Best Rhubarb Crisp

Name: Best Rhubarb Crisp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-486636H17M38S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups rhubarb (cut into 1/2" chunks); 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp cinnamon; 1 cup all-purpose flour (for topping); 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)

Published: July 3, 2025

by Emilia

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This Best Rhubarb Crisp combines sweet and tart flavors with a crunchy oat and brown sugar topping, making it the perfect dessert for gatherings or cozy nights at home. It’s easy to prepare and showcases the unique taste of rhubarb, ensuring that every bite is delightful. Whether served warm with ice cream or cold as a refreshing treat, this crisp will surely impress your family and friends.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious dessert in the oven in no time.
Flavorful Balance: The tartness of rhubarb beautifully contrasts with the sweetness of the streusel topping, creating a harmonious dessert.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm with vanilla ice cream or let it chill and serve with whipped cream—perfect for any occasion!
Crowd-Pleaser: This dish serves eight people, making it ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners.
Simple Ingredients: Made from easily accessible ingredients, you can whip up this recipe without any hassle.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Best Rhubarb Crisp, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

8×8 baking dish
Large mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet (optional)

Importance of Each Tool

8×8 baking dish: The perfect size for even cooking while allowing the filling to bubble beautifully.
Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all your ingredients thoroughly without spills.

Ingredients

This incredible crisp is made with a sweet and tart rhubarb filling and it’s topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar streusel.

For the Filling

4 cups (500g) rhubarb (cut into 1/2 chunks)
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp cinnamon

For the Topping

1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (45g) rolled oats
1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (114g) unsalted butter, melted

How to Make Best Rhubarb Crisp

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350F. This ensures that your crisp cooks evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, toss together the rhubarb, sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
Mix until all pieces of rhubarb are coated.
Transfer this mixture into an 8×8 baking dish.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

In another bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, and brown sugar.
Pour in the melted butter.
Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
Using your hands, break up the mixture into bite-sized pieces.
Sprinkle this topping evenly over the rhubarb filling.

Step 4: Bake

Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and you see bubbling around the edges.

Step 5: Serve

Allow it to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or cold with sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

How to Serve Best Rhubarb Crisp

Serving Best Rhubarb Crisp can elevate your dessert experience and impress your guests. Here are some delightful suggestions to enhance your dish.

Classic Pairing with Ice Cream

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the tartness of the rhubarb beautifully.
Cinnamon Ice Cream: This adds a warm spice that pairs well with the sweet and sour flavors.

Toppings for Extra Flavor

Sweetened Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it adds a touch of sweetness and richness to each bite.
Fresh Berries: Strawberries or blueberries on top provide a burst of freshness and color.

Serving Warm or Cold

Serve Warm: Enjoy it straight from the oven for a comforting experience.
Chill and Serve Cold: Refrigerate leftovers for a refreshing treat later on.

Garnish Ideas

Mint Leaves: A sprig of fresh mint not only looks appealing but also adds a hint of freshness.
Toasted Nuts: Almonds or walnuts sprinkled on top give an added crunch.

How to Perfect Best Rhubarb Crisp

To ensure your Best Rhubarb Crisp turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

Choose Fresh Rhubarb: Look for firm, vibrant stalks without spots. Fresh rhubarb will yield the best flavor.
Adjust Sugar to Taste: Depending on your preference for sweetness, feel free to adjust the sugar in the filling.
Don’t Overmix the Topping: Gently mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough topping instead of a crumbly one.
Let it Rest Before Serving: Allowing the crisp to cool slightly will help set the filling, making it easier to serve.
Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Best Rhubarb Crisp

While Best Rhubarb Crisp is a star dessert on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

Roasted Chicken: A savory roasted chicken provides a satisfying contrast to the sweet tartness of rhubarb crisp.
Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness of dessert and adds freshness.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled to perfection can round out your meal nicely with savory flavors.
Cheese Platter: Offer assorted cheeses like brie or goat cheese alongside fruits for an elegant touch before dessert.
Pork Tenderloin: A herb-rubbed pork tenderloin brings depth and savory notes that complement rhubarb’s tartness.
Quinoa Salad: This nutty salad packed with vegetables can serve as a healthy side option that won’t overshadow your crisp.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the Best Rhubarb Crisp successfully, avoid these common mistakes.

Using too much sugar: While rhubarb is tart, adding excessive sugar can overpower its flavor. Stick to the recommended amount for a balanced taste.
Not preparing rhubarb properly: Ensure you cut the rhubarb into uniform 1/2 chunks. This helps with even cooking and consistent texture in your crisp.
Skipping the cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the flavor. Don’t skip it; just a teaspoon can make a big difference!
Ignoring the baking time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your crisp as it bakes to avoid overcooking or undercooking.
Not letting it cool: Allowing your crisp to cool slightly lets the filling set up. Serving it too hot can make it runny.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Best Rhubarb Crisp in an airtight container in the fridge.
It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Best Rhubarb Crisp

For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Best Rhubarb Crisp

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and cover your crisp with foil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently while stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making the Best Rhubarb Crisp.

Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb! Just ensure it’s thawed and drained before mixing with the other ingredients.

What is the best way to sweeten rhubarb?

The best way is using granulated sugar combined with a bit of flour and cinnamon. This creates a balanced sweetness without losing rhubarb’s tartness.

How do I know when my rhubarb crisp is done?

Your crisp is done when the topping is lightly browned and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

Can I add other fruits to my rhubarb crisp?

Absolutely! Adding strawberries or apples can enhance flavor and texture. Just adjust sugar levels based on sweetness.

Final Thoughts

The Best Rhubarb Crisp is not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize it by adding different fruits or spices according to your taste. It’s perfect for any occasion and sure to delight everyone who tries it!

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