The Best Rhubarb Crisp Recipe for Ultimate Satisfaction
Many people love rhubarb, so here’s the best rhubarb crisp recipe that’s quick, easy, and bursting with sweet-tart flavor. This old-fashioned rhubarb crisp combines tender, juicy rhubarb with a buttery, golden oat topping—the ultimate spring and summer dessert that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
This easy rhubarb dessert is sure to become a favorite. Made with common pantry staples, it takes just minutes to prepare and comes out of the oven perfectly sweet with a bubbly, crunchy, and tart flavor.
You can serve it warm with oats and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge. It’s naturally vegan and easily adaptable to be gluten-free or vegetarian—perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or meal prep.
🍓 Why You’ll Love This Easy Rhubarb Crisp Recipe
This easy rhubarb crisp recipe is more than just a delicious dessert — it’s a nostalgic, comforting treat that brings together the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Whether you’re looking for a quick spring dessert, a classic rhubarb recipe, or just the best rhubarb crisp with oats, this one checks all the boxes.
- Simple & Easy: Just 15 minutes of prep with pantry staples — no fancy tools needed!
- Perfect Sweet-Tart Flavor: Rhubarb shines with a natural tang, balanced by a golden brown sugar oat topping.
- Great for Seasonal Produce: The best way to use up fresh spring rhubarb or frozen rhubarb from your garden stash.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easily make it gluten-free, vegan, or add strawberries for a fruity twist!
- Family Favorite Dessert: Crowd-pleasing and perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or Sunday dinners.
Bonus: Did you know rhubarb is actually a vegetable, not a fruit? Learn more about this unique plant and its health benefits from the Better Homes & Gardens guide to rhubarb .
🍓 Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Rhubarb Crisp
Here’s everything you need to make a sweet, tart, and irresistibly crispy rhubarb dessert. These pantry staples come together in minutes to create the perfect old-fashioned rhubarb crisp with a buttery oat topping.
For the Rhubarb Filling:
- • 4 cups chopped fresh rhubarb (or frozen, thawed & drained)
- • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- • 1 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- • 1 tsp vanilla extract
- • 1 tbsp lemon juice (brightens the tartness)
For the Oat Crumble Topping:
- • 3/4 cup rolled oats (use gluten-free if needed)
- • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour)
- • 1/3 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- • 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- • 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
- • Pinch of salt
- • Rhubarb: If using frozen rhubarb, thaw and drain thoroughly to avoid excess liquid.
- • Oats: Rolled oats give the topping its crisp texture. Avoid quick oats or steel-cut oats.
- • Want to add strawberries? Replace 1 cup of rhubarb with chopped strawberries for a Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp twist. 🍓
🍓 How to Make the Best Rhubarb Crisp (Step-by-Step)
This easy rhubarb crisp recipe is made with fresh rhubarb and topped with a golden, buttery oat crumble. Follow these simple steps to create a sweet-tart spring dessert that everyone will love!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar oven-safe dish.
- Prepare the rhubarb filling: In a large bowl, toss 5 cups chopped rhubarb with 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until well combined, then spread evenly in the baking dish.
- Make the crisp topping: In another bowl, combine 1 cup rolled oats, 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Add 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed) and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until crumbly.
- Assemble the crisp: Sprinkle the oat crumble topping evenly over the rhubarb mixture.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the rhubarb filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and serve: Let your homemade rhubarb crisp cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
🧁 Rhubarb Crisp Variations You’ll Love
Take your easy rhubarb crisp to the next level with these creative twists. Perfect for every taste and dietary need!
🍓 Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Combine 1 cup fresh strawberries with rhubarb for a colorful, sweet-tart dessert. Pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream.
🌾 Gluten-Free Rhubarb Crisp
Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix and use certified gluten-free oats for a celiac-friendly treat.
🥥 Vegan Rhubarb Crisp
Use melted coconut oil or vegan butter and a flax egg in the filling—no dairy, no compromise on flavor or crunch!
🍏 Rhubarb Apple Crisp
Add 2 cups peeled, thinly-sliced apples to the rhubarb filling for extra sweetness and the ultimate fall dessert.
