The rhubarb season is coming to an end. Tomorrow is theoretically the last day of the season which means we have to wait almost a whole year until rhubarb is available again. A cruel time. So let’s quickly make a few more rhubarb recipes before it’s too late. This Rhubarb Compote with Vanilla Sauce & Streusels is a great dessert to prepare in advance or even freeze it for later. In case you want to extend the rhubarb season a bit, this is definitely a very good option.

I’ve been addicted to the red and green stalks for years. As soon as the first rhubarb shows up in the shops or at the farmers market it certainly ends up in my shopping basket. Same procedure every year. It doesn’t matter if I already have a recipe in mind or not… in this case it’s »grab everything you can get and then think about it«. But that’s works out fine every time. I never have any problems to come up with something… Making compote with the rhubarb is the easiest thing you can do and can be the base for many delicious desserts.
All components of this dessert can be prepared separately and in advance. The compote can be cooked and then stored in the refrigerator. If it has to last a little longer, you can freeze it easily. The same goes for the streusels – bake them in advance and store them in a container or freeze them unbaked and finish them right before serving the dessert. The vanilla sauce can, of course, also be cooked in advance. All easy peasy and convenient. I would recommend getting a lot of rhubarb now, making more of the compote, streusels and vanilla sauce and freeze everything – then enjoy this dessert whenever you want in the upcoming months.

Here are 5 frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh rhubarb?
Yes! Frozen rhubarb works very well for a compote because it gets soft as it thaws and breaks down quickly. The cooking time may be slightly shorter, so it’s best to check occasionally to see if the desired consistency has been reached.
How sweet should I make the compote?
The sweetness depends on your personal taste and the tartness of the rhubarb. Rhubarb can sometimes be very tart, so add the sugar gradually and taste as you go. Alternatively, the sugar can be replaced with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar.
How can I prevent the vanilla sauce from becoming lumpy?
To keep the vanilla sauce smooth, heat the milk slowly and mix the cornstarch or egg yolks thoroughly with a little cold milk before adding it to the hot milk. Stir constantly and avoid boiling too vigorously to keep the sauce creamy.
Can I make the streusel gluten-free?
Yes. For a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free flour (e.g., rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend). Almond flour or certified gluten-free oat flour also create crispy streusels. You may need to adjust the amount of butter slightly.
How long does the rhubarb compote with vanilla sauce keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the compote with vanilla sauce will keep for about 2–3 days. It’s best to store the streusel separately and add it just before serving to keep it crispy.
If you want to try out more »last minute« rhubarb recipes, take a look at these here – maybe there is something you like as well.
INGREDIENTS / ZUTATEN
(4 servings)
For the vanilla sauce:
4 medium egg yolks
16.9 fl. oz. (500ml) milk
1 tbsp. cornstarch*
2-3 tbsp. sugar (fine)*
1 whole vanilla bean pod (organic)*
For the compote:
35 oz. (1kg) rhubarb
3/4 cup (150g) sugar (fine)* (plus more if needed)
1 tsp. vanilla extract*
For the streusel:
1/2 cup (60g) spelt flour*
1/4 cup (50g) muscovado sugar*
1 tsp. ground cinnamon*
1/4 cup (60g) cold butter
1 tbsp. rolled oats*
(4 Portionen)
Für die Vanillesoße:
4 Eigelb (M)
500ml Milch
1 EL Speisestärke*
2-3 EL Zucker (fein)*
1 Bio-Vanilleschote*
Für das Kompott:
1kg Rhabarber
150g Zucker (fein)* , ggf. etwas mehr
1 TL Vanille Extrakt*
Für die Streusel:
60g Dinkelmehl (Type 630)*
50g Mascobado Zucker*
1 TL Zimt*
60g kalte Butter
1 EL Haferflocken (Feinblatt)*


DIRECTIONS / ZUBEREITUNG
1. For the vanilla sauce add the egg yolks, about three tablespoons of the milk and the cornstarch to a bowl and mix until well combined. Set aside.
2. Cut the vanilla bean lengthwise open and remove the seeds. Add both with the remaining milk and sugar to a small pot and bring to a boil. Take off the heat and let the vanilla infuse the milk for about 15 minutes. Reheat the milk until you can see bubbles coming up. Add the cornstarch mixture and mix it in. Stir constantly and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and let cool down. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce to develop a skin. Remove the vanilla bean before serving.
3. For the compote wash the rhubarb and dry. Cut off the ends and then cut into bite-size pieces – no need to peel the rhubarb as long as it is clean. Add together with the sugar and vanilla extract to a pot and mix to combine. Cover and set aside to marinate for about 1 hour – mix from time to time.
4. While the rhubarb is marinating preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with baking parchment and set aside. Mix the flour for the streusel with the sugar, cinnamon, and butter (in small pieces) in a bowl. Rub between your fingers to create coarse streusel. Mix with the rolled oats and spread on the prepared baking sheet – bake for about 10-12 minutes until slightly browned. Take out of the oven and let it cool down. If pieces stick together break them apart.
5. As soon as the rhubarb has marinated enough, place the pot on the stove and heat it up until the liquid in the pot starts to boil. Reduce the heat and let the rhubarb simmer for about 7-10 minutes or until soft. Do not move the rhubarb too much or it will break apart completely – but move it occasionally (with a rubber spatula) so it won’t burn. As soon as the rhubarb is soft and the liquid has thickened remove from the heat and let cool down. If the compote is still too sour, add some more sugar. Serve the compote slightly warm or cold with the vanilla sauce and the streusel. You can prepare all the components separately up to two days in advance and assemble everything right before serving.
1. Für die Vanillesoße das Eigelb mit etwa drei Esslöffel der Milch und der Stärke glatt rühren und zur Seite stellen.
2. Die Vanilleschote der Länge nach aufschneiden und das Mark herauskratzen. Schote und Mark mit der restlichen Milch und dem Zucker in einen kleinen Topf geben und unter Rühren kurz aufkochen lassen – vom Herd nehmen und etwa 15 Minuten ziehen lassen. Die Milch noch einmal erhitzen, bis sich Bläschen bilden. Die Eigelbmischung zugeben und unter ständigem Rühren erneut aufkochen lassen. Vom Herd ziehen und abkühlen lassen. Zwischendurch immer wieder einmal rühren, damit sich keine Haut bildet. Vor dem Servieren die Vanilleschote entfernen.
3. Für das Kompott den Rhabarber gründlich waschen und abtrocknen. Die Enden abschneiden und dann in mundgerechte Stücke schneiden – schälen ist hier nicht notwendig. Zusammen mit dem Zucker und Vanille Extrakt in einen kleinen Topf geben, alles gut vermischen und dann abgedeckt für etwa 1 Stunde ziehen lassen – zwischendurch ab und an durchrühren.
4. Während der Rhabarber durchzieht, den Ofen auf 180°C (350°F) Ober-/Unterhitze vorheizen. Ein Backblech mit Backpapier auslegen und zur Seite stellen. Das Dinkelmehl für die Streusel mit Mascobado Zucker, Zimt und Butter (in kleinen Stücken) in eine Schüssel geben und zwischen den Fingern verreiben, bis grobe Streusel entstehen. Haferflocken dazugeben und untermischen. Die Streusel auf dem vorbereiteten Backblech verteilen und dann für etwa 10-12 Minuten backen, bis sie Farbe bekommen haben. Aus dem Ofen holen und abkühlen lassen, dann ggf. größere, zusammenhängende Stücke zerbröckeln.
5. Wenn der Rhabarber durchgezogen hat, den Topf auf den Herd stellen und bei mittlerer Hitzezufuhr die Flüssigkeit im Topf zum Kochen bringen. Die Hitzezufuhr verringern und den Rhabarber für etwa 7-10 Minuten sanft köcheln lassen, bis er weich gekocht ist. Der Rhabarber sollte nicht durchgerührt werden – besser mit einem Gummischaber nur hin- und herschieben, damit nichts anbrennt. Rhabarber zerfällt sehr schnell und idealerweise hat man noch ein paar ganze Stücke im Kompott am Ende. Wenn der Rhabarber weich und die Flüssigkeit durch das Köcheln schön angedickt ist, vom Herd ziehen und abkühlen lassen. Sollte der Rhabarber zu sauer sein, noch etwas nachsüßen. Das Kompott lauwarm oder kalt mit der Vanillesoße und den Streuseln servieren. Man kann den Nachtisch auch prima vorbereiten, alle Komponenten getrennt lagern (bis zu 2 Tage) und dann kurz vor dem Servieren alles zusammenbringen.

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Here is a version of the recipe you can print easily.
Print
Rhubarb Compote with Vanilla Sauce and Streusel
- Prep Time: 00:35
- Cook Time: 00:12
- Total Time: 02:00
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: -
- Cuisine: Germany
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy-to-prepare dessert for rhubarb season – rhubarb compote with vanilla sauce and crunchy streusels as a topping. So good!
Ingredients
For the vanilla sauce:
4 medium egg yolks
16.9 fl. oz. (500ml) milk
1 tbsp. cornstarch*
2-3 tbsp. sugar (fine)*
1 whole vanilla bean pod (organic)*
For the compote:
35 oz. (1kg) rhubarb
3/4 cup (150g) sugar (fine)* (plus more if needed)
1 tsp. vanilla extract*
For the streusel:
1/2 cup (60g) spelt flour*
1/4 cup (50g) muscovado sugar*
1 tsp. ground cinnamon*
1/4 cup (60g) cold butter
1 tbsp. rolled oats*
Instructions
1. For the vanilla sauce add the egg yolks, about three tablespoons of the milk and the cornstarch to a bowl and mix until well combined. Set aside.
2. Cut the vanilla bean lengthwise open and remove the seeds. Add both with the remaining milk and sugar to a small pot and bring to a boil. Take off the heat and let the vanilla infuse the milk for about 15 minutes. Reheat the milk until you can see bubbles coming up. Add the cornstarch mixture and mix it in. Stir constantly and bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and let cool down. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce to develop a skin. Remove the vanilla bean before serving.
3. For the compote wash the rhubarb and dry. Cut off the ends and then cut into bite-size pieces – no need to peel the rhubarb as long as it is clean. Add together with the sugar and vanilla extract to a pot and mix to combine. Cover and set aside to marinate for about 1 hour – mix from time to time.
4. While the rhubarb is marinating preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet with baking parchment and set aside. Mix the flour for the streusel with the sugar, cinnamon, and butter (in small pieces) in a bowl. Rub between your fingers to create coarse streusel. Mix with the rolled oats and spread on the prepared baking sheet – bake for about 10-12 minutes until slightly browned. Take out of the oven and let it cool down. If pieces stick together break them apart.
5. As soon as the rhubarb has marinated enough, place the pot on the stove and heat it up until the liquid in the pot starts to boil. Reduce the heat and let the rhubarb simmer for about 7-10 minutes or until soft. Do not move the rhubarb too much or it will break apart completely – but move it occasionally (with a rubber spatula) so it won’t burn. As soon as the rhubarb is soft and the liquid has thickened remove from the heat and let cool down. If the compote is still too sour, add some more sugar. Serve the compote slightly warm or cold with the vanilla sauce and the streusel. You can prepare all the components separately up to two days in advance and assemble everything right before serving.
Notes
Enjoy baking!
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