I can’t think of a better way to use up fresh rhubarb then this delicious Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp with oatmeal crumble topping. It’s one of the easiest desserts to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

I love using seasonal fruit to make war, crisps and cobblers for dessert, like my popular Peach Cobbler, Triple Berry Crisp and Blueberry Cobbler.

An oval baking dish with strawberry rhubarb crisp and a spoon in it for serving.

Everything about this recipe is warm and comforting and perfect for when rhubarb is in season.

Ingredients:

  • Produce: fresh rhubarb, strawberries, orange.
  • Pantry Staples: sugar, vanilla, cornstarch, flour, brown sugar, baking powder.
  • Spices: cinnamon, salt.
  • Rolled oats.
  • Unsalted butter.

Buying and Preparing Rhubarb:

Rhubarb is a Springtime “fruit”(harvested in April-June) that looks like pinkish/purple celery. It’s most often found served in sweets like pies, crisps, jam, and compotes because its tart flavor pairs perfectly with sweet fruits.

It’s usually found by other vegetables in the produce section, and much like celery, its stalks are what are used in cooking (in fact, the leaves of the plant are poisonous). Look to buy the freshest crisp, heavy stalks, and avoid rhubarb that is limp or feels dry.

To cut rhubarb: start by cutting the rhubarb from the root and cutting off the leaves.  Discard the leaves and wash the stalk of rhubarb well.  Chop the rhubarb into ½ inch pieces and store any extra in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.

How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp:

1. Make crumb topping: Combine ingredients in bowl with a pastry blender or fork until it resembles small crumbs. Refrigerate while you prepare the rhubarb filling.

2. Prepare rhubarb filling: Cut rhubarb stalks into 1/2-inch pieces. In large bowl combine rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, vanilla, zest, juice and cornstarch.

A bowl of oat topping next to a dish with strawberries and chopped rhubarb.3. Pour into baking dish: Pour filling into a 8 or 9’’ square baking dish and sprinkle crumble topping evenly on top.

4. Bake at 375 degrees F for about 35 minutes or until crumble is golden and fruit is bubbling.

Before and after photos of a rhubarb crisp with oat topping, then baked in the oven.

Fresh or Frozen Berries?

Both fresh or frozen strawberries will work.  If using frozen strawberries there is no need to thaw them first.  You could also substitute other types of berries (fresh or frozen).

Variations:

  • Rhubarb crisp without strawberries: Double the amount of rhubarb, or substitute a different fruit.
  • Apple rhubarb crisp: Instead of strawberries, substitute 1 pound of peeled and thinly sliced apples.
  • Low sugar rhubarb crisp: cut the sugar in half or substitute a sweetener.
  • Vegan/dairy-free: substitute vegan butter.
  • Gluten-free: use gluten free oats and flour.

Make Ahead And Freezing Instructions:

To Make ahead: Prepare the filling 1 day ahead of time.  Prepare the oat crumble when ready to bake.

To freeze before baking: Prepare the filling, cover well and freeze for 1-2 months.  Allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

To freeze after baking:  Bake as directed and allow the crisp to cool completely. Cover tightly with a double layer of aluminum foil and freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350 degrees F or scoop individual portions and reheat in the microwave.

A bowl with warm rhubarb crisp and a scoop of vanilla ice cream in it.

If you like this recipe, check out my other fruit desserts:

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Recipe

An oval baking dish with strawberry rhubarb crisp and a spoon in it for serving.
Prep 15 minutes
Cook 35 minutes
Total 50 minutes
Save Recipe

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 lb fresh rhubarb (about 4 stalks)
  • 1 lb fresh strawberries (*or frozen), hulled and quartered
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons orange juice , or lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest , or lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Oat Crumble Topping:

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • In a medium size bowl, combine the oat crumble topping ingredients with a fork or pastry blender until it resembles small crumbs. Refrigerate while you prepare the rhubarb filling.
  • Slice rhubarb stalks in half lengthwise and then cut them into 1/2-inch pieces (you’ll want about 3 cups of chopped rhubarb).
  • In large bowl, combine rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, vanilla, zest, juice and cornstarch. Pour into 8 or 9’’ square baking dish (or similar size). If you use a shallow baking dish place it on top of a foil-lined baking sheet to catch any spills.
  • Sprinkle crumble topping evenly on top.
  • Bake for about 35 minutes or until the topping is golden and fruit is bubbling.

Notes

*You can use frozen strawberries (or a mixture of berries) for this recipe. No need to thaw them.
Variations:
  • No Strawberries: Double the amount of rhubarb, or substitute a different fruit.
  • Apple Rhubarb Crisp: Instead of strawberries, substitute 1 pound of peeled and thinly sliced apples.
  • Lower Sugar: Cut the sugar in half or substitute a sweetener.
  • Vegan/Dairy-Free: Substitute vegan butter.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten free oats and flour.
Make Ahead Instructions: The strawberry rhubarb filling can be prepped 1 day in advance. Just keep it in the fridge until ready to bake. Prepare the crumble when you're ready to bake it.
Freezing Instructions Before Baking: Make the filling according to the instructions, cover, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight. Make crumble and bake.
Freezing Instructions After Baking: Make Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp and bake as directed. Allow the crisp to cool completely then cover tightly with a double layer of aluminum foil then freeze for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350 degrees F, or scoop individual portions and reheat in the microwave.

Nutrition

Calories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 35mgPotassium: 302mgFiber: 3gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 305IUVitamin C: 39mgCalcium: 92mgIron: 1mg

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About The Author

Lauren Allen

Welcome! I’m Lauren, a mom of four and lover of good food. Here you’ll find easy recipes and weeknight meal ideas made with real ingredients, with step-by-step photos and videos.

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  1. 5 stars
    I love everything about this!! Finally found rhubarb at a grocery store in town and knew this was what I’d make with it! It’s wonderful.

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