Craving a dessert that’s the perfect balance of tart and sweet, with a comforting, crispy topping? Look no further than Rhubarb Crunch! This dessert is an irresistible combination of tart rhubarb, sweetened just enough to balance its natural zing, all topped with a buttery, crunchy oat topping that makes each bite a dream. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug, yet has that refreshing tang from the rhubarb that keeps it exciting. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it all summer long!

This Rhubarb Crunch is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. It’s the perfect way to use fresh rhubarb from the garden or the farmer’s market, turning it into a dessert that everyone will love. And the best part? It’s so simple that even if you’re not a seasoned baker, you’ll still be able to whip it up without breaking a sweat.

Why You’ll Love Rhubarb Crunch

This dessert is the perfect mix of flavor, texture, and simplicity. Here’s why it’s a keeper:

Versatile: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat, or enjoy it on its own as a simple, comforting dessert.

Budget-Friendly: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is super affordable making it the perfect dessert to whip up without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy: The steps are straightforward, and you don’t need any fancy equipment. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!

Customizable: Want to add a little more sweetness? You can adjust the sugar levels to your taste. Or, add some cinnamon for a warm, spicy twist.

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a summer BBQ, or just as a mid-week treat, Rhubarb Crunch is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients in Rhubarb Crunch

This recipe is all about letting the fresh rhubarb shine, and the crunchy oat topping adds just the right texture to make it unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Rhubarb: The star of the show. Its tartness is the perfect contrast to the sweet topping and filling. Make sure to cut it into small pieces so it bakes evenly.

Sugar: To sweeten the rhubarb and balance out its tartness.

Flour: Used to thicken the filling just a little, so it’s not too runny after baking.

Butter: Adds richness to the topping and gives it that irresistible buttery crunch.

Oats: These form the bulk of the topping, creating the signature crunch.

Brown Sugar: For the topping, adding a touch of caramel sweetness that complements the rhubarb perfectly.

Baking Powder: Helps give the topping a light and airy texture.

Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavors.

Instructions

Ready to make this irresistible Rhubarb Crunch? Let’s dive in:

Prepare the Rhubarb

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, wash and chop your rhubarb into small, bite-sized pieces. You’ll need about 4 cups of rhubarb for this recipe.

Make the Filling

In a large bowl, mix together the chopped rhubarb, sugar, and flour. Stir until the rhubarb is well coated in the sugar and flour mixture. This will help thicken the filling as it bakes.

Prepare the Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine, and then cut in the butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. You can use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers for this step just make sure the butter is well incorporated and the mixture is crumbly.

Assemble the Dish

Spread the rhubarb mixture evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, sprinkle the oat topping generously over the rhubarb, making sure to cover it evenly.

Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the Rhubarb Crunch cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s fantastic on its own, but for an extra treat, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy the sweet and tangy magic!

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 300

(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Rhubarb Crunch

This Rhubarb Crunch is perfect for so many occasions. Here are a few ideas to serve it up:

Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that warm and cold contrast that’s just irresistible.
Serve it with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
Top with some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you make the most of this recipe:
If your rhubarb is especially tart, you can add a little more sugar to the filling to balance it out.
Feel free to mix in other fruits like strawberries or apples to make a fruit medley!
You can make the topping ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a quicker prep on baking day.
Don’t skip the butter in the topping it’s what gives it that perfect, crispy texture.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen rhubarb?
Yes, frozen rhubarb works well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess moisture before using it in the filling.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I substitute the oats in the topping?
If you don’t have oats, you can substitute them with crushed graham crackers or even chopped nuts for a different texture.

4. How do I store leftover Rhubarb Crunch?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s also great reheated in the microwave!

5. Can I use a different type of fruit?
Absolutely! You can use apples, strawberries, or even mixed berries for a twist on this classic recipe.

6. Can I freeze Rhubarb Crunch?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked Rhubarb Crunch for up to 3 months. Just bake it from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

7. Can I make a smaller batch?
Yes, you can easily halve the recipe and bake it in a smaller dish.

8. Can I add nuts to the topping?
Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping will give it a nice crunch and extra flavor.

9. Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?
Yes, you can substitute regular sugar for brown sugar, but brown sugar adds a richer, caramel-like flavor to the topping.

10. How do I know when it’s done?
The topping should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbly. If you poke a fork into the topping, it should feel crisp.

Conclusion

Rhubarb Crunch is the perfect dessert to welcome spring and summer with its vibrant flavors and irresistible textures. The combination of tangy rhubarb and buttery, oat-filled topping is simply divine. Whether served warm with ice cream or on its own, this dessert is bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. So, grab some fresh rhubarb, and let’s get baking!

Print