A strawberry rhubarb crisp is a deliciously rustic dessert that brings together the sweetness of ripe strawberries and the tartness of rhubarb, all topped with a crunchy oat crumble. This dish is perfect for spring and summer when both strawberries and rhubarb are at their peak, but it can easily be enjoyed year-round with frozen fruit. The crisp is a great alternative to a pie because it’s quicker to prepare and doesn’t require any crust, making it accessible for even the most novice bakers. Below, we’ll explore how to make this classic dessert and dive deep into various ways you can customize it, as well as why this particular combination of flavors works so well.
best-strawberry-rhubarb-crisp-recipe
Ingredients for the Best Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
The beauty of this strawberry rhubarb crisp recipe lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t require a long list of ingredients, and most of them are pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need for both the filling and the crisp topping:
Filling Ingredients:
2 cups rhubarb (cut into ½-inch pieces)
2 cups strawberries (hulled and halved)
¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of your strawberries)
2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (to enhance the flavors)
Crisp Topping Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter (chilled and cut into small cubes)
Directions for a Perfect Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
This recipe is very easy to follow, requiring minimal prep time. You can whip up a batch in less than 20 minutes, and the bake time allows the fruit to become tender while the topping turns golden brown and crispy.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar-sized ovenproof skillet.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, toss together the rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Ensure everything is evenly coated. Spread this fruit mixture in the bottom of your prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Make the Topping
In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Using your hands or a pastry cutter, mix the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be well-distributed throughout the topping.
Step 4: Assemble the Crisp
Evenly spread the crumble topping over the fruit mixture. Make sure it covers all of the fruit, but don’t pack it down too tightly, as you want it to be crumbly.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the crisp for 40–45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to thicken.
Why Strawberry and Rhubarb Work So Well Together
Strawberries and rhubarb are a classic pairing in desserts due to their complementary flavors. The natural sweetness of strawberries balances out the sharp, tart flavor of rhubarb, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. This contrast is key to the appeal of strawberry rhubarb crisp, as it keeps the dessert from being overly sweet or one-dimensional.
Rhubarb has a bold, sour flavor that mellows when cooked, but it still retains enough tartness to offer an exciting contrast to the sweet strawberries.
Strawberries add a juicy sweetness, and when baked, their flavors intensify, adding a pleasant balance to the tart rhubarb.
This combination is especially popular in the spring, when both ingredients are in season and at their freshest. However, this recipe works just as well with frozen fruit, making it an option for any time of the year.
Customizing Your Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
One of the best things about strawberry rhubarb crisp is its versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are a few ways to customize this dish:
1. Add More Fruit
If you want to add more complexity to the filling, try including other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even apples. Each fruit will bring its own unique flavor, making the crisp even more exciting.
2. Play with the Topping
While the classic oat topping is always a hit, you can experiment with different flours (almond flour or whole wheat flour), add nuts like pecans or almonds for a crunchier texture, or even mix in some shredded coconut for extra flavor.
3. Try a Gluten-Free Version
If you’re looking to make the crisp gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.
4. Spice It Up
Adding spices like nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to the filling or topping can give your crisp a warm, spiced flavor profile. This works particularly well during the fall or winter months.
Tips for Perfecting Your Crisp
Here are a few tips to ensure your strawberry rhubarb crisp comes out perfectly every time:
Don’t skip the cornstarch. The fruit releases a lot of juice as it bakes, and cornstarch helps thicken those juices so you don’t end up with a watery filling.
Use cold butter for the topping. Cold butter ensures that the topping turns crispy and golden brown without becoming greasy.
Let it cool before serving. Allowing the crisp to sit for 10–15 minutes after baking helps the filling set, making it easier to serve without it falling apart.
Pairing Suggestions
A warm strawberry rhubarb crisp pairs beautifully with a few different accompaniments:
Vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing. The cold, creamy texture of the ice cream contrasts with the warm, juicy filling of the crisp.
Whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that complements the heaviness of the crumble topping.
Greek yogurt or crème fraîche can add a tangy, creamy note to balance the sweetness of the dessert.
The History of Fruit Crisps
Fruit crisps are a variation of traditional fruit pies, originating in the UK, where they are known as fruit crumbles. The earliest recorded versions of fruit crisps appeared in the 19th century, and the dessert quickly became a favorite due to its simplicity. Unlike pies, crisps don’t require the labor-intensive process of making a pastry crust, making them more accessible for home bakers. The idea is simple: layer fruit at the bottom of a dish, add a crumbly topping, and bake.
Nutritional Information
While strawberry rhubarb crisp is a dessert, it also offers some nutritional benefits, especially when made with fresh, in-season fruit. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:
Calories: 300–350 per serving
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 12g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 4g (from the fruit and oats)
For a healthier version, you can reduce the sugar in the recipe, use a whole grain flour in the topping, or add seeds like chia or flax to boost the fiber content.
Conclusion
Strawberry rhubarb crisp is an easy, delicious dessert that can be whipped up in no time. With its balance of sweet and tart flavors and its crunchy topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser that works for any occasion. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with some fun variations, this dessert is sure to impress.
