This apple rhubarb crisp is cozy, sweet-tart, and full of warm flavor from maple syrup, fresh ginger, cinnamon, and a golden oat streusel topping. I like serving it warm with vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert that feels rustic and comforting.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 large semi-tart apples, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 pound rhubarb, sliced into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ cup maple syrup
1 ¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Directions
I preheat the oven to 350°F and place a rack in the lower third of the oven.
I cut the apples into 1-inch chunks, leaving the skins on if I want extra texture.
In a very large bowl, I toss the apples and rhubarb with the grated ginger, vanilla extract, salt, flour, and maple syrup.
I spread the fruit mixture evenly into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or a similar-sized baking dish.
In another large bowl, I combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and chopped nuts if I am using them.
I pour in the melted butter and mix with my fingers or a spoon until the topping forms moist, crumbly clumps.
I sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the fruit.
I bake the crisp for about 1 hour, until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling around the edges.
I remove it from the oven and let it stand for at least 10 minutes before serving.
I serve it warm, at room temperature, or chilled with vanilla ice cream.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 10 servings.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Calories: about 261 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes swap the nuts for almonds, leave them out completely, or add a little extra cinnamon for more warmth. I can also use honey instead of maple syrup, though maple gives the crisp a richer flavor. For a brighter filling, I like adding a small squeeze of lemon juice.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover apple rhubarb crisp covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm individual portions in the microwave or place the baking dish in a 325°F oven until heated through. I like reheating it in the oven when I want the topping to crisp up again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen rhubarb?
Yes, I can use frozen rhubarb. I like adding it straight from frozen or thawing and draining it first if it seems very watery.
Do I have to peel the apples?
No, I do not have to peel them. I usually leave the skins on for texture, but peeled apples work well for a softer filling.
What apples work best?
I like semi-tart apples such as Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Braeburn, or Granny Smith because they balance the rhubarb and hold up during baking.
Can I make this crisp ahead of time?
Yes, I can assemble it a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator before baking. I prefer baking it fresh so the topping stays crisp.
Can I make it without nuts?
Yes, I can leave out the pecans or walnuts. The oat streusel still bakes up crunchy and delicious without them.
Conclusion
This apple rhubarb crisp is a warm, cozy dessert with sweet apples, tangy rhubarb, maple syrup, fresh ginger, and a buttery oat topping. I love how simple it is to prepare, and I especially like serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream while the filling is still warm.
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Apple Rhubarb Crisp
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A cozy apple rhubarb crisp with sweet-tart fruit, maple syrup, and fresh ginger, topped with a golden oat streusel. Perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
4 large semi-tart apples, cut into 1-inch chunks
1 pound rhubarb, sliced into 1-inch pieces
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ cup maple syrup
1 ¼ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Vanilla ice cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and place a rack in the lower third of the oven.
- In a large bowl, toss the apples and rhubarb with grated ginger, vanilla extract, salt, flour, and maple syrup.
- Spread the fruit mixture evenly into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- In another bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nuts if using.
- Pour in the melted butter and mix until the topping forms moist, crumbly clumps.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the fruit.
- Bake for about 1 hour, until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let stand for at least 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
You can substitute honey for maple syrup, though maple adds deeper flavor.
Frozen rhubarb can be used; thaw and drain if very watery.
Apples can be peeled or left unpeeled for extra texture.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a 325°F oven for best texture or microwave individual portions.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 261 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
