Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

Nothing says summer like a warm, bubbling Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp fresh from the oven. This rustic dessert balances the sweet juiciness of ripe strawberries with the sharp tang of rhubarb, all tucked beneath a buttery, golden oat topping. It’s the kind of treat that feels nostalgic yet fresh, perfect for backyard cookouts, casual gatherings, or simply savoring a quiet summer evening.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to rhubarb, this recipe is an easy, crowd-pleasing way to showcase seasonal produce. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate summer indulgence.

🍓 Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

This crisp hits all the right notes—sweet, tart, buttery, and slightly chewy. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your summer dessert rotation:

• No-fuss recipe: No pie crusts, no mixers. Just simple ingredients and one baking dish.

• Seasonal and fresh: Strawberries and rhubarb are at their peak in late spring through early summer.

• Crisp topping perfection: Oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter create the ideal golden crumble.

• Customizable: Make it gluten-free or vegan with easy swaps.

• Make-ahead friendly: Bake it ahead and reheat for easy entertaining.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Filling:

• 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved

• 3 cups rhubarb, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces

• 2/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crisp Topping:

• 3/4 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

Pro Tip: Using cold butter and cutting it into the topping ensures a crisp, crumbly texture.

🧑‍🍳 How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch square or oval baking dish and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla. Stir until well coated, then pour into your prepared dish.

Step 3: Make the Topping

In another bowl, stir together oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cubed butter and use a pastry cutter (or your fingers) to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the fruit mixture. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling at the edges.

Step 5: Serve

Let cool for 10–15 minutes. Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

🌿 Variations and Tips

H3: Make it Gluten-Free

Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.

H3: Vegan Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

Replace butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Check your sugar is vegan-certified if needed.

H3: Add a Crunchy Twist

Stir in chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts to the topping for an extra crunch.

🍨 Serving Suggestions

This crisp shines best when served warm. A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the tart-sweet fruit is pure bliss. You can also serve it with:

• Greek yogurt (for a breakfast twist!)

• Coconut whipped cream

• A drizzle of honey or maple syrup

❄️ How to Store and Reheat

• Store: Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

• Reheat: Bake at 300°F for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual portions.

• Freeze: You can freeze baked crisp (tightly wrapped) for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven.

🙋‍♀️ FAQs About Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

H3: Can I use frozen fruit?

Yes! Thaw and drain frozen strawberries and rhubarb well before using to avoid a watery filling.

H3: Is rhubarb poisonous?

Only the leaves of rhubarb are toxic. The stalks—the part used in cooking—are completely safe and delicious.

H3: How can I make this less sweet?

Reduce the sugar in the filling by 1/4 cup or add more rhubarb for a tangier bite. Taste and adjust as you prefer.

H3: Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake it a day in advance and reheat gently before serving. The flavor deepens as it rests.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is a timeless dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. With its bubbling fruit filling and buttery oat topping, it’s equal parts comfort food and seasonal celebration. Whether you’re making it for guests or treating yourself, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe box.