Put frozen rhubarb chunks in the slow cooker and 3 simple pantry staples to get a sweet so delicious your family will be begging for more this weekend!

This 4-ingredient slow cooker rhubarb dessert is the kind of simple, no-fuss sweet that fits right into a busy weekend on the farm or in town. It reminds me of the old Midwestern church suppers where someone would always show up with a warm rhubarb sauce to spoon over cake or ice cream. Here, we start with frozen rhubarb chunks straight from the bag, then lean on three humble pantry staples to coax out that sweet-tart, rosy goodness while you go about your day. By suppertime, you’ve got a bubbling, jammy rhubarb dessert that tastes like you fussed, even though the slow cooker did all the work.

Serve this warm rhubarb dessert in a bowl, just like a rustic fruit compote. It’s lovely spooned over vanilla ice cream, a slice of plain pound cake, or even over warm biscuits for a cozy, cobbler-style treat. If you’re keeping it simple, just serve it in small bowls with a dollop of whipped cream or a splash of heavy cream over the top. It also pairs nicely alongside a cup of hot coffee after Sunday dinner, or chilled and spooned over yogurt for a sweet little breakfast the next morning.

Servings: 6

6 cups frozen rhubarb chunks (unthawed)

Spread the frozen rhubarb chunks in an even layer over the bottom of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. The rhubarb should cover the bottom of the pot in a single, fairly even layer.

In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and cornstarch until the cornstarch is completely dispersed with no visible lumps. This helps the thickener blend in evenly.

Sprinkle the sugar-cornstarch mixture evenly over the frozen rhubarb in the slow cooker, trying to cover as much of the surface as you can.

Drizzle the vanilla extract over the sugared rhubarb. Do not stir; leaving it layered lets the rhubarb release its juices slowly as it warms.

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, until the rhubarb is very soft and surrounded by a thick, bubbling syrup.

Once cooked, carefully remove the lid, keeping your face and hands away from the steam. Gently stir the rhubarb and syrup together until everything is evenly combined and the sauce looks smooth and glossy. If it seems too thin, cook uncovered on HIGH for another 15 to 20 minutes, stirring once or twice, until slightly thickened.

Turn off the slow cooker and let the rhubarb dessert sit, uncovered, for about 10 minutes to allow the bubbles to settle and the sauce to thicken a bit more as it cools.

Serve warm in small bowls, or spoon over ice cream, cake, or biscuits. Cool leftovers completely, then refrigerate in a covered container and use within 4 to 5 days.

For a cinnamon-kissed version, add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon along with the vanilla. If you like a brighter, more tart flavor, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup; for a sweeter, more dessert-like sauce, you can increase the sugar to 1 1/4 cups, especially if your rhubarb is very tart. A squeeze of lemon juice (about 1 tablespoon) stirred in at the end will sharpen the flavor and balance the sweetness. For a slightly richer texture, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of cold butter right after cooking until melted and glossy. To turn this into more of a spoonable “crisp-style” dessert, you can sprinkle a handful of granola or crushed crisp cookies over each serving instead of baking a separate topping. Food safety tips: Always start with rhubarb that has been properly cleaned and frozen; do not use rhubarb leaves, as they are toxic—only the stalks are edible. Keep the slow cooker covered during cooking so the temperature stays high enough for food safety. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking, and never taste or use rhubarb that appears slimy, off-smelling, or discolored. If reheating, warm only the portion you plan to eat and heat until steaming hot before serving.