Easy Rhubarb Crisp
Introduction
If you’re looking to enjoy the tangy yet sweet flavor of rhubarb in an easy dessert that everyone will love, then this rhubarb crisp recipe might be exactly what you need. Perfectly spiced, balanced in sweetness, and with a delightful crunchy topping, it makes for a great treat that’s simple to prepare. With just a handful of easily accessible ingredients, you can whip up this homely dessert any time of the week.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Rhubarb Filling
Rhubarb – 6 cups, chopped
Granulated sugar – 3/4 cup
Cornstarch – 2 tablespoons
Ground cinnamon – 1/4 teaspoon
For the Crisp Topping
All-purpose flour – 1 cup
Old-fashioned oats – 1 cup
Light brown sugar – 1/2 cup
Ground cinnamon – 1/2 teaspoon
Butter – 1/2 cup, cold and sliced
Prep Time
Preparing this recipe is a breeze! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, it’s simple enough for everyone. Washing, chopping, and mixing are primarily what you’ll need to do for the prep.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: Approximately 35 minutes, and the results are well worth the wait.
Total Time: Around 45 minutes, including about 10 minutes for prep.
Yield: This recipe typically serves 6 to 8 people, making it a great choice for a family dessert or any gathering.
Rich in flavor and undeniably comforting, this easy rhubarb crisp recipe is perfect to satisfy your sweet cravings. With a minimalistic approach and no complicated steps, it’s a dessert designed to bring smiles.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish that is around 9×13 inches or similar in size by greasing it lightly, to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Rhubarb Base
Wash and trim the rhubarb stalks. Chop them into small, bite-sized pieces, approximately ½ to 1 inch in size. Place the chopped rhubarb into the greased baking dish.
Step 3: Add Sweetener and Flavor
Sprinkle sugar and optionally a little cornstarch over the rhubarb to balance its tartness and create a thicker filling. Toss the rhubarb gently to coat it evenly with the mixture. You may also add a small pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
Step 4: Make the Crisp Topping
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and a small pinch of salt. Mix it well. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients to create the crumbly topping.
Step 5: Assemble the Crisp
Spread the prepared topping evenly over the rhubarb in the baking dish, covering the fruit completely. Avoid pressing the topping down too firmly, as you want it to stay light and crumbly while baking.
Step 6: Bake the Rhubarb Crisp
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crisp, and the rhubarb is bubbling underneath. Keep an eye on it after the 30-minute mark to avoid over-browning.
Step 7: Serve the Rhubarb Crisp
Allow the rhubarb crisp to cool for about 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. Serve it warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent touch.
Notes
Note on Using Frozen Rhubarb
If using frozen rhubarb, do not thaw it beforehand. Add it directly to the baking dish and increase the cornstarch slightly to account for the extra moisture it will release while baking.
Note on Adjusting Sweetness
The level of sweetness in the recipe can be adjusted to your taste. Add more or less sugar to the rhubarb depending on how tart your rhubarb is or how sweet you prefer the dessert to be.
Note on Topping Variations
You can add chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds to the crisp topping for extra crunch and flavor. If you’d like a different taste, try replacing the oats with shredded coconut.
Note on Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at a low temperature until heated through.
Note on Freezing
Rhubarb crisp can be frozen after baking. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, keeping it covered for the first half of the reheating time to prevent over-browning.
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Cook techniques
How to prepare rhubarb
Wash the rhubarb stalks thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Trim off the tops and ends of the stalks as they can be tough or too fibrous. Cut the rhubarb into small, even pieces to ensure it cooks evenly in the dish.
Perfecting the crumble topping
Ensure the butter used in the topping is cold. Mix the butter, flour, oats, and sugar using your fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overmix, as the topping should stay crumbly.
Layering the dish
Place the prepared rhubarb evenly in the baking dish. Sprinkle sugar and any additional flavors or spices like cinnamon on top of the rhubarb before spreading the crumble topping evenly over the fruit.
Baking the crisp
Preheat the oven to the recommended temperature. Bake the rhubarb crisp until the topping turns golden brown and the fruit mixture bubbles around the edges. Monitor closely to ensure the topping does not burn, especially towards the end of baking.
FAQ
Can I use frozen rhubarb?
Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb. There is no need to thaw it first; simply add it straight to the baking dish. Keep in mind that frozen rhubarb may release more liquid, so you might want to add a spoonful of cornstarch to the fruit to thicken the filling.
How do I store leftover rhubarb crisp?
Cool the rhubarb crisp completely before covering it tightly and storing it in the refrigerator. It can be reheated in the oven at a low temperature to refresh the crisp topping.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rhubarb and the crumble topping separately and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving for the best texture.
What can I substitute for oats in the topping?
If you don’t have oats or prefer not to use them, you can replace them with more flour or finely chopped nuts to create a different topping texture.
Can I add other fruits to the crisp?
Absolutely. Rhubarb pairs well with strawberries, apples, or even mixed berries. Combine your choice of fruits to create a unique and delicious variation. Adjust the sugar accordingly based on the sweetness of the additional fruits.
How do I know when the rhubarb crisp is done?
The rhubarb crisp is done when the topping is golden brown and the fruit mixture is bubbling up around the edges of the pan. This ensures the fruit has softened and the topping has a satisfying crunch.
Conclusion
This easy rhubarb crisp is a simple yet delightful dessert that highlights the tartness of rhubarb balanced by a sweet, buttery crumble topping. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a cozy and versatile treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.
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