Rhubarb Fool is a creamy, tangy, chilled whipped dessert with a dreamy texture that’s like eating a rhubarb-flavored cloud. This easy recipe is a ‘must make’ during rhubarb season!
Rhubarb lovers! This recipe is for YOU! This iconic British summer dessert is a light and dreamy recipe to celebrate rhubarb season: Rhubarb Fool.
I was looking back at some older recipes on Boulder Locavore to find a rhubarb season favorite: Brined Boneless Pork Loin Roast with Rhubarb-Cherry Port Sauce. The sweet-tangy combo of the sauce and the ease of cooking the lean pork roast make it a favorite in my household.
I happened to glance at the first comment on the recipe which was from a friend in England, Sue (who shared a guest post about What the Heck IS Boxing Day Anyway?), asking ‘have you made Rhubarb Fool?’ I’d long since forgotten her question but the time seemed right to make it!
What is Rhubarb Fool?
A British dessert harkening back a few centuries, Rhubarb Fool is a light dessert combining a sweet-tangy rhubarb compote with freshly whipped unsweetened cream. The two are folded together making a cloud-like, lofty rich dessert with signature rhubarb flavor.
Rhubarb is Really a Vegetable (shhhhhh)
Did you know rhubarb is actually a vegetable? For those unfamiliar it looks like a brightly blushing cousin of celery in ribbed stalks. Rhubarb’s distinct tangy flavor pairs well with sweet flavors making it a main star of desserts over savory dishes; Strawberry Rhubarb Pie probably being the most familiar.
Rhubarb has a shorter season in the United States, usually showing up in stores in the spring with the prime season being April through June. Gobble it up while you can!
There are many delicious recipes in which to use it (I’ll list more below) but it won’t be around too long.
How to make Rhubarb Fool – Step by Step:
The tangy rhubarb is cut into slices and combined with sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, covered. No water is required because the cooking process releases the water in the rhubarb.
The mixture cooks for five minutes and the rhubarb is soft and begins to breakdown. A few stirrings, and three more minutes breaks the rhubarb down fully.
PRO TIP: The more the rhubarb is stirred, the more it breaks down while cooking. If you prefer larger pieces, stir less. If you prefer a smoother texture as shown in the photos, stir more at the end to reach the desired consistency.
The rhubarb mixture is put into a strainer (a fine mesh sieve) allowing the juice to separate leaving a thick compote. Both are chilled separately.
Heavy whipping cream is whipped into soft peaks and the rhubarb compote is folded in creating a lightly streaked salmon-color dessert. The rhubarb fool is spooned into serving glasses or bowls, drizzled with the juice and chilled for at least an hour before serving.
It’s a simple but rich dessert and one that celebrates rhubarb flavor. At first I was hesitant about not adding sugar to the whipping cream but it’s truly perfect without it.
More Rhubarb Recipes You’ll Love:
- Rhubarb Crunch
- Rhubarb Upside Down Cake
- Rhubarb Grunt: A Classic Americana Rhubarb Dessert
- Rhubarb Pie cocktail
Try These Recipes too!
Creme Brulee in the Instant Pot
If you’ve tried this Rhubarb Fool recipe or any other recipe on BoulderLocavore.com please don’t forget to RATE THE RECIPE and let me know where you found it in the comments below, I love hearing from you!
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Originally published: April 29, 2018
Betsy says
Absolutely delicious! Surprisingly light and refreshing! I love how easy this is. I thought I had made all the available rhubarb recipes and then you go and present me with this. Wonderful! Love it!
wilhelmina says
I love rhubarb and this is the perfect way to showcase it! So fluffy and delicious!
Natalie says
SO refreshing!! Creamy, cool, & great flavor! This couldn’t be any easier to make!
Suzy says
I absolutely LOVE how easy this was to make! So delicious and perfect for summer!
Tanya Schroeder says
I’ve only ever had a strawberry fool, I’m excited to try this!!
Sam says
Such a great way to use up all the delicious rhubarb that is currently in abundance. SO good!
wilhelmina says
Rhubarb is one of my favorite summer flavors! This is so delicious!
Katie says
LOVE rhubarb! This did not disappoint.
Katie says
This is amazing. I love the tartness in combination with the sweetness, and it’s totally going to be something I make regularly!
Liz says
I loved this rhubarb fool! I’d made strawberry versions in the past, and when I saw your recipe, I knew I had to make it. Such a dreamy dessert.
Sara Welch says
I am loving this dessert! So quick and easy and exactly what I needed to cure my sweet tooth! Can’t wait to make this again later in the week!
Chelsea says
This is the most delicious dessert! We are seriously obsessed. Thanks for sharing!
Taylor says
So delicious and perfect for summer! Love the flavor of rhubarb!
Jen says
Rhubarb is my favortie and always reminds me of my childhood. Looks fantastic!
Julie says
I’d never heard of a rhubarb fool before this, and it did not disappoint. Great flavor and a delicious dessert.
Megan @ MegUnprocessed says
I’ve never had rhubarb in a dessert! It looks pretty tasty!
Toni Dash says
Really? Where have you heard of it used? I think until I started cooking with it myself, I’d only heard of it used in Strawberry Rhubarb Pie.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
I love the flavor of rhubarb. This dessert looks so creamy and delicious!!!
Bianca Dottin says
I’ve never eaten rhubarb. This looks like something I would give a try. I’m open to any excuse for dessert.
Dee says
This looks so light and fresh, and I love that it’s a no-bake dessert!