The Best Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Recipe: A Delightful Spring and Summer Dessert

There’s something truly magical about the combination of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb. This Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp recipe captures that magic perfectly, delivering a dessert that’s both comforting and refreshing. With its jammy fruit filling and a buttery oat topping that remains crisp for days, it’s no wonder this recipe has garnered such rave reviews. Perfect for spring and summer gatherings, this dessert is best enjoyed warm, topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

Strawberry Rhubarb Filling

6 cups fresh rhubarb, sliced into ½-inch pieces (stalks should be bright to deep red and about ¾-inch thick)
2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped into ½-inch pieces
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup cornstarch

Topping

1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick cooking oats)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon Morton kosher salt
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (do not melt)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Place the oven rack in the middle position to ensure even baking.

Making the Strawberry Rhubarb Filling

Mix the Fruit: In a large bowl, combine the sliced rhubarb, chopped strawberries, and lemon juice. The lemon juice helps to enhance the flavors and prevent the fruits from oxidizing too quickly.
Add Sugar and Cornstarch: Sprinkle the granulated sugar over the fruit mixture and stir until well combined. Next, evenly distribute the cornstarch over the top and stir thoroughly until the filling mixture is fully incorporated. The cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, ensuring your filling has the perfect consistency.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the fruit mixture into a 9″ x 13″ baking dish, making sure to scrape all the accumulated juices and sugary mixture from the bowl into the dish. Spread the filling evenly and press lightly to form a uniform layer. Set aside.

Preparing the Topping

Combine Topping Ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, rolled oats, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Using a rigid pastry cutter, cut in the softened butter and vegetable oil until large crumbs form. You can also use your hands to squeeze the mixture and create larger crumbs, ensuring some variety in the topping texture.
Apply Topping to Filling: Evenly sprinkle the topping mixture over the fruit filling, leaving about 1 inch of exposed filling around the perimeter of the baking dish. This exposed edge will allow the filling to bubble up and thicken as it bakes. Do not press down or smooth out the topping – it should remain rough and crumbly for the best texture.

Baking the Crisp

Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The crisp is ready when the filling is thickened and bubbling around the edges, and the topping is golden brown and crisp. If you notice the topping is browning too quickly, loosely tent the dish with foil to prevent burning.
Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the filling set properly. Serve warm with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.

Notes

Storage: The topping will remain nicely crisp if left uncovered and stored on the counter for up to two days. For longer storage, cover lightly and refrigerate.
Variations: Feel free to experiment with different fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches can be great additions or substitutions in the filling.
Nutritional Information: Each serving of this Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp contains approximately 219 calories, 40g of carbohydrates, 2g of protein, 6g of fat, 3g of saturated fat, and various vitamins and minerals, making it a relatively guilt-free indulgence.

The Story Behind the Recipe

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp has long been a favorite dessert in our family, especially during the spring and summer months when strawberries and rhubarb are at their peak. This recipe was handed down from my grandmother, who loved to use fresh, seasonal ingredients in her cooking. She believed that the key to a perfect crisp was balancing the sweetness of the strawberries with the tartness of the rhubarb, and ensuring that the topping was buttery and crunchy.

Growing up, I remember helping her in the kitchen, slicing the rhubarb and hulling the strawberries. The kitchen would be filled with the delightful aroma of the crisp baking in the oven, a scent that promised a comforting and delicious treat. We would eagerly await the moment when it was cool enough to eat, often sneaking small spoonfuls while it was still piping hot.

Today, I continue this tradition with my own family. It’s a joy to see my children take part in preparing the crisp, learning the same techniques and appreciating the importance of using fresh ingredients. This dessert has become a staple at our family gatherings, always met with enthusiasm and nostalgia.

