If you love recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, these 3 ingredient rhubarb squares are going to become your new go-to dessert. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a treat that’s perfectly sweet, tangy, buttery — and bursting with nostalgic homemade flavor.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is proof that sometimes the simplest things really are the best.
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Only 3 ingredients — no mixer, no fuss.
- ✅ A classic rhubarb flavor that balances tart and sweet.
- ✅ Bakes in under 40 minutes.
- ✅ Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or tea-time treats.
These bars are golden on top, soft in the center, and slightly crisp around the edges — the kind of dessert that disappears the moment it’s served.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| Rhubarb (4 cups, chopped) | Fresh or frozen works. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid first. The fresher the rhubarb, the brighter the flavor. |
| Granulated Sugar (1 cup) | Adjust slightly depending on your rhubarb’s tartness. You can also use coconut sugar for a more caramelized taste. |
| Yellow Cake Mix (1 box / 15.25 oz) | Any brand works. The cake mix forms a tender, buttery crust and topping when baked with the rhubarb juices. |
💡 Optional (but amazing): Add 1 tablespoon melted butter drizzled on top for a richer crust.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Rhubarb and Sugar
In a large bowl, combine chopped rhubarb and sugar. Stir until the rhubarb starts releasing its natural juices — this helps create that luscious jam-like filling.
💡 Pro Tip: Let the mixture rest for 5–10 minutes. The sugar draws out moisture, giving you a perfectly syrupy base.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
Pour the rhubarb mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top — no need to mix!
If desired, drizzle melted butter lightly over the surface to enhance browning.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Let the squares cool completely before cutting — this allows the layers to set beautifully.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
These rhubarb squares are delicious warm, room temperature, or chilled.
Try serving them with:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A dollop of whipped cream
- Or a drizzle of custard for an old-fashioned twist.
They’re equally perfect for afternoon tea or an easy summer dessert.
🧁 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheat: Warm individual squares in the microwave for 15–20 seconds for that just-baked taste.
🔄 Variations & Creative Twists
Give your rhubarb squares a fun twist with these variations:
- 🍓 Strawberry-Rhubarb Squares: Replace half the rhubarb with chopped strawberries.
- 🫐 Berry Blend: Mix in blueberries or raspberries for extra color and sweetness.
- 🌾 Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix.
- 🍋 Zesty Boost: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for extra brightness.
✨ Experiment — this recipe is endlessly flexible while staying deliciously simple.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen rhubarb?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain it well before using to prevent excess moisture.
Q: Why are my rhubarb squares soggy?
This happens if there’s too much liquid in the rhubarb mixture. Make sure to drain frozen rhubarb and let fresh rhubarb rest with sugar before baking.
Q: Can I use another type of cake mix?
Yes — white or vanilla cake mix works well. Avoid chocolate or spice blends, which overpower the rhubarb flavor.
Q: How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce sugar to ¾ cup or add a tablespoon of lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
🧮 Nutrition (per serving)
Approximate values (for 1 square, 12 servings):
Calories: 210 | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 38g | Protein: 2g | Fiber: 1g
❤️ Final Thoughts
These 3 ingredient rhubarb squares prove that dessert doesn’t need to be complicated to be absolutely amazing.
With their tangy, jammy rhubarb base and tender, buttery topping, they’re the perfect blend of simplicity and comfort — ready in under an hour and loved by everyone who tries them.
📌 Pin this recipe to your “Easy Desserts” board and share it with your rhubarb-loving friends — you’ll be known for the easiest, tastiest treat of the season!
