Rhubarb Crisp
This Rhubarb Crisp is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness. With its juicy rhubarb base and a buttery oat topping, it’s a treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a cozy night in, this crisp will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Serve it warm with ice cream for the ultimate indulgence!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal prep time, making it accessible for cooks of all levels.
- Flavorful Combination: The mix of sweet and tart flavors makes every bite exciting.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a dessert or a snack, and pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream.
- Seasonal Delight: Ideal for utilizing fresh rhubarb during the spring and summer months.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit at gatherings, sure to please both family and friends.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Rhubarb Crisp, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan
- Large mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking pan: Ensures even cooking and proper texture for your crisp.
- Mixing bowls: Large enough to combine ingredients without spills.
- Pastry cutter: Helps achieve the perfect crumbly topping by blending butter with dry ingredients efficiently.
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 baking pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Rhubarb Filling
In a large bowl, stir together the rhubarb, granulated sugar, and corn starch. If using fresh rhubarb, reduce the corn starch to only 2 tablespoons. Pour this mixture into the prepared pan.
Step 3: Make the Topping
In another large bowl, combine the butter, brown sugar, oats, and flour. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands to mix until crumbly. Spread this topping over the rhubarb filling in the pan and press down lightly.
Step 4: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the top is golden brown and the edges are thick and bubbly. After baking, let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving warm with ice cream.
Enjoy your homemade Rhubarb Crisp!
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 quiet night at home, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing adds creaminess and balances the tartness of the rhubarb.
- Strawberry ice cream: This fruity option complements the flavors beautifully and adds an extra touch of sweetness.
As a Breakfast Treat
- Yogurt parfait: Layer Rhubarb Crisp with Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a delicious breakfast option.
- Oatmeal topping: Stir some warm Rhubarb Crisp into your morning oatmeal for added flavor and texture.
Accompanied by Whipped Cream
- Homemade whipped cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream enhances the dessert’s richness.
- Flavored whipped cream: Try adding a hint of vanilla or almond extract for an exciting twist.
Served Warm or Cold
- Warm from the oven: Enjoy it fresh out of the oven for that perfect gooey texture.
- Chilled version: Refrigerate leftovers and serve them cold for a refreshing treat on hot days.
How to Perfect Rhubarb Crisp
To make your Rhubarb Crisp truly stand out, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh rhubarb: Fresh rhubarb will give you that ideal flavor and texture compared to frozen options.
- Don’t overmix the topping: Mixing just until crumbly will ensure a great crunchy texture on top.
- Adjust sugar levels: Depending on your taste preference, you can increase or decrease sugar based on the tartness of your rhubarb.
- Add spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can add depth to the crisp flavor profile.
- Serve immediately: Serving while warm will enhance its flavor and gooeyness, especially when paired with ice cream.
- Store properly: Keep leftovers covered in the fridge to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Best Side Dishes for Rhubarb Crisp
Pairing your Rhubarb Crisp with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
- Grilled Chicken: Juicy chicken seasoned with herbs makes a flavorful main dish alongside the sweet tartness of Rhubarb Crisp.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich dessert.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese can provide a savory counterbalance to the sweetness of the crisp.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil bring earthy flavors that pair well with dessert.
- Pasta Primavera: A vegetable-packed pasta dish adds brightness and complements the tangy notes in Rhubarb Crisp.
- Scones: Warm scones with butter are perfect for brunch when served alongside this delightful dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Rhubarb Crisp, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Using too much cornstarch: If you use fresh rhubarb, remember to limit the cornstarch to just 2 tablespoons. This helps prevent the filling from becoming too thick.
- Not preheating the oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that golden brown topping.
- Skipping the resting time: Letting your Rhubarb Crisp sit for 10 minutes after baking allows the juices to set, making it easier to serve.
- Overmixing the topping: When combining the butter with oats and flour, mix just until crumbly. Overmixing can lead to a tough topping instead of a flaky one.
- Serving without ice cream: While it’s delicious on its own, serving your Rhubarb Crisp warm with ice cream enhances the flavors and adds a creamy texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Rhubarb Crisp in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Ensure it cools completely before covering to prevent condensation.
Freezing Rhubarb Crisp
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in an airtight container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Rhubarb Crisp
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 30-60 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place portions in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Rhubarb Crisp.
Can I use frozen rhubarb for Rhubarb Crisp?
Yes! Frozen rhubarb works great in this recipe. Just thaw and drain excess moisture before using.
How do I make my Rhubarb Crisp sweeter?
Adjust the granulated sugar based on your taste preferences. Adding more sugar will enhance sweetness without compromising texture.
What can I serve with Rhubarb Crisp?
It pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You could also add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra flavor.
Can I substitute any ingredients in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour or adjust sugars based on dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
This Rhubarb Crisp is not only a delightful dessert but also highly versatile. You can customize it with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even mix in other fruits like strawberries. Try this recipe today and enjoy its sweet and tart flavors that evoke warmth and comfort!
Rhubarb Crisp
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
Description
Indulge in the delightful experience of homemade Rhubarb Crisp, a perfect harmony of tart rhubarb and sweet, buttery oat topping. This easy-to-make dessert is ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy night in. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable treat that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. With its simple preparation and scrumptious flavor, Rhubarb Crisp is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
- 5 cups rhubarb (fresh or frozen, chopped)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 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 all-purpose)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine rhubarb, granulated sugar, and corn starch (reduce corn starch to 2 tablespoons if using fresh). Pour into the prepared pan.
- In another bowl, mix butter, brown sugar, oats, and flour until crumbly. Spread over the rhubarb mixture.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving warm with ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of dish (approx. 130g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
