two stages as the recipe suggests so the flavor stays bright and aromatic rather than flat. Start with 3/4 cup of sugar and adjust from there since the sweetness of apples can vary. The sauce thickens slightly more as it cools, so do not over-reduce it on the stove.

Storage

Store Apple Rhubarb Sauce in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using. The sauce works at room temperature, warm, or cold, giving you plenty of flexibility.

FAQ

Can I use frozen rhubarb?
Yes. No need to fully thaw it first since it will break down during cooking.

What apples work best?
Granny Smith for a tart result, Gala or Fuji for a sweeter sauce.

Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes. Start with 1/2 cup and adjust to taste.

Is this sauce the same as jam?
No. It is softer, less set, and not shelf-stable like jam.

Can I serve it with savory dishes?
Yes. It pairs well with pork chops, roasted meats, and sharp cheeses.

Final Thoughts

Apple Rhubarb Sauce is a simple, versatile recipe that deserves a regular spot in your kitchen during rhubarb season. It is quick to make, easy to store, and goes with almost everything. The balance of sweet apple, tart rhubarb, and warm cinnamon makes it one of those sauces that elevates whatever you put it on.