Rhubarb Strawberry Crisp

Rhubarb Strawberry Crisp is a delightful dessert that combines the tangy sweetness of rhubarb and strawberries with a buttery, crunchy oat topping. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for spring and summer when these fruits are in season, offering a balance of sweet and tart flavors that are irresistible when served warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Ingredients

3 cups chopped rhubarb
3 cups sliced strawberries
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine chopped rhubarb, sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and cornstarch. Spread this fruit mixture evenly in a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, oats, and melted butter. Crumble the oat mixture over the top of the fruit evenly.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.
5. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgence.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Add a Spice: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the oat topping for added warmth and flavor.
• Use Other Fruits: Swap the strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries, or add a mix of berries to the rhubarb for a different flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats to make this dessert gluten-free.
• Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for a crunchy, nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the fruit.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the crisp in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen rhubarb or strawberries?
   Yes, frozen rhubarb and strawberries can be used, but you may need to bake the crisp for a few extra minutes since frozen fruit tends to release more moisture.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the fruit mixture and crumble topping ahead of time. Assemble it in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
3. Can I substitute the brown sugar with white sugar?
   Yes, you can substitute white granulated sugar for brown sugar, but the brown sugar adds a richer, deeper flavor due to the molasses.
4. How can I make the topping crispier?
   To make the topping extra crispy, consider adding a little more butter or oats, or even a tablespoon of flour to help absorb moisture.
5. Is this dessert gluten-free?
   This recipe as written is not gluten-free, but you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour and oats with gluten-free alternatives.
6. Can I use a different type of fruit besides rhubarb and strawberries?
   Yes, this crisp works well with many different fruit combinations, such as peaches, apples, or a berry mix.
7. Can I make this in a smaller baking dish?
   Yes, you can make this in an 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch dish, but the baking time may be slightly shorter, so be sure to check the topping for doneness.
8. Can I freeze this crisp?
   Yes, you can freeze this crisp either before baking or after it has been baked. To freeze unbaked, cover it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding extra time to the baking process.
9. How do I prevent the fruit from becoming too runny?
   The cornstarch in the fruit mixture helps thicken the juices, but if you find the fruit is too watery, you can increase the cornstarch slightly or drain any excess liquid before baking.
10. What should I serve with Rhubarb Strawberry Crisp?
    This dessert is perfect on its own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of heavy cream.

Conclusion

Rhubarb Strawberry Crisp is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a buttery, crunchy oat topping that brings everything together. It’s a simple yet delightful dessert that highlights the best of spring and summer fruits, and it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it after a weeknight meal, this easy and delicious treat is sure to impress.

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