There’s nothing quite as comforting and delightfully tangy as this Apple Rhubarb Crisp Recipe, a perfect harmony of sweet apples and tart rhubarb topped with a buttery oat crumble. This dessert is a total showstopper, easy to pull together with simple ingredients but bursting with layers of flavor and textures that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re an apple lover or simply curious about rhubarb’s unique zing, this crisp will quickly become one of your favorite go-to desserts to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apple Rhubarb Crisp Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that you probably already have or can easily find. Each component plays a vital role, from the tangy rhubarb and sweet apples to the crunchy oat topping and the warm spice of cinnamon that brings everything together perfectly.
- ½ cup sugar: Adjust the sweetness here depending on your preference, balancing the tartness of rhubarb.
- 3 tablespoons corn starch: This thickens the fruit mixture, ensuring a luscious and not-too-runny crisp.
- 4 cups sliced fresh rhubarb: The star of the dish, delivering that signature tart bite and vibrant color.
- 2 cups apples, peeled and cut into chunks: Adds natural sweetness and a tender bite to contrast the rhubarb.
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats: Provides a hearty and crunchy topping that crisps up beautifully.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar: Brings depth and caramel notes to the oat topping.
- ½ cup butter, melted: Binds the crumble together and adds richness and flavor.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Helps create the crumbly texture of the topping.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Warms up the dish with a hint of spice, enhancing the fruit’s natural flavors.
How to Make Apple Rhubarb Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Fruit
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s the perfect temperature once your crisp is assembled. Next, combine the sugar and corn starch in a large bowl — this combo is the secret to that perfect thick and sweet fruit filling. Toss in the rhubarb and apples gently until each piece is well-coated, helping to marry the flavors and give the fruit a luscious glaze when baked.
Step 2: Fill the Baking Dish
Grease an 8-inch square baking dish to prevent sticking, then spoon your fruit mixture evenly into the dish. This forms the base of the crisp, so spread it out nicely for even baking and bubbling goodness as the fruit heats up and softens.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
In a separate small bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and flour. Mix until the texture turns into coarse crumbs — this is your crisp topping that will bake to a golden, crunchy perfection. Don’t worry if the pieces are uneven; this adds to the homemade charm and texture!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the fruit mixture. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until you see the fruit bubbling and the topping turning a beautiful golden brown. The scent will be irresistible as the cinnamon and baked fruit fill the kitchen.
Step 5: Serve Warm or Room Temperature
Once baked, let your crisp cool slightly to set before serving. You can enjoy this Apple Rhubarb Crisp Recipe warm for the ultimate comfort, or even at room temperature if you prefer. Either way, every bite bursts with sweet-tart goodness and a satisfyingly crunchy topping.
How to Serve Apple Rhubarb Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes this crisp to the next level, balancing the tartness with creamy richness. For a fresh twist, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or add a few toasted nuts on top to enhance the texture even more.
Side Dishes
Pair your Apple Rhubarb Crisp with a warm cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. It also shines alongside a simple cheese board featuring sharp cheddar or creamy brie, creating an unexpected yet delicious contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dessert idea, serve the crisp in individual ramekins or mason jars. Layering with yogurt or mascarpone and topping with granola can transform it into a delightful breakfast parfait. The vibrant pink hues from rhubarb make it stunning for festive tables or brunch gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple Rhubarb Crisp Recipe is just as good the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, making it a handy quick-dessert option.
Freezing
If you want to keep your crisp longer, freeze it uncovered until solid, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to dig in, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat to enjoy freshly baked taste.
Reheating
Reheat the crisp in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until warm and bubbly. Avoid the microwave for best texture, as the topping stays crispier and the fruit heats evenly with oven reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen rhubarb works well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before combining with the apples to avoid a runny filling.
What type of apples are best for this crisp?
Tart and firm apples like Granny Smith are ideal because they hold their shape and complement the rhubarb’s tartness wonderfully. However, feel free to mix in sweeter apples for a more balanced flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free to keep the crisp safe and delicious for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I substitute brown sugar with white sugar?
You can, but brown sugar adds a lovely moistness and caramel flavor that white sugar won’t provide. If you use white sugar, the topping might be a bit crisper and less flavorful.
Is it possible to add nuts to the topping?
Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts make a fantastic addition, adding extra crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and fruits.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Apple Rhubarb Crisp Recipe enough—its wonderful balance of flavors and textures makes it a true crowd-pleaser any time of year. Whether for a casual family dinner or a special occasion, it’s a dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and enjoy the joyful process of baking something truly delicious from scratch.
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Apple Rhubarb Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Apple Rhubarb Crisp combines the tartness of fresh rhubarb and apples with a sweet, crunchy oat topping. Baked to perfection, this comforting dessert is ideal for cozy evenings and is perfect served warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Fruit Mixture
- ½ cup sugar (adjust based on desired sweetness)
- 3 tablespoons corn starch
- 4 cups sliced fresh rhubarb
- 2 cups peeled and chunked apples
Crisp Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup melted butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the crisp evenly.
- Prepare Fruit Filling: In a large bowl, mix the sugar and corn starch thoroughly. Add the sliced rhubarb and peeled, chopped apples, then gently toss until all fruit pieces are well coated with the sugar-starch mixture. This helps to thicken the filling during baking. Transfer this mixture into a greased 8-inch square baking dish.
- Make Crisp Topping: In a separate smaller bowl, combine the old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, melted butter, ground cinnamon, and all-purpose flour. Mix until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This blend will create a buttery, crunchy topping that balances the tart fruit.
- Assemble and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the oat mixture over the rhubarb and apple filling in the baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until the crisp topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly and tender.
- Serve: Allow the crisp to cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar amount based on the tartness of the rhubarb and your sweetness preference.
- Peeling apples ensures the topping remains crisp and prevents excess moisture.
- Use old-fashioned oats for the best texture in the crisp topping.
- This dessert can be prepared a day ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- For variation, add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the topping for extra crunch.
