Sweet & Tangy Rhubarb Crisp Recipe: A Simple Summer Treat

Sweet summer memories burst to life with this classic rhubarb crisp that brings tangy brightness and comfort to your dessert table.

Bright stalks of rhubarb peek through a golden, buttery crumble, promising delightful contrasts of texture and flavor.

The vibrant pink fruit nestles perfectly beneath a crisp, caramelized topping that sings with warmth and nostalgia.

Tart yet sweet, this dessert captures the essence of seasonal simplicity.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of soft fruit and crunchy streusel.

The recipe transforms humble rhubarb into a celebration of summer’s bounty.

Serve this irresistible crisp warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly memorable treat.

What You’ll Need for Rhubarb Crisp

• Rhubarb: Tart and vibrant spring vegetable with a beautiful pink-red color.

• All-Purpose Flour, Rolled Oats: Wholesome base for creating a crunchy, golden topping.
• Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Sweet components that add depth and caramelization.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that brings cozy flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Rich ingredient that helps bind the crumb mixture.

• Cornstarch, Water: Thickening agents that create a glossy, smooth sauce.
• Vanilla Extract: Aromatic flavor booster that adds subtle sweetness.

Baking Steps for Rhubarb Crisp

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F and grab a 7×11-inch or 8.5×11-inch baking dish.

Give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Crumb Base

• Flour
• Oats
• Cinnamon
• Brown sugar
• Melted butter

Press half of this crumbly mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Layer Rhubarb

Spread chopped rhubarb evenly over the pressed crumb base.

Step 4: Craft Sweet Sauce

• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch
• Water

Microwave the mixture for 3-5 minutes until it transforms into a thick, clear sauce.

Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Pour And Cover

Drizzle the sugar sauce over the rhubarb layer.

Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture across the top to create a delicious, golden covering.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes.

Look for bubbling edges and a beautifully golden-brown topping.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Dive into this delightful rhubarb crisp while it’s warm!

Tips for Crispy Rhubarb Topping

• Use fresh, bright red stalks for the best flavor and texture, cutting them into uniform 1/2-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Adjust sugar levels based on rhubarb's tartness; taste the raw rhubarb first to determine how much sweetener you'll need for perfect balance.
• Press the first crumb layer firmly into the baking dish to create a sturdy base that prevents the bottom from becoming mushy.
• Microwave the sugar mixture gradually, stirring every minute to prevent burning and achieve a clear, smooth consistency.
• For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans to the crumb mixture, enhancing both flavor and texture.

How to Store and Warm Rhubarb Crisp

• Store leftover rhubarb crisp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Wrap the crisp tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed crisp at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through, covering with foil to prevent over-browning.
• For quick reheating, zap individual portions for 30-45 seconds, checking to avoid overheating and maintaining crisp texture.

Pairing Treats for Rhubarb Crisp

• Pair with Tangy Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream cuts through the rhubarb's tartness, creating a perfect balance of cool and warm textures.
• Complement with Chilled Moscato Wine: Light, sweet Moscato enhances the dessert's fruity notes while providing a refreshing contrast to the crisp's warmth.
• Match with Earl Grey Tea: Bergamot-infused Earl Grey tea offers a subtle citrusy backdrop that beautifully highlights the rhubarb's complex flavor profile.
• Serve alongside Whipped Mascarpone: Rich, silky mascarpone adds a luxurious creamy element that softens the rhubarb's sharp tang and complements the crispy topping.

Flavor Variants for Rhubarb Crisp

• Gluten-Free Rhubarb Crisp: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour, ensuring the same crumbly texture and maintaining the dessert's delicious flavor profile.
• Vegan Rhubarb Crisp: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, use maple syrup instead of sugar, and add chopped nuts like almonds for extra protein and crunch.
• Low-Sugar Rhubarb Crisp: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of brown and granulated sugars, reduce total sweetener amount, and incorporate fresh strawberries to enhance natural sweetness.
• Keto-Friendly Rhubarb Crisp: Swap flour and oats with almond flour and crushed pecans, use erythritol as a sugar replacement, and add a layer of cream cheese for richness and low-carb adaptation.

FAQs

• What makes rhubarb crisp unique compared to other desserts?

Rhubarb crisp combines tart, fresh rhubarb with a sweet, crunchy oat topping, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors that highlight the vegetable’s natural tanginess.

• Is rhubarb safe to eat raw?

No, rhubarb leaves are toxic and should never be consumed. Only the stalks are edible and safe to use in cooking, with a distinctive tart flavor that pairs wonderfully with sweet ingredients.

• Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?

Yes, frozen rhubarb works perfectly. Just thaw and drain excess moisture before adding to the crisp to prevent the dessert from becoming too watery.

• How can I tell if my rhubarb is ripe and ready to use?

Choose rhubarb stalks that are firm, crisp, and have a bright red or pink color. Avoid stalks that are soft, wilted, or have brown spots.

Why Rhubarb Crisp Is a Tangy Favorite

• Whip Up Seasonal Comfort: Rhubarb crisp celebrates the vibrant, tangy flavors of spring and early summer with its simple yet delightful combination of tart rhubarb and sweet crumbly topping.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual dessert nights, this rhubarb crisp appeals to all ages with its warm, comforting texture and balanced sweet-tart flavor profile.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: With straightforward steps and basic pantry ingredients, you can transform humble rhubarb into a mouthwatering dessert that comes together in under an hour, providing maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Rhubarb Crisp Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade rhubarb crisp brings sweet-tart magic to spring dessert tables with its irresistible crumble topping. Crisp layers of caramelized fruit and buttery oat streusel invite warm comfort and seasonal delight you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (960 ml) rhubarb, chopped
• 1 cup (240 ml) granulated sugar
• 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/4 cups (150 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (90 g) oatmeal

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 g) melted butter
• 1 cup (240 ml) cold water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Seasoning and Thickening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 7×11-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Combine flour, oats, cinnamon, brown sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl to create a crumbly base mixture.
3. Carefully distribute and press half of the crumb mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a solid foundation.
4. Arrange freshly chopped rhubarb pieces in a uniform layer over the pressed crumb base.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water to create a smooth sauce mixture.
6. Heat the sugar mixture in the microwave, stirring periodically, until the sauce becomes translucent and thickens to a glossy consistency.
7. Enhance the sauce with a splash of vanilla extract, stirring to incorporate the aromatic flavor.
8. Gently pour the thickened sugar sauce over the rhubarb, ensuring even coverage across the entire dish.
9. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture over the top, creating a delicate, textured topping.
10. Position the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30-40 minutes.
11. Remove when the edges are bubbling and the topping has transformed into a golden-brown, crispy layer.

Notes

• Choose ripe, firm rhubarb stalks with vibrant red or pink color for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust sugar levels based on rhubarb’s natural tartness, tasting the chopped stalks before mixing.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with almond or oat flour in the crumb mixture.
• Enhance the dessert by adding strawberries or orange zest to complement the rhubarb’s tangy profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg