Rhubarb crisp is a delicious dessert that perfectly balances the tangy flavor of rhubarb with a sweet, buttery crumble topping. A beloved treat, especially in the spring when rhubarb is in season, this dessert combines fresh rhubarb with sugar and a hint of cinnamon, topped with a crispy oat and butter mixture. The result is a warm, comforting dessert with a sweet-tart filling and a crunchy, golden topping that will satisfy your sweet tooth with every bite.
The star of rhubarb crisp is, of course, the rhubarb. This vegetable, often mistaken for a fruit, has a distinctive tartness that works beautifully in desserts. When combined with sugar, the natural acidity of rhubarb is balanced, creating a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the topping. Some recipes also add a touch of orange zest or vanilla to enhance the flavor, though the simplicity of rhubarb, sugar, and cinnamon is often all you need.
The topping for rhubarb crisp is what sets it apart from other desserts like pies or crumbles. Made with oats, flour, butter, and brown sugar, the topping is both crunchy and buttery, creating a perfect contrast to the soft, jammy rhubarb filling beneath. As the crisp bakes, the topping becomes golden brown, adding a delightful texture to each bite.
Rhubarb crisp is incredibly versatile and can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of heavy cream for extra indulgence. It’s perfect for family gatherings, springtime celebrations, or as a simple weeknight treat. You can also make it in individual portions for a more elegant presentation or bake it as a large dish to serve a crowd.
This dessert is as easy to make as it is delicious, requiring minimal ingredients and preparation. Whether you’re a rhubarb lover or a newcomer to this tart vegetable, rhubarb crisp is a timeless dessert that brings comfort and sweetness to any occasion.
Ingredients
- 5 cups rhubarb sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar for filling
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour for filling
- 1 cup rolled oats for topping
- 1 cup brown sugar for topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for topping
- 1/2 cup butter melted, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together rhubarb, granulated sugar, and flour for the filling.
- Pour the rhubarb mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter for the topping.
- Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the rhubarb filling.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Serve warm, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutrition
I’m not a fan of baking, but this was pretty simple. Kind of feels like cheating food. 🤷♂️
This was delightful! My family loved it, especially with vanilla ice cream! 😋
Why do you use a 9×13 dish? I used a round one and it turned out fine! Just saying…
Yum! I added some strawberries and it taste better. Rhubarb and strawberries should team up more often!
I burnt it! 😱 Don’t forget to check it, or you’ll have rhubarb charcoal!
Super easy to make! Took it to a potluck, and it was a hit! Will make again.
I don’t understand why people love rhubarb. It’s so sour! This recipe didn’t change my mind. 👎
Tastes good, but I feel like it could use more sugar. My rhubarb was kinda tart.
I dunno… I think it’s supposed to be a little tart, but I guess everyone’s taste is different. Maybe try honey instead?
More sugar sounds right! I always add extra to my rhubarb dishes. Tartness can throw it off a bit. Happy baking!
My grandma made this for us every summer! Brought back good memories. 🥰
That sounds so lovely! I wish I could’ve tasted your grandma’s version. 😍
Memories are cool, but isn’t rhubarb kinda tart? How does that work in a dessert?