Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

Published June 30, 2015. Updated March 2, 2020

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This easy Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp features a crunchy oatmeal crisp topping and is the perfect combination of sweet and tart. Top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it warm as is! 

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp in a single serving bowl topped with vanilla ice cream.

Easy Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Recipe

I never had really tried anything with rhubarb until the last few years. Once I did try it though, I instantly fell in love! I love the vibrant and unique flavor it has with just the right amount of tartness to it.

My favorite way to eat rhubarb is baked into something along with fresh strawberries. There are so many things I want to try with that combination, like a strawberry rhubarb compote for angel food cake, a strawberry rhubarb crumb cake or combining the two together for a syrup to serve over buttermilk pancakes.

Someday I’ll get there, but for now it’s all about this truly delicious strawberry rhubarb crisp. This strawberry rhubarb crisp is perfectly juicy with just the right amount of sweetness, and the contrast in textures is spot on.

I love the softness and juiciness of the fruit filling paired next to the perfect crispness of the topping. And also that lemon-like tartness next to the sweet flavor of vanilla bean in the filling.

This fruit crisp is a must try summer dessert recipe! Just don’t forget the ice cream, because it’s the perfect finishing touch for this.

Close up image of baked strawberry rhubarb crisp in a white ceramic baking dish.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Ingredients

For the strawberry rhubarb filling, you’ll need:

  • Fresh strawberries – for best flavor and texture I don’t recommend frozen.
  • Fresh rhubarb – this is a seasonal ingredient so be on the lookout for it spring through summer.
  • Granulated sugar – this sweetens up the tart flavors of the rhubarb.
  • Orange zest and juice – a great flavor pairing with the strawberries and rhubarb.
  • Cornstarch – a key ingredient to thicken up the fruit filling.

And for the oatmeal crisp topping, you’ll need:

  • All-purpose flour – I like to use unbleached all-purpose flour.
  • Old fashioned rolled oats – quick oats may be subsituted the texture will just be slightly different.
  • Light brown sugar – the molasses adds nice flavor to the topping and encourages browning.
  • Salt – you’ll only need a little.
  • Unsalted butter – if you only have salted butter on hand just omit