Rhubarb Sticky Buns

The magic of these Rhubarb Sticky Buns lies in the contrast: tart rhubarb meets rich, gooey caramel sauce, all bundled in soft, buttery dough. When topped with a generous swirl of velvety mascarpone vanilla bean frosting, every bite delivers indulgence and depth of flavor. Perfect for spring gatherings, weekend brunches, or cozy afternoon treats, these buns are a gorgeous way to highlight rhubarb season. The natural pink hue from the fruit paired with rustic caramel pooling at the base gives them a visually irresistible appeal. This is a recipe for anyone who wants to bring bakery-level delight to their home kitchen.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Dough:

  • ¾ cup whole milk, warm

  • 1 tbsp active dry yeast

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp salt

• Rhubarb Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh rhubarb, diced

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • 1 tsp lemon zest

  • 1 tsp cornstarch

• Sticky Sauce:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter

  • ¾ cup brown sugar

  • ¼ cup heavy cream

  • Pinch of salt

• Frosting:

  • ½ cup mascarpone cheese

  • ½ vanilla bean, seeds scraped (or 1 tsp vanilla paste)

  • ¾ cup powdered sugar

  • 1–2 tbsp milk or cream

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix warm milk, yeast, and 1 tbsp sugar. Let sit until foamy (5–10 mins).

2. Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla, remaining sugar, flour, and salt. Mix and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rise for 1–1.5 hours.

3. Meanwhile, prepare rhubarb filling: toss rhubarb with brown sugar, zest, and cornstarch. Set aside.

4. For the sticky sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, add brown sugar, cream, and salt. Simmer until slightly thickened (3–5 mins). Pour into a greased 9×13” pan.

5. Roll out dough into a rectangle (approx. 12×18”), spread rhubarb mix evenly over the surface, and roll into a tight log. Slice into 12 rolls.

6. Place rolls over the sticky sauce in the pan. Cover and let rise again for 30–45 mins.

7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown. Cool for 10 mins before inverting onto a serving dish.

8. For frosting, beat mascarpone with vanilla and powdered sugar. Add cream to loosen as needed. Spread or drizzle over warm buns.

Prep Time: 2 hours (includes rising) | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 12 servings

Rhubarb Sticky Buns with Vanilla Bean Mascarpone Frosting: A Seasonal Sensation

There’s something uniquely comforting about the aroma of sticky buns baking in the oven. Now, imagine that indulgent smell infused with the subtle tartness of fresh rhubarb and the luxurious finish of mascarpone frosting laced with real vanilla bean. That’s the magic behind Rhubarb Sticky Buns with Vanilla Bean Mascarpone Frosting a recipe that elegantly combines rustic baking traditions with refined flavors.

This dish is a celebration of the rhubarb season, transforming a humble garden stalk into a show-stopping centerpiece for brunch or dessert. Soft, pillowy dough wraps around sweet-tart rhubarb filling, baked in a caramel-like sticky glaze that seeps into every swirl. Once out of the oven, the buns are crowned with a smooth and creamy mascarpone topping kissed with aromatic vanilla, making every bite a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Why Rhubarb Deserves the Spotlight

Rhubarb, often mistaken for a fruit due to its frequent pairing with strawberries in desserts, is technically a vegetable. Known for its bold tartness and brilliant ruby-red hue, rhubarb brings a refreshing balance to sweet recipes. Its sharp flavor cuts through rich components, making it ideal for buttery pastries, sugary sauces, and creamy frostings.

Using rhubarb in these sticky buns not only introduces a burst of tang to counter the sweetness but also offers an eye-catching splash of color. It’s the kind of ingredient that turns an everyday cinnamon roll into something truly memorable and seasonally inspired.

The Flavor Experience

What makes this recipe so special is the thoughtful layering of complementary flavors:

• The Dough: Enriched and soft, this yeast dough provides the perfect base. It’s tender yet structured enough to hold its shape while soaking up the gooey sticky glaze.

• The Filling: Rhubarb chunks, lightly tossed with sugar and citrus zest, become jammy and fragrant as they bake, providing bright notes that dance against the caramel sauce.

• The Sticky Glaze: This buttery, brown sugar glaze caramelizes in the oven and forms a golden crown when the buns are flipped post-baking, reminiscent of upside-down cake decadence.

• The Frosting: Light and luxurious, mascarpone cheese whipped with vanilla bean and powdered sugar finishes the buns off with a creamy cloud of flavor. The richness of the frosting beautifully complements the tangy rhubarb and sweet caramel.

Each bite offers a blend of warm spice, tang, sweetness, and creaminess a symphony of indulgence.

Baking as an Act of Love

This isn’t a quick weekday recipe. Rhubarb sticky buns are a baking project one that invites you to slow down and enjoy the process. From kneading the dough by hand (or stand mixer) to letting it rise and shape into tight spirals, there’s a deep satisfaction in seeing the transformation from raw ingredients to golden, caramel-coated buns.

Perfect for spring weekends, family brunches, or holiday mornings, this recipe offers more than just delicious results it creates moments. It brings people together over a shared love of homemade goodness, with each pull-apart swirl providing a taste of the care and time you put into baking them.

Tips for Perfect Sticky Buns

To help bakers get the best possible results, here are a few expert pointers:

• Use Fresh Rhubarb: While frozen can work, fresh rhubarb has a brighter flavor and firmer texture, which holds up better during baking.

• Don’t Rush the Rise: Yeast dough needs time to develop flavor and texture. A proper rise will result in a lighter, fluffier bun.

• Caramel Sauce Control: For a gooier finish, don’t overcook the glaze before pouring it into the pan. Just bring it to a gentle simmer.

• Invert Carefully: Allow the buns to cool slightly before flipping the pan, so the sticky sauce doesn’t slide off too quickly. But don’t wait too long if it cools completely, the glaze will harden.

• Frost While Warm: Apply the mascarpone frosting when the buns are still slightly warm to allow it to melt slightly into the swirls without losing its structure.

Serving Suggestions

These buns are best served warm, fresh from the oven, with the mascarpone frosting gently melting into the crevices. They pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or a lightly brewed black tea. For special occasions like Mother’s Day or Easter brunch, they make an excellent centerpiece on a pastry tray.

To make them even more indulgent, you can sprinkle toasted nuts on top such as sliced almonds or crushed pistachios or even a dusting of freeze-dried strawberries for extra flair and a complementary flavor.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

Sticky buns can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerated for longer freshness. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to revive their softness.

If you’d like to prepare them in advance, assemble the buns and let them rise overnight in the fridge. The next morning, simply bring them to room temperature and bake. You can also freeze the shaped dough (without baking or topping) for later use.

A Recipe That Elevates Your Baking Game

Whether you’re a weekend baker looking for your next rewarding challenge or a seasoned pastry lover seeking a show-stopper for spring gatherings, this rhubarb sticky bun recipe delivers. It combines the timeless appeal of sticky buns with a vibrant seasonal twist and a grown-up touch of mascarpone frosting.

It’s the kind of recipe that earns praise at brunch tables, that guests remember, and that you’ll find yourself craving every time rhubarb comes back into season.

Conclusion:

Rhubarb Sticky Buns with Vanilla Bean Mascarpone Frosting are more than just a dessert— they are a tribute to seasonal produce, an exploration of contrasting flavors, and a celebration of baking from scratch. The blend of sweet, tart, buttery, and creamy is as satisfying to eat as it is to prepare.

These buns offer comfort, elegance, and indulgence all at once, making them perfect for springtime feasting or any moment when you want to share something truly special. Add them to your baking rotation and experience the irresistible charm of rhubarb reimagined in one of the most comforting formats possible.