Best Rhubarb Crisp
This Best Rhubarb Crisp features a delightful blend of sweet and tart rhubarb, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. The crunchy oat topping adds texture and flavor, creating a warm, comforting dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this crisp is sure to impress. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: This recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet and tart flavors of rhubarb paired with the crunchy topping create a satisfying dessert.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm or cold, with whipped cream or ice cream—perfect for any preference!
- Perfect for Sharing: With 8 servings, it’s ideal for gatherings or family dinners.
- Seasonal Delight: Rhubarb is in season during spring, making this dessert a timely treat.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools handy will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable. Gather these essential items before you start.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 8×8 baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- 8×8 baking dish: Ensures even cooking and provides the perfect size for this recipe.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
- Measuring cups: Guarantees accurate ingredient amounts for consistent results.
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 bakes evenly once assembled.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl:
1. Toss together the rhubarb, sugar, flour, and cinnamon.
2. Ensure all pieces of rhubarb are coated well.
3. Transfer the mixture into the prepared 8×8 baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Topping
In another bowl:
1. Mix together the flour, rolled oats, and brown sugar.
2. Pour in the melted butter.
3. Stir until everything is moistened.
4. Using your hands, break up the mixture into bite-sized pieces.
5. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the rhubarb filling.
Step 4: Bake Your Crisp
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven:
– Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and the filling bubbles.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Allow your crisp to cool slightly before serving:
– Enjoy it warm or cold, topped with sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired!
How to Serve Best Rhubarb Crisp
Serving Best Rhubarb Crisp can elevate your dessert experience. The warm, sweet, and tart flavors of rhubarb combined with a crunchy topping create a delightful treat that pairs beautifully with various accompaniments.
With Whipped Cream
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy texture that balances the tartness of the rhubarb.
With Vanilla Ice Cream
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts into the warm crisp, creating a delicious contrast of temperatures and flavors.
With Yogurt
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a tangy twist that adds extra creaminess and protein.
With Fresh Berries
- Fresh strawberries or blueberries sprinkled on top add vibrant color and enhance the fruity flavor profile.
As Breakfast
- Enjoy warmed leftovers with a splash of milk for a quick and tasty breakfast option.
With Coffee
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for an enjoyable afternoon snack that complements the crisp’s sweetness.

How to Perfect Best Rhubarb Crisp
To achieve the ultimate Best Rhubarb Crisp, consider these helpful tips for enhancing texture and flavor.
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Use fresh rhubarb: Fresh rhubarb provides the best flavor and texture. Frozen rhubarb may work, but it should be thawed and drained well before use.
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Balance sweetness: Adjust the sugar based on your taste preference. If using sweeter rhubarb, you might reduce the sugar to prevent overpowering sweetness.
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Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on your crisp while baking. It should be bubbly and golden brown without burning, ensuring a perfect texture.
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Mix toppings well: Ensure all topping ingredients are fully combined before sprinkling over the filling. This ensures even distribution and crunchiness.
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Serve warm: For best results, serve your crisp straight from the oven while it’s still warm. This enhances its aroma and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Best Rhubarb Crisp
Pairing side dishes with Best Rhubarb Crisp can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options to complement this delicious dessert:
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Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese pairs well with the tartness of rhubarb.
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Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the crisp.
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Savory Scones: Herb-infused scones provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of rhubarb.
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Roasted Nuts: Crunchy roasted nuts can serve as a delightful appetizer before enjoying your dessert.
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Charcuterie Plate: Salty meats like prosciutto or salami complement the dessert nicely.
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Vanilla Pudding: A light vanilla pudding creates a creamy contrast to the crunchy texture of the crisp.
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Grilled Peaches: Sweet grilled peaches bring out fruity flavors that match well with rhubarb.
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Simple Green Salad: A refreshing green salad can cleanse the palate between bites of rich dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the Best Rhubarb Crisp can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
- Ignoring the rhubarb’s moisture – Fresh rhubarb can hold a lot of water. If you don’t adjust your sugar and flour accordingly, your crisp may end up too watery. Always allow the rhubarb to drain if it seems overly moist.
- Overmixing the topping – When preparing the streusel topping, overmixing can lead to a tough texture. Mix just until combined for that perfect crunchy topping.
- Not using enough sugar – Rhubarb is naturally tart, so not adding enough sugar can result in a sour dish. Adjust the sugar based on your taste preference while balancing with the tartness of the rhubarb.
- Skipping the cinnamon – Cinnamon adds depth to the flavor profile of your crisp. Don’t skip this spice; it enhances the overall taste.
- Baking at an incorrect temperature – Baking at too high or low a temperature can affect how your crisp cooks. Stick to 350F for even baking, ensuring a bubbly filling and golden top.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- item Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- item Best consumed within 3-5 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Best Rhubarb Crisp
- item Allow the crisp to cool completely before freezing.
- item Use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in foil; consume within 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Best Rhubarb Crisp
- Oven – Preheat to 350F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Heat individual portions on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking often.
- Stovetop – Warm on low heat in a pan, stirring gently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making the Best Rhubarb Crisp.
Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen rhubarb works well as long as it’s thawed and drained before using.
How do I know when my crisp is done?
The best indicator is when the top is lightly browned and you see bubbling from the filling.
Can I customize my Best Rhubarb Crisp?
Absolutely! You can add strawberries or apples for added flavor or try different spices like nutmeg.
What is the best way to serve Best Rhubarb Crisp?
Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat!
Final Thoughts
The Best Rhubarb Crisp is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. This dessert captures a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite fruits or toppings, creating your unique twist on this classic recipe!

Best Rhubarb Crisp
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Indulge in the Best Rhubarb Crisp, a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors. This comforting dish features tender rhubarb enveloped in a luscious filling, topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar streusel. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this crisp is guaranteed to impress. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra layer of decadence. With its simple preparation and seasonal appeal, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels!
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)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix rhubarb, sugar, flour, and cinnamon until well combined. Transfer to an 8×8" baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine flour, oats, and brown sugar. Stir in melted butter until moistened. Crumble topping over the rhubarb filling.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and filling bubbles.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving warm or cold.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (125g)
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 98mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 24mg