If you’ve never had rhubarb crisp before, trust me—you’re in for a treat. This dessert is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a juicy rhubarb filling bubbling beneath a golden, buttery oat topping. It’s cozy, comforting, and ridiculously easy to make. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got yourself a dessert that tastes like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re a longtime rhubarb fan or trying it for the first time, this crisp is about to become a new favorite!
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Why You’ll Love Rhubarb Crisp
Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The tartness of rhubarb pairs beautifully with the sweet, buttery crisp topping.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything you need in your pantry already!
Easy to Make: No complicated steps—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a backyard BBQ, this crisp is always a hit.
Deliciously Versatile: Serve it warm, cold, with ice cream, or even yogurt for a breakfast treat.

Ingredients in Rhubarb Crisp
Here’s what makes this crisp so irresistibly good:
Rhubarb: The star of the show! Its tartness balances perfectly with the sweet topping.
Sugar: Helps mellow out the rhubarb’s natural tartness.
Flour: Used to thicken the rhubarb filling.
Cinnamon: Adds a warm, cozy spice to the crisp.
Oats: Give the topping that perfect crunchy texture.
Brown Sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness to the crisp.
Butter: Melts into the topping, creating a rich, golden crust.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, toss the rhubarb with sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish.
Make the Crisp Topping: In another bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, flour, and melted butter until crumbly.
Assemble the Crisp: Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the rhubarb filling.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbly.
Cool and Serve: Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with ice cream or whipped cream!
How to Serve Rhubarb Crisp
With Vanilla Ice Cream: The contrast of warm crisp and cold, creamy ice cream is pure magic.
With Whipped Cream: Light, fluffy, and the perfect complement to the tart rhubarb.
For Breakfast: Enjoy a scoop with Greek yogurt for a sweet morning treat.
On Its Own: Sometimes, simplicity is best—just grab a spoon and dig in!
Additional Tips
Use Fresh or Frozen Rhubarb: If using frozen, let it thaw and drain excess liquid.
Make It Gluten-Free: Swap flour for a gluten-free alternative.
Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or almonds add extra crunch to the topping.
Store Leftovers: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
Freeze for Later: Assemble the crisp, freeze before baking, and bake when ready!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use other fruit with rhubarb?
A1: Absolutely! Strawberries, raspberries, or apples pair beautifully with rhubarb.
Q2: How do I know when it’s done baking?
A2: The topping should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbling around the edges.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A3: Yes! Assemble the crisp, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q5: Can I make this dairy-free?
A5: Yes! Use coconut oil or dairy-free butter in the topping.
Q6: How do I prevent a soggy topping?
A6: Bake uncovered and avoid overloading the filling with liquid.
Q7: What if my rhubarb is too tart?
A7: Increase the sugar slightly or add a bit of honey.
Q8: Can I make individual servings?
A8: Yes! Bake in ramekins for personal-sized crisps.
Q9: Can I double the recipe?
A9: Of course! Just use a larger baking dish.
Q10: How do I reheat leftovers?
A10: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Rhubarb crisp is one of those desserts that feels nostalgic and comforting, yet effortlessly simple. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. So grab some rhubarb and get baking this crisp is calling your name!
Print
Rhubarb Crisp
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Rhubarb Crisp is a delightful blend of tart rhubarb and sweet apples or strawberries, topped with a crunchy oat crumble. Baked to perfection, this easy dessert is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A must-try for spring and summer!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 cups sliced fresh rhubarb (or frozen, thawed)
- 2 cups sliced peeled apples or sliced strawberries
- 1 cup quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, mix sugar and cornstarch.
- Add rhubarb and apples or strawberries; toss to coat.
- Spoon the mixture into an 8-inch cast-iron skillet or ovenproof dish.
-
Make the Crisp Topping
- In a small bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, melted butter, flour, and cinnamon.
- Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
-
Bake
- Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the fruit.
- Bake for about 45 minutes or until the crisp is bubbly and the fruit is tender.
-
Serve & Enjoy
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
- Fruit Variations: Try a mix of rhubarb, strawberries, and apples for a well-balanced flavor.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Make Ahead: Assemble and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg


