Rhubarb Meringue Dessert is a delicious mix of sweet and tart flavors that’s easy to make! You’re going to love this fluffy, pillowy meringue!

 

 

This dessert is perfect for spring or summer gatherings.

And it’s sure to impress your friends and family!

With a buttery cookie crust, a creamy rhubarb custard filling, and a light meringue topping?

This rhubarb dessert with meringue is a true showstopper!

Plus, it’s super easy to make and the flavors are out of this world!

The base is a rich, buttery crust that is SOO good next to that the creamy filling.

The meringue has a light and airy texture that melts in your mouth.

This rhubarb custard meringue dessert is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any special event.

And despite its impressive look, this recipe is straightforward and simple to prepare.

 

 

What Is Rhubarb Meringue?

Rhubarb meringue is a layered dessert that will knock your socks off!

It combines a buttery cookie crust, a tart and sweet rhubarb custard filling, and a fluffy meringue topping.

The rhubarb has a tangy flavor obviously!

 But it balances out the sweetness of the meringue.

Which means it’s an uber delicious and unique dessert.

Then comes the meringue which is whipped to stiff peaks.

And it’s all baked until golden brown. Lovely!

This dessert is great for using up fresh rhubarb during the rhubarb season!

 

 

What Ingredients Are in Rhubarb Meringue Dessert?

This rhubarb meringue dessert recipe is made with simple ingredients!

You should be able to find these in most grocery stores. 

Though you might have them all in the house too! Here’s what you need:

• Butter: Forms the base of the buttery cookie crust.
• Flour: Used for the crust and helps thicken the rhubarb filling.
• Sugar: Sweetens the crust, filling, and meringue.
• Eggs: The yolks are used in the custard filling, and the whites are whipped into the meringue.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds richness to the rhubarb filling.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors in the crust and filling.
• Rhubarb: Provides the tart, fruity flavor in the custard filling.
• Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites in the meringue.

 

 

How to Make Rhubarb Meringue Dessert?

Making the best meringue with rhubarb is easier than you might think!

Get ready to meet one of your new favorite recipes! Here’s what you need to know:

1. Combine butter, flour, and sugar to make the pie crust. Bake.
2. Mix the egg yolks, sugar, flour, heavy whipping cream, salt, and rhubarb to make the filling.
3. Pour rhubarb mixture over the hot crust and bake.
4. Whip the egg and cream of tartar and sugar, then spread the meringue over the hot filling.
5. Bake until the meringue is golden brown.

Pro Tips: 

• Use a clean bowl and beaters when whipping the egg whites.
• You want stiff peaks! Soft peaks won’t set well at all.
• Use an electric mixer with the whisk attachment and save your arm a workout!
• You can beat on low speed at first, but eventually move it up to high speed.

 

 

How Long Does Rhubarb Meringue Dessert Last?

This crisp meringue is best enjoyed within 2-3 days of making it.

After that, the meringue may start to lose its texture and become less fluffy. Sad day!

But luckily for you, it’s REALLY yummy. 

So it probably won’t be too hard to gobble it down before that.

 

 

Is a Weeping Meringue Good or Bad?

A weeping meringue is not really what you’re going for.

Weeping happens when the meringue releases moisture.

So then there’s a watery layer between the meringue and the filling.

This can happen if the meringue is overcooked.

Or if the egg whites were not beaten to the correct consistency.

Of course the dessert will still taste good.

But a weeping meringue can affect the texture and appearance of it. Blah. 

 

 

How to Prevent Meringue from Weeping?

You can totally prevent the meringue from weeping.

First, make sure to beat the egg whites until they reach stiff, glossy peaks.

THEN add the sugar. Don’t add it before that.

Gradually add the sugar a little at a time. I’m talking like a tablespoon sugar at a time here.

Just a little. Don’t overwhelm the meringue.

And be sure to continue to beat the egg whites while you add it.

Once again, go for a full peak that is stiff and glossy.

Then spread the meringue over the hot filling immediately after whipping.

It’ll help the meringue set properly.

And avoid overbaking the meringue. This can cause it to shrink and weep.

If possible, serve the dessert shortly after making it to keep the meringue fresh and fluffy.

It might seem like a lot, but I promise it’s not.

Just do a little bit at a time and in no time at all, you’re gonna have the best meringue desserts!

 

 

How to Store Rhubarb Meringue Dessert?

Store this white meringue in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

This will keep the meringue from drying out and help preserve the freshness of the filling.

If you don’t have an airtight container, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Remember the rhubarb filling and cookie crust will hold up well.

But the meringue is delicate and should be eaten sooner rather than later.

Do You Have to Keep Rhubarb Meringue Dessert in the Fridge?

Yes, rhubarb meringue dessert recipes should be kept in the fridge.

The cool temperature is a must!

First, it keeps the right texture of the meringue.

And it keeps the rhubarb filling fresh too.

If left at room temperature for too long?

The meringue can become soft and the filling may spoil.

So serve the dessert cold.

Or let it come to room temperature slightly before serving.

 

 

What to Serve with Rhubarb Meringue Dessert?

Rhubarb Meringue Dessert is so good all on it’s own!

But you’ve got other options to if you want some!

Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast to the tart rhubarb.

Or drizzle some orange zest or fresh fruit over the top. Nothing beats that on a Saturday morning!

And if you have some extra rhubarb from the farmer’s market, don’t forget all your other rhubarb options!

Here are some ideas for your dessert spread if you need a few:

• Rhubarb Punch with Sprite
• Rhubarb Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Topping
• Rhubarb Muffins
• Strawberry Rhubarb Lemon Cake
• Rhubarb Cherry Pie Filling Crisp
• Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
• Rhubarb Salad Recipe

 

 

Can You Freeze Rhubarb Meringue Dessert?

I definitely don’t recommend freezing this rhubarb custard dessert with meringue.

The meringue topping can become rubbery. Blah.

And it’ll definitely lose its texture when frozen and thawed.

The rhubarb filling may also separate and become watery after freezing. Double blah.

If you need to make the dessert ahead of time, it’s best to bake the crust and filling.

Then add the meringue topping just before serving.

You’ll still be eating it within about a day.

But at least you don’t be doing the whole thing right before you need it.

This is the best way to get the right texture and flavor.

Can I Use Frozen Rhubarb in Rhubarb Meringue Dessert?

While fresh rhubarb is best, you can totally use frozen rhubarb in this dessert.

Make sure to thaw and drain the rhubarb well before using it.

Frozen rhubarb means extra liquid.

And extra liquid means the filling can become too watery.

If you find the filling is still too liquidy, you can add a little extra flour to help thicken it.

The benefits to using frozen rhubarb though?

You can make this even when rhubarb isn’t in season!

 

 

Additional Dessert Recipes You’ll Love…

• Macadamia Butter Cookies Recipe
• Apple Cinnamon Roll Bake
• Dipped Strawberries
• Pumpkin Pie with Molasses
• Key Lime Chiffon Pie
• Homemade Turtles
• Blackberry Fool
• Peach Cobbler

Rhubarb Meringue Dessert is a delicious dessert that looks impressive too! It’ll be a family favorite in no time! Enjoy!

 

Originally Posted: June 6, 2018

Photos & Text Updated: July 12, 2025

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