Rhubarb Crisp Recipe

Rhubarb crisp is a classic, comforting dessert that celebrates the tart, bold flavor of rhubarb with a buttery, golden oat topping. It’s easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and the perfect way to enjoy rhubarb during its peak season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This rhubarb crisp is the ultimate combination of sweet and tart, soft and crunchy. The juicy, tangy rhubarb filling bubbles beneath a golden, crumbly topping that’s just the right amount of sweet. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dessert but impressive enough for a spring dinner party. Best of all, it requires minimal ingredients and no fancy equipment.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the filling:

• Fresh rhubarb, chopped
• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch (or all-purpose flour)
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract (optional)

For the topping:

• Old-fashioned rolled oats
• All-purpose flour
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt
• Unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar-sized dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla if using. Mix until rhubarb is well coated. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
3. In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture is crumbly.
4. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the rhubarb mixture.
5. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
6. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 to 8 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Cooling time: 15 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp: Replace half of the rhubarb with fresh or frozen strawberries for a sweeter twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free oats.
• Nutty Topping: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the oat topping for extra crunch.
• Lower Sugar: Reduce sugar slightly or use coconut sugar or maple syrup.
• Spiced: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to the topping for extra warmth.

storage/reheating

Store leftover rhubarb crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or reheat the entire dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 15–20 minutes until heated through. You can also freeze the baked crisp for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen rhubarb?

Yes, just thaw and drain it first to avoid excess liquid in the crisp.

What if my rhubarb is very sour?

Adjust the sugar to taste. You can add an extra few tablespoons if your rhubarb is especially tart.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. You can assemble the crisp up to a day in advance and bake it when ready, or bake it ahead and reheat before serving.

Should I peel rhubarb before using?

No need to peel rhubarb unless the stalks are particularly tough or stringy.

Can I make it without oats?

Yes. Replace oats with additional flour or use ground nuts for a different texture.

How do I know when it’s done?

The topping should be golden brown and the filling should be bubbling at the edges.

Can I add other fruits?

Absolutely. Apples, raspberries, blueberries, and peaches all pair well with rhubarb.

What’s the best way to serve rhubarb crisp?

Warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of heavy cream.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, use a 9×13-inch baking dish and increase baking time by about 5–10 minutes.

Is rhubarb crisp the same as rhubarb crumble?

They’re very similar. Crisp usually includes oats in the topping, while crumble does not.

Conclusion

Rhubarb crisp is a rustic, nostalgic dessert that’s full of bright flavor and cozy texture. It’s the perfect way to highlight fresh rhubarb and comes together with simple ingredients and minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for a special gathering or just craving something sweet and seasonal, this crisp is sure to please every time.

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