If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors, look no further than this Old Fashioned Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp. This recipe features a delicious mix of ripe strawberries and tangy rhubarb, all topped with a buttery, crunchy oat topping. It’s the ideal treat for the late spring and early summer months when both strawberries and rhubarb are in season. Whether you’re serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or at room temperature, this crisp is sure to impress.

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Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
This recipe is the perfect combination of tart and sweet, with the rhubarb providing a slight tang that complements the juicy strawberries. The crisp topping, made from old-fashioned oats, sugar, cinnamon, and butter, offers a satisfying crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft fruit filling. Not only is this dessert delicious, but it’s also quick and easy to make, using pantry staples you likely already have at home. Perfect for a family dessert or a gathering with friends, this crisp is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
This simple dessert requires only a handful of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Strawberries: Fresh and juicy strawberries bring sweetness to balance the tart rhubarb.
- Rhubarb: The star of the show, this vegetable (yes, it’s technically a vegetable) provides a tart base for the dessert.
- White Sugar: Adds sweetness to the fruit mixture, helping to mellow the tartness of the rhubarb.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the fruit filling, giving it the perfect texture for a crisp.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the oat topping, ensuring a thick and buttery texture.
- Old-Fashioned Oats: These oats are key for creating the crisp topping. They provide a hearty texture and flavor.
- White Sugar & Brown Sugar: A combination of sugars for the topping that creates the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
- Cinnamon & Salt: Add a hint of spice and depth of flavor to the topping.
- Butter, Melted: Binds the topping ingredients together while adding a rich, buttery flavor.
- Vanilla Ice Cream or Whipped Cream (Optional): Add a creamy touch to your warm crisp for an indulgent treat.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re missing a specific ingredient or have dietary preferences, here are some helpful swaps:
- Gluten-Free Flour: Swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend to make this crisp gluten-free.
- Maple Syrup: Replace the white sugar with maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.
- Coconut Oil: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version of this dessert.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the strawberries, rhubarb, white sugar, and cornstarch. Stir until the fruit is evenly coated with the sugar and cornstarch mixture.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, oats, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the melted butter and stir until everything is well combined, creating a crumbly mixture.
- Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the oat mixture over the top of the fruit, ensuring it covers the filling completely.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling at the edges. Keep an eye on the crisp to ensure the topping doesn’t burn.
- Allow the crisp to cool slightly before serving. If desired, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
- Use Fresh Fruit: Fresh strawberries and rhubarb will give your crisp the best flavor. If fresh isn’t available, frozen fruit works just fine.
- Don’t Overmix the Filling: Make sure the strawberries and rhubarb are evenly coated with cornstarch, as this will prevent the filling from becoming too runny.
- Check the Topping: The oat topping should be golden brown when it’s done. If it looks too light, let it bake a little longer, but be careful not to burn it.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
While this Old Fashioned Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is delicious on its own, there are plenty of ways to make it even more indulgent:
- Pair with Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream complements the tartness of the rhubarb and sweetness of the strawberries perfectly.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg to the fruit filling for a warm, spicy twist.
- Add Nuts: For a bit of extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the oat topping.
If you’re looking for a way to store this dessert, it keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the crisp before baking for up to a month. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven straight from the freezer and bake as usual.
A Seasonal Favorite
This Old Fashioned Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is the perfect dessert to enjoy when strawberries and rhubarb are in season. The combination of fresh, local produce and simple ingredients makes this dessert a true reflection of the flavors of spring and summer. It’s not only easy to prepare, but it also highlights the beauty of in-season fruit. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Old Fashioned Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering, a potluck, or just a cozy night at home, the combination of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb, topped with a buttery oat crisp, is sure to please everyone. With its easy preparation, versatility, and timeless flavor, this dessert will quickly become a favorite. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite ice cream or toppings for an even more indulgent experience. Try it today and enjoy a classic dessert that celebrates the flavors of spring and summer!
FAQs About Old Fashioned Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Can I use frozen strawberries and rhubarb for this crisp?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries and rhubarb for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them in the filling to prevent the crisp from becoming too soggy.
Can I make the topping ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crisp topping ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, just assemble the crisp and bake as instructed.
How can I make this dessert gluten-free?
To make this Old Fashioned Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
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Old Fashioned Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Old Fashioned Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is a perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a delicious mix of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb, all topped with a buttery, crunchy oat topping. It’s simple to make, with just a handful of ingredients, and is a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 cups rhubarb, chopped
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the strawberries, rhubarb, white sugar, and cornstarch. Stir until the fruit is evenly coated.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, oats, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the oat mixture on top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling at the edges. Keep an eye on the crisp to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Frozen strawberries and rhubarb can be used if fresh is unavailable, but be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid.
- The topping can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- If you prefer a bit of crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