Tips for the Perfect Crisp

Choose Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your strawberries and rhubarb will greatly affect the final taste. Look for bright red rhubarb stalks that are firm and fresh strawberries that are fragrant and juicy.
Even Slices: Ensure that the rhubarb and strawberries are cut into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can increase the amount of sugar in the filling. Conversely, if you enjoy a more tart flavor, you can reduce the sugar slightly.
Topping Texture: The topping should be crumbly and rough. Avoid pressing it down too much, as this will affect its ability to crisp up properly.
Serving Suggestions: While vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing, this crisp also goes well with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of heavy cream.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

While this Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is delightful on its own, pairing it with complementary flavors can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some suggestions to consider:

Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic choice. The creamy, cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, crispy topping and the tart fruit filling.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a delightful fluffiness that pairs well with the crisp texture of the topping.
Greek Yogurt: For a tangy twist, serve your crisp with a dollop of plain or lightly sweetened Greek yogurt. This option also adds a protein boost.
Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free alternative, try topping your crisp with whipped coconut cream. Its subtle sweetness and smooth texture are a great match for the tart rhubarb and sweet strawberries.
Fresh Mint: Garnish with fresh mint leaves to add a pop of color and a hint of refreshing flavor.

Hosting Tips

If you plan to serve Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp at a gathering, here are a few tips to ensure everything goes smoothly:

Prep Ahead: You can prepare the filling and topping separately and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake the crisp. This can be done up to a day in advance.
Individual Servings: For a more elegant presentation, consider baking the crisp in individual ramekins. This allows each guest to have their own perfectly portioned dessert.
Decorative Touches: Garnish each serving with a sprig of mint or a few fresh strawberry slices for a visually appealing touch.
Serving Temperature: Serve the crisp warm for the best flavor and texture. If it cools down too much, you can reheat it briefly in the oven before serving.

Customization Ideas

The versatility of this recipe allows for numerous variations. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Mixed Berries: Substitute or add blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries to the filling for a mixed berry version.
Nuts: Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, to the topping for added crunch and flavor.
Spices: Experiment with different spices in the topping. Nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger can add a unique twist.
Gluten-Free: Make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.
Vegan: For a vegan version, use a plant-based butter substitute and replace the butter in the topping with coconut oil or another vegetable oil.

Health Benefits

While Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is undoubtedly a treat, it also offers some health benefits:

Rhubarb: Rhubarb is rich in vitamins K and C, calcium, and dietary fiber. It also contains antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage.
Strawberries: Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C, manganese, folate, and potassium. They are also high in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.
Oats: The rolled oats in the topping provide fiber, which aids in digestion and helps you feel full longer. Oats also contain important vitamins and minerals, including iron and magnesium.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice not only enhances the flavors but also provides vitamin C and has detoxifying properties.

Memories and Traditions

For many, Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is more than just a dessert; it’s a way to connect with memories and traditions. Whether it’s a beloved family recipe or a new addition to your dessert repertoire, this crisp is sure to create lasting memories. Here’s how it has played a role in our family traditions:

Seasonal Harvest: We often make this crisp after a day of picking fresh strawberries at a local farm or harvesting rhubarb from the garden. It’s a wonderful way to use up the bounty of fresh produce.
Family Gatherings: This dessert is a staple at our family picnics and barbecues. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and there’s something special about sharing it with loved ones.
Cooking with Kids: Involving children in the preparation of the crisp is a great way to teach them about cooking and the importance of fresh ingredients. They can help with washing and chopping the fruit, mixing the filling, and sprinkling the topping.

Troubleshooting Tips

Even with a straightforward recipe like this one, you might encounter a few hiccups. Here are some common issues and how to address them:

Soggy Topping: If your topping turns out soggy, it might be because there was too much moisture in the fruit filling or the topping was pressed down too much. Ensure your topping is crumbly and the filling is well thickened before baking.
Runny Filling: If the filling is too runny, it may need more cornstarch. Ensure the cornstarch is evenly distributed and fully incorporated before baking.
Overly Tart: If the crisp is too tart, you can add a bit more sugar to the filling next time. The sweetness of the strawberries should balance out the tartness of the rhubarb, but you can always adjust to taste.
Burned Topping: If the topping starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish loosely with foil. This will allow the filling to continue cooking without burning the topping.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is a testament to the beauty of simple, seasonal ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. The delightful contrast of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb, combined with a buttery, crunchy topping, makes this dessert a standout choice for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a special event or just to enjoy at home with family, this crisp is sure to bring joy and satisfaction.

So, the next time you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of spring and summer, look no further than this Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp. It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare, utterly delicious, and bound to become a favorite in your household. Happy baking!