🧡 Spiced Rhubarb Crisp
Stir in ½ teaspoon ground ginger and a pinch of nutmeg into the filling for a warm, aromatic twist.
🍨 How to Serve Rhubarb Crisp (Best Toppings & Pairings)
Wondering what to serve with rhubarb crisp? This sweet-tart rhubarb dessert is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in several delicious ways — from warm with ice cream to chilled as a refreshing spring treat.
🔥 Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream
A classic combo! The contrast of warm, tangy rhubarb crisp and cold, creamy vanilla ice cream is pure dessert perfection.
🍓 With Whipped Cream or Yogurt
Top your crisp with fresh whipped cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a light, protein-rich twist — great for brunch or a healthy rhubarb dessert.
☕ With Coffee or Herbal Tea
Serve slightly chilled with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a relaxing afternoon treat — perfect for spring gatherings or cozy evenings.
🌱 With a Hint of Mint or Citrus Zest
Add a sprinkle of lemon zest or chopped mint leaves for a refreshing and fragrant twist that elevates the bright flavor of your easy rhubarb crisp.
💡 Pro Tip: Serve your rhubarb crisp in mason jars or small ramekins for individual portions at picnics, potlucks, or spring brunches.
🧊 How to Store & Freeze Rhubarb Crisp (Keep It Fresh!)
Here’s how to store rhubarb crisp the right way — so it stays crispy, flavorful, and delicious for days!
📦 How to Store Rhubarb Crisp
- Let the crisp cool completely at room temperature before storing.
- Cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To maintain the crispy topping, avoid placing a lid directly on the crisp.
❄️ Can You Freeze Rhubarb Crisp?
- Yes! Rhubarb crisp freezes beautifully—either baked or unbaked.
- Wrap tightly in foil, then place in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
- Label with the date and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
🔥 Best Way to Reheat Rhubarb Crisp
For a crispy topping and warm center, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crumble topping crunchy!
Tip: For best storage practices on fruit-based desserts, visit this food storage guide by StillTasty.com – a trusted resource for food safety and shelf life.
Rhubarb Crisp Recipe
This Rhubarb Crisp is a delightful spring and summer dessert that balances the tartness of fresh rhubarb with a sweet, buttery oat topping. It’s simple to prepare, uses pantry staples, and is a great way to showcase seasonal produce. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or a cozy treat at home.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 5 cups rhubarb, chopped (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
- Prepare Filling: In a large bowl, toss the chopped rhubarb with sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until evenly coated. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
- Make Topping: In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in melted butter and mix until crumbly.
- Assemble Crisp: Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the rhubarb mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the rhubarb is bubbly.
- Cool & Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- Use Fresh Rhubarb: Fresh rhubarb has the best flavor and texture, but frozen can be used in a pinch—just be sure to thaw and drain it well.
- Make Ahead: Assemble ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Great for prepping the night before.
- Add Berries: Mix in 1 cup of strawberries or raspberries for extra color and sweetness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free flour for a GF version.
- Don’t Skip the Butter: Butter helps create that perfect golden crumble—don’t skimp on it!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of custard.
- Add a few mint leaves or a dusting of powdered sugar for garnish.
🍓 Rhubarb Crisp Recipe FAQs
Yes! Frozen rhubarb works perfectly. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before using to avoid excess liquid in your filling. It’s a great way to enjoy rhubarb crisp year-round!
Rhubarb crisp has a crumbly oat-based topping, while cobbler is made with a biscuit or cake-like topping. Both are delicious fruit desserts, but crisp offers a crunchier texture that pairs perfectly with tart rhubarb.
Overly juicy filling usually means the rhubarb wasn’t drained well or the topping wasn’t baked long enough. Add 1–2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the filling to help thicken the juices naturally.
Use certified gluten-free oats and almond flour, and swap butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. The crisp still turns out golden, crunchy, and full of sweet-tart flavor.
Strawberries are the most popular pairing, but raspberries, apples, blueberries, and even peaches complement rhubarb’s tart flavor beautifully. Try a mixed berry rhubarb crisp for a fruity twist!
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