Easy Apple-Rhubarb Crisp Recipe for Sweet & Tart Flavor

Introduction

There’s something magical about the combination of sweet apples and tart rhubarb that creates an irresistible flavor profile. If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly balances these contrasting tastes, this Apple-Rhubarb Crisp recipe is exactly what you need. Not only is this dessert incredibly delicious, but it’s also surprisingly simple to prepare, even for novice bakers.

In this post, I’ll guide you through creating a mouthwatering Apple-Rhubarb Crisp that will impress your family and friends. Additionally, this recipe is versatile enough to enjoy year-round, whether you’re using fresh spring rhubarb or frozen reserves during colder months.

What Makes Apple-Rhubarb Crisp So Special?

First of all, the contrast between sweet apples and tart rhubarb creates a flavor combination that’s truly unbeatable. Furthermore, the crispy, buttery oat topping provides the perfect textural contrast to the tender fruit filling below.

Unlike complicated pastries or cakes, an Apple-Rhubarb Crisp comes together quickly and doesn’t require advanced baking skills. Moreover, it’s a fantastic way to use seasonal produce and can easily be adapted based on what you have available.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Fruit Filling:

• 3 cups rhubarb, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 3 cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonderfully)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Crisp Topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup cold butter, cubed
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Filling

1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
2. Next, combine the chopped rhubarb and diced apples in a large bowl.
3. In a separate small bowl, mix together the sugar and cornstarch, then sprinkle this mixture over the fruit.
4. After that, add the vanilla extract, lemon juice, and salt to the fruit mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
5. Finally, transfer the fruit mixture to your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Creating the Perfect Crisp Topping

1. In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Then, add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Subsequently, sprinkle this crumbly topping evenly over the fruit mixture in the baking dish.

Baking Your Apple-Rhubarb Crisp

1. Bake in your preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the fruit is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
2. Afterward, remove from the oven and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.
3. Consequently, this cooling period allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve.

Tips for the Perfect Apple-Rhubarb Crisp

• Fruit Preparation: If using frozen rhubarb, there’s no need to thaw it beforehand. However, you may need to increase the baking time slightly.
• Sweetness Level: The amount of sugar can be adjusted based on your preference and the tartness of your rhubarb. Therefore, feel free to add more or less sugar to suit your taste.
• Topping Variations: For additional texture, you can also add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crisp topping.
• Serving Suggestions: This Apple-Rhubarb Crisp is delicious on its own, but it’s absolutely divine when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Make-Ahead and Storage Options

This Apple-Rhubarb Crisp can be prepared in advance and stored in several ways:

1. Assemble the entire crisp, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked crisp for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
3. Leftover baked Apple-Rhubarb Crisp can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy them again.

Seasonal Variations

While this classic Apple-Rhubarb Crisp is perfect as is, you can also try these seasonal variations:

• Summer Variation: Add a cup of fresh strawberries or raspberries to complement the rhubarb.
• Fall Variation: Include a pinch of cloves and allspice for a more autumnal flavor profile.
• Winter Variation: Mix in some cranberries and orange zest for a holiday twist.

Why This Apple-Rhubarb Crisp Will Become Your Go-To Dessert

Once you try this Apple-Rhubarb Crisp, you’ll understand why it’s become a favorite in so many households. The contrast between the sweet apples and tart rhubarb creates a perfectly balanced dessert that’s not too sweet yet completely satisfying.

Additionally, the simplicity of preparation makes this an ideal dessert for both weeknight treats and special occasions. In conclusion, whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Apple-Rhubarb Crisp recipe deserves a spot in your dessert rotation.

What’s your favorite fruit combination for crisps and crumbles? Have you tried rhubarb before? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!

Easy Apple-Rhubarb Crisp Recipe for Sweet & Tart Flavor

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Author: thelunaskitchen Cuisine: American Recipe Keys: Gluten Free

Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 45 mins Rest Time 15 mins Total Time 1 hr 20 mins Difficulty: Beginner Servings: 8 Calories: 320 Kcal Best Season: Spring, Summer

Description

There’s no better way to celebrate the perfect balance of sweet and tart than with a comforting Apple-Rhubarb Crisp. Juicy apples meet tangy rhubarb under a golden, buttery oat topping for a dessert that’s both rustic and elegant. This crisp is easy to make, even for beginners, yet impressive enough to share with family and friends. Whether you’re baking with fresh rhubarb in spring or frozen fruit in the colder months, this simple, heartwarming dessert promises cozy flavors in every bite.

INGREDIENTS

Cook Mode Cooking Mode Disabled

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Filling:

• 
  3 cups rhubarb, chopped
• 
  3 cups apples, peeled and diced
• 
  ³⁄₄ cup granulated sugar
• 
  2 tbsp cornstarch
• 
  1 tsp vanilla extract
• 
  1 tbsp lemon juice
• 
  ¹⁄₄ tsp salt

For the Topping:

• 
  1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 
  ³⁄₄ cup all-purpose flour
• 
  ²⁄₃ cup brown sugar, packed
• 
  ¹⁄₂ cup cold butter, cubed
• 
  1 tsp cinnamon
• 
  ¹⁄₄ tsp nutmeg
• 
  Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking dish.

1. In a large bowl, combine rhubarb and apples.

1. Mix sugar and cornstarch, then add to fruit along with vanilla, lemon juice, and salt.

1. Transfer fruit mixture to prepared baking dish.

1. In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

1. Work in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

1. Sprinkle topping evenly over fruit.

1. Bake for 40-45 minutes until bubbly and golden.

1. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8

---

Amount Per Serving

Calories 320kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 12g19%

Total Carbohydrate 54g18%

Dietary Fiber 4g16%

Sugars 34g

Protein 3g6%

---

Calcium 50 mg

Iron 1.2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Apple-Rhubarb Crisp, apple rhubarb crisp recipe, best apple rhubarb crisp recipe, best apple rhubarb crisp recipe, apple rhubarb crisp with oats, apple rhubarb crisp healthy