Rhubarb Crisp Recipe May Cause Sudden Happiness At Your Home!

There’s a certain joy in baking that sneaks up on you, like when tart rhubarb meets a buttery oat topping and transforms into something warm, bubbling, and deeply comforting. This balances sweet and tangy like a well-traveled pastry with a homespun heart.

It’s a one-pan wonder with bold flavor—think caramelized edges, tender fruit, and a golden crumble that tastes as good as our other dessert favorites like Bread Pudding and Neiman Marcus Bars. Plus, it’s a great excuse to use up that rhubarb you didn’t know you were hoarding.

Whether it’s scooped warm with a cloud of vanilla ice cream or eaten cold the next morning (yes, we all do it), this crisp invites improvisation and celebration. It’s a dessert that knows how to steal the show, quietly.

Flavor Bomb Alert?

• And yes, the flavor? Bright, buttery, and completely addictive—like sunshine in a baking dish.
• The first time I made this, my kitchen smelled like a bakery in Paris had landed in my Alabama home—it instantly felt like a celebration.
• It’s my secret weapon when I need a no-fuss dessert that still feels special—especially when I have last-minute guests or extra fruit to use.
• I’ve swapped rhubarb with peaches, mixed in ginger, or even added crushed almonds—every version has its own personality.
• This crisp actually helped me cut back on overly processed sweets—its natural tartness and oat topping satisfy without overwhelming.

Rhubarb Crisp Recipe

This cozy rhubarb crisp features tender, tart rhubarb spiced with cinnamon and allspice, layered between a buttery oat crumble. With a golden, crisp topping and warm fruit center, it’s a perfect balance of sweet and tangy — a comforting dessert that’s simple yet satisfying.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 9 people

Calories 282 kcal

Equipment

• 8-inch square baking dish
• Large mixing bowls (2)
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Oven mitts

Ingredients

  

Filling

• 3 cups diced fresh rhubarb
• 1 tablespoon water
• ½ cup white sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice Optional
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Topping

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup brown sugar packed
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup rolled oats

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
  
• In a large bowl, combine the rhubarb, sugar, flour, water, cinnamon, and allspice until everything is evenly mixed, then set it aside.
  
• In another large bowl, stir together oats, brown sugar, and flour.
  
• Using a pastry cutter, cut in the butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
  
• Press half of this oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  
• Spoon the rhubarb mixture over the pressed crust and then sprinkle the remaining oat topping over it.
• Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes.
• Let it cool and enjoy!
  

Notes

• If you prefer a thicker filling, toss the rhubarb with an extra tablespoon of flour.
• Cold butter is key for a crumbly topping — if it’s too soft, the topping will turn pasty.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to balance the tartness with creamy sweetness.

Tips To Ease Your Job!

1. Use Cold Butter Straight from the Fridge: This keeps the crumble topping light and crispy. If it starts melting while mixing, pop the bowl in the fridge for 5 minutes.
2. Line the Baking Dish: For easy cleanup, line the greased baking dish with parchment paper — the crisp lifts out cleanly with less scrubbing.
3. Double the Topping: Love extra crunch? Make a double batch of the oat topping and freeze half for your next crisp adventure.
4. Pre-measure Ingredients: Set out all measured ingredients before starting — this mise en place method speeds things up and avoids surprises.