I love making this Rhubarb Strawberry Crisp when I want something sweet, slightly tart, and incredibly comforting. The combination of tender baked fruit and a buttery oat topping creates a dessert that feels rustic and homemade in the best way. I find it perfect for spring and summer when rhubarb and strawberries are at their peak.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Fruit filling:
3 cups rhubarb, chopped into 1-inch pieces
3 cups strawberries, hulled and halved
¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crisp topping:
1 cup old-fashioned oats
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Directions
I start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C) so it is ready once everything is assembled.
In a large bowl, I combine the chopped rhubarb, strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. I gently toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated. Then I transfer the mixture into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
In another bowl, I mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. I pour the melted butter over the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly and well combined.
I sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the fruit filling, making sure to cover the surface. Then I bake it for 40 to 45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and I see the fruit bubbling around the edges.
I let it cool slightly before serving. I enjoy it on its own, but I often add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
Servings and timing
I typically get about 6 to 8 servings from a 9x9-inch dish, depending on portion size.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40–45 minutes
Total time: about 55–60 minutes
Variations
I sometimes adjust the sugar depending on how sweet or tart my fruit tastes. If I want extra crunch, I mix in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping. For a slightly different flavor, I add a pinch of nutmeg or a bit of lemon zest to the filling. I also like swapping part of the strawberries for raspberries when I want a deeper berry flavor.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When I want to reheat it, I warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30–45 seconds. If I prefer to keep the topping crisp, I reheat it in a 325°F oven for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
I can use frozen rhubarb and strawberries if fresh are not available. I do not thaw them completely, but I may add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch to account for additional moisture.
How do I know when the crisp is done baking?
I look for a golden-brown topping and bubbling fruit around the edges of the dish. That bubbling tells me the filling has thickened properly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
I sometimes assemble the entire dish a few hours ahead and refrigerate it before baking. When I am ready, I bake it as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes if it is cold from the fridge.
Can I make this gluten-free?
I replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure my oats are certified gluten-free. The texture remains delicious and crumbly.
Why is my filling too runny?
If my filling turns out runny, it is usually because the fruit released extra juice. I make sure to measure the cornstarch accurately, and if needed, I increase it slightly next time.
Conclusion
I find this Rhubarb Strawberry Crisp to be one of the easiest and most satisfying fruit desserts I can make. The sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb create a perfect balance, while the buttery oat topping adds comforting texture. Whenever I want a simple dessert that feels homemade and special, this is the recipe I reach for.
📖 Recipe:
Rhubarb Strawberry Crisp
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 55–60 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rustic and comforting Rhubarb Strawberry Crisp featuring a sweet-tart fruit filling topped with a buttery, golden oat crumble. Perfect for spring and summer desserts.
Ingredients
3 cups rhubarb, chopped into 1-inch pieces
3 cups strawberries, hulled and halved
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup old-fashioned oats
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar, packed
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine rhubarb, strawberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Toss until evenly coated.
- Transfer the fruit mixture into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
- In another bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Pour melted butter over the dry ingredients and stir until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the fruit filling.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Adjust sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit.
Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
A pinch of nutmeg or lemon zest enhances the filling flavor.
Frozen fruit can be used; add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch if needed.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or in a 325°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
