Rhubarb Crisp
This Rhubarb Crisp is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors. With its juicy rhubarb filling and buttery oat topping, it’s an ideal treat for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a picnic in the park, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for an unforgettable experience. This recipe also includes a step-by-step RECIPE VIDEO to help guide you through the process!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time, this dish can be whipped up quickly, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of sweet sugar and tart rhubarb creates a wonderful flavor profile that everyone will enjoy.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or even add other fruits to make this recipe your own.
- Perfect for Any Season: Whether rhubarb is in season or you’re using frozen fruit, this crisp is a year-round delight.
- Great Leftovers: This dessert tastes even better the next day; enjoy it warm or cold!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Rhubarb Crisp, gather some essential tools to make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking pan (8×8 or 9×9 inches)
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking pan: A good baking pan ensures even cooking and proper texture for your Rhubarb Crisp.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple mixing bowls allows you to easily combine ingredients without mess.
- Pastry cutter: This tool helps achieve that perfect crumbly topping by evenly mixing butter with dry ingredients.
Ingredients
For this delicious Rhubarb Crisp, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 5 cups rhubarb (frozen or fresh, chopped (about 600g))
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
- 1/4 cup corn starch
- 1/2 cup butter (cold, cubed)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or sub all purpose) (65 g)
How to Make Rhubarb Crisp
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×9-inch pan to prepare for baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Rhubarb Filling
In a large bowl, stir together:
1. Rhubarb
2. Granulated sugar
3. Corn starch
Note: If using fresh rhubarb, use only 2 tablespoons of corn starch. Pour this mixture into the prepared pan.
Step 3: Make the Crumb Topping
In another large bowl, combine:
1. Butter
2. Brown sugar
3. Rolled oats
4. Whole wheat flour
Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands to mix until crumbly. Spread this topping over the rhubarb in the pan and press down lightly.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown on top and thick and bubbly at the edges. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes before serving warm with ice cream.
Enjoy your homemade Rhubarb Crisp—it’s sure to be a hit!
How to Serve Rhubarb Crisp
Rhubarb Crisp is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing! A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream complements the tartness of the rhubarb.
- Coconut Ice Cream: For a tropical twist, try coconut ice cream which adds a sweet flavor to the crisp.
As a Breakfast Option
- Greek Yogurt: Serve warm Rhubarb Crisp over Greek yogurt for a nutritious breakfast that balances sweetness and creaminess.
- Oatmeal Topping: Add Rhubarb Crisp to oatmeal for an exciting and flavorful breakfast option.
For Special Occasions
- With Whipped Cream: Top your Rhubarb Crisp with freshly whipped cream for an elegant touch during celebrations.
- A La Mode: Offer it with different ice cream flavors for guests to customize their dessert experience.
Drizzled with Sauce
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce brings additional sweetness and richness to the dish.
- Berry Sauce: Enhance the tartness by adding a berry sauce, which pairs beautifully with rhubarb.
How to Perfect Rhubarb Crisp
To achieve the perfect Rhubarb Crisp, follow these simple tips that will elevate your dessert.
- Choose the Right Rhubarb: Fresh rhubarb gives the best flavor. If using frozen, make sure it’s properly thawed and drained.
- Adjust Sugar Levels: Depending on the acidity of your rhubarb, feel free to adjust sugar. More sugar can balance out extra tartness.
- Use Cold Butter: For a crumbly topping, ensure your butter is cold when mixing. This helps create that perfect texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients for the topping, mix just until crumbly. Overmixing can lead to a dense topping.
- Let It Rest: Allowing your Rhubarb Crisp to sit for about 10 minutes after baking ensures better serving consistency and enhances flavors.
- Experiment with Flavors: For added depth, consider mixing in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg into the topping.
Best Side Dishes for Rhubarb Crisp
While Rhubarb Crisp stands well on its own, pairing it with side dishes can create a more rounded meal. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Chicken: The savory flavor of grilled chicken complements the sweet-tart notes of Rhubarb Crisp perfectly.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness of dessert while adding freshness to your plate.
- Cheese Platter: Pairing with cheeses like brie or goat cheese offers a delightful contrast and enhances flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables: Sweet roasted carrots or beets provide earthiness that pairs nicely with this dessert.
- Biscuits: Flaky biscuits make for a hearty addition alongside your warm dessert, perfect for soaking up any juices.
- Scones: Serve buttery scones as an afternoon treat that pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee alongside Rhubarb Crisp.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Rhubarb Crisp, it’s easy to make a few common missteps. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using too much cornstarch: This can lead to a gummy texture. Stick to the recommended amount for best results.
- Not preheating your oven: A hot oven ensures even baking. Always preheat before placing your dish inside.
- Skipping the chilling step for butter: Cold butter creates a flakier topping. Make sure your butter is cold and cubed before mixing.
- Overbaking the crisp: Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time. It should be golden brown, not burnt.
- Using overly ripe rhubarb: Overripe rhubarb can be too soft and mushy. Choose firm rhubarb for the best texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Rhubarb Crisp in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Rhubarb Crisp
- Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Frozen Rhubarb Crisp can last up to 3 months.
Reheating Rhubarb Crisp
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
- Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Rhubarb Crisp, here are some common ones answered.
Can I use frozen rhubarb for Rhubarb Crisp?
Yes, frozen rhubarb works well! Just add a little extra cornstarch if it’s very juicy after thawing.
How do I know when my Rhubarb Crisp is done?
Look for a golden-brown topping and bubbly edges. This indicates it has baked properly.
Can I customize my Rhubarb Crisp?
Absolutely! You can add berries or nuts to enhance flavor and texture. Try strawberries or almonds!
Is Rhubarb Crisp gluten-free?
You can make a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Final Thoughts
This Rhubarb Crisp is a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors that everyone will love. It’s versatile enough to adapt with various fruits or toppings, making it suitable for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and personalize it to your taste!
Rhubarb Crisp
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 8 people 1x
Description
Rhubarb Crisp is a heartwarming dessert that brings together the perfect harmony of sweet and tart flavors. With a juicy rhubarb filling enveloped in a buttery oat topping, this crisp is ideal for any occasion—from family gatherings to quiet evenings at home. Enjoy it warm, topped with a scoop of ice cream, for an unforgettable treat that will leave everyone craving more. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures that you can whip up this classic dessert quickly, making it a go-to choice for those unexpected guests or last-minute celebrations.
Ingredients
- 5 cups rhubarb (fresh or frozen, chopped)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup corn starch
- 1/2 cup cold butter (cubed)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine rhubarb, granulated sugar, and corn starch. Transfer this mixture into the prepared pan.
- In another bowl, mix cold butter, brown sugar, rolled oats, and whole wheat flour until crumbly. Spread the topping over the rhubarb filling and press lightly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
