Last spring, I brought home a bundle of ruby red stalks from the market, not fully sure what I would make. That afternoon, this Easy Rhubarb Crisp came together in under an hour, and the sweet tart aroma filled my kitchen. Since then, I turn to this recipe whenever I crave something simple and comforting.
What makes this Easy Rhubarb Crisp so loved
Easy Rhubarb Crisp wins people over with contrast. First, you get that bright, tangy rhubarb. Then, you bite into a golden oat topping that turns buttery and crisp in the oven. As a result, every spoonful tastes balanced, cozy, and just sweet enough.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy Rhubarb Crisp
First, this Easy Rhubarb Crisp uses basic pantry ingredients. So you likely have most of them on hand already.
Next, you only need about 15 minutes of prep. Then the oven does the rest.
Also, the topping turns golden and crumbly while the filling bubbles underneath. That texture contrast makes each bite satisfying.
Meanwhile, this dessert feels special enough for guests. However, it stays simple enough for a weeknight treat.
Finally, you can serve Easy Rhubarb Crisp warm with vanilla ice cream. As a result, it melts into the fruit and creates a creamy, dreamy finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Rhubarb and Filling Ingredients
You need 2 pounds sliced rhubarb, either fresh or frozen. If you use frozen rhubarb, thaw it completely and drain it well.
Then grab ¼ cup cornstarch, ¾ cup granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Together, they thicken and flavor the fruit.
Crisp Topping Ingredients
For the topping, measure 1 cup quick oats and ½ cup all purpose flour.
Next, add ½ cup granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Finally, use 1 stick cold butter cut into small cubes. Cold butter helps create that crumbly texture.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
If your rhubarb looks extra juicy, add one more tablespoon of cornstarch. As a result, the filling sets nicely.
Quick oats create a softer topping. However, old fashioned oats give a heartier texture.
Keep the butter cold at all times. If you swap in margarine, choose a firm stick variety instead of a soft spread.
Cornstarch thickens more smoothly than flour. If you use flour instead, mix it very well with the fruit so clumps do not form.
How to Make Easy Rhubarb Crisp
Prepare the Rhubarb Filling
First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Then lightly butter a baking dish.
Next, toss the sliced rhubarb with cornstarch, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until every piece looks evenly coated.
After that, spread the rhubarb mixture into the prepared dish. Make sure it sits in an even layer.
Make the Oat Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Then add the cold butter cubes. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry mix.
Keep going until coarse crumbs form. The mixture should look sandy with small pea sized bits of butter.
Assemble and Bake
Now sprinkle the crumble evenly over the rhubarb layer. Try to cover most of the fruit.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes. Meanwhile, your kitchen will start to smell sweet and slightly tart.
The Easy Rhubarb Crisp is ready when the topping turns golden brown and the filling bubbles at the edges.
Remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. As a result, the filling thickens slightly and becomes easier to scoop.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Easy Rhubarb Crisp warm for the best texture.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you like. Then watch it melt into the warm fruit.
You can also spoon it over yogurt for breakfast the next day. In fact, I sometimes do that when I want something sweet but not too heavy.
Tips for the Best Rhubarb Crisp Texture
First, slice the rhubarb evenly so it cooks at the same rate.
Next, do not skip draining frozen rhubarb. Otherwise, the filling may turn watery.
Also, keep your butter cold until the last minute. Cold butter forms crumbs that bake into a crisp topping.
Let the Easy Rhubarb Crisp rest after baking. That short wait makes a big difference in texture.
Storage and Reheating Tips
You can store Easy Rhubarb Crisp covered at room temperature for 1 to 2 days.
If you want it warm again, reheat individual portions briefly in the microwave.
Meanwhile, you can also refrigerate leftovers for a few days. Then reheat before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Each serving has about 220 calories, 8 grams of fat, 35 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of protein. This recipe makes about 6 servings and takes around 50 to 60 minutes total.
Before we get to the FAQs, come hang out with me on Pinterest and Facebook where I share more simple dessert ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to make rhubarb crumble easily?
To make a rhubarb crumble easily, follow the same steps as this Easy Rhubarb Crisp. Simply mix rhubarb with sugar and thickener, then top with a butter based crumble and bake until golden and bubbly.
What is the difference between rhubarb crisp and crumble?
The main difference lies in the topping. A rhubarb crisp usually contains oats, which create a crisp texture. A crumble often skips oats and uses just flour, sugar, and butter.
How much rhubarb is needed for crisp?
For this Easy Rhubarb Crisp, use 2 pounds of sliced rhubarb. That amount fills a standard baking dish and creates a generous fruit layer.
Can you make rhubarb crisp without oats?
Yes, you can make Easy Rhubarb Crisp without oats. Simply replace the oats with additional flour for a more traditional crumble style topping.
More Such Recipes
- To Die For Carrot Cake Recipe
- Strawberry Shortcake Bars Recipe
- Easy Cherry Pie Bars Recipe
- Mini Key Lime Cheesecakes Recipe
- Strawberry Heaven Cake Recipe
- Strawberry Pretzel Dessert Recipe
- Easter Brownies Recipe Fudgy Festive Spring

Conclusion
Easy Rhubarb Crisp brings together tart fruit and a buttery oat topping in the simplest way possible. Because it comes together quickly and bakes in under an hour, you can make it anytime the craving hits. So grab those bright stalks, preheat your oven, and enjoy a warm scoop straight from the dish.
Easy Rhubarb Crisp Easy Amazing Dessert
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Rhubarb Crisp brings sweet tart rhubarb and a buttery oat topping together fast. You get bubbly fruit, a golden crumble, and a cozy dessert that tastes best warm with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
2 pounds sliced rhubarb, fresh or frozen (thawed and well drained if frozen)
1/4 cup cornstarch
3/4 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for filling)
1 cup quick oats
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Pinch of salt
1 stick (8 tablespoons) cold butter, cut into small cubes
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly butter a baking dish.
2. Toss rhubarb with cornstarch, sugar, and cinnamon until evenly coated.
3. Spread the rhubarb mixture in the prepared dish.
4. In a separate bowl, stir together oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Cut the cold butter into the dry mixture using your fingers or a pastry cutter until coarse crumbs form.
6. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the rhubarb.
7. Bake for about 35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
8. Let rest for about 10 minutes before serving to help the filling thicken.
Notes
If using frozen rhubarb, thaw completely and drain well. If the fruit looks very juicy, add 1 extra tablespoon of cornstarch.
Quick oats create a softer topping, while old-fashioned oats give a heartier texture.
Keep the butter cold for a crumbly topping. If you substitute margarine, use a firm stick variety, not a soft spread.
Cornstarch thickens the filling more smoothly than flour. If you use flour instead, mix it very well with the fruit to avoid clumps.
Let the crisp rest after baking so the filling sets.
Store covered at room temperature for 1 to 2 days. Reheat individual portions briefly in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: N/A
