Rhubarb Crisp Recipe is the kind of dessert that makes your taste buds do a happy dance, with its sweet and tart flavors mingling like old friends. Picture this: buttery oats, crunchy brown sugar, and the vibrant pink tang of rhubarb filling your kitchen with an aroma that says, “I care about you.” This dish is perfect for cozy family gatherings or as a delightful ending to a weeknight dinner.

I remember the first time I made Rhubarb Crisp. My grandma showed me how to whip it up on a sunny afternoon, and we shared our giggles over spillage and clumsy knife work. The anticipation of digging into that warm, bubbling crisp was enough to make even the most patient child wiggle with excitement. Trust me; you’ll want to make this dessert for any occasion that calls for comfort food.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Rhubarb Crisp Recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for beginners and busy cooks alike
- The flavor profile balances sweetness and tartness beautifully, pleasing everyone at the table
- Its gorgeous layers of color and texture create an eye-catching dessert that impresses guests
- Versatile enough to serve warm or chilled, it’s great any time of year!
Sharing this Rhubarb Crisp with friends is always a hit; they can’t get enough of it!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Fresh Rhubarb: Use bright red stalks; they should be firm and free from blemishes for the best flavor.
-
Granulated Sugar: This balances the tartness of the rhubarb perfectly; feel free to adjust based on your sweetness preference.
-
Brown Sugar: Adds depth and richness to the crumbly topping; dark brown sugar brings even more flavor.
-
Rolled Oats: Use old-fashioned oats for that delightful chewiness; they’ll soak up all those tasty juices.
-
Butter: Preferably unsalted butter, it enriches the topping while giving it a golden crust; use cold for best results.
-
Cinnamon: A dash adds warmth and spice that complements the sweet-tart rhubarb beautifully.
-
All-Purpose Flour: This binds everything together in the topping; measure carefully for perfect consistency.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking dish—9×13 inches works well—and grease it lightly with butter or nonstick spray.
Prepare the Rhubarb Filling: Chop your fresh rhubarb into bite-sized pieces and toss them in a bowl with granulated sugar. Let them sit for about 10 minutes until they start releasing their juices.
Create the Topping Mixture: In another bowl, mix rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly texture forms—think sandy beach vibes but way tastier.
Combine Filling and Topping: Spread the rhubarb mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Then sprinkle that glorious oat topping generously over it—this part always feels like you’re giving it a cozy blanket.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Pop your dish in the oven and let it bake for about 35-40 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. The aroma will have everyone flocking to the kitchen!
Cool Down Before Serving: Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving—it’s hard but trust me! Serve warm with vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
And there you have it—a scrumptious Rhubarb Crisp Recipe that’s bound to become a family favorite!
You Must Know
- Rhubarb crisp’s tangy sweetness will make your taste buds dance
- The crumbly topping provides a delightful crunch, while the scent of baked rhubarb fills your kitchen with nostalgia
- This dessert is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, chop the rhubarb and mix it with sugar and a bit of cornstarch before layering it in your baking dish. This ensures that every bite has that sweet-tart flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to play around! Swap half of the rhubarb for strawberries for a fruity twist. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the crisp topping for extra warmth and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover rhubarb crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warm and crispy again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your rhubarb crisp turns out perfectly, be sure to use fresh rhubarb for optimal flavor
- Don’t skip the cornstarch; it helps thicken juices beautifully
- Letting it cool slightly before serving allows flavors to meld deliciously
Sharing my first experience making rhubarb crisp, I was surprised when my friend exclaimed, “This is magic!” Their reaction made me realize how special this simple dessert can be.
FAQ
What can I substitute if I can’t find fresh rhubarb?
You can use frozen rhubarb; just thaw and drain excess moisture before baking.
Can I make rhubarb crisp ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it beforehand, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
Is there a gluten-free option for the topping?
Yes! Use gluten-free oats and almond flour for a delicious gluten-free version.

Rhubarb Crisp
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Rhubarb Crisp is a delightful dessert that beautifully balances sweet and tart flavors, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. This easy-to-make recipe combines fresh rhubarb with a crunchy oat topping, filling your kitchen with a comforting aroma that invites everyone to the table. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, serve this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh rhubarb (chopped)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine chopped rhubarb and granulated sugar; let sit for 10 minutes until juices release.
- In another bowl, mix rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter until crumbly.
- Spread the rhubarb mixture evenly in the baking dish and top with the oat mixture.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe (approximately 140g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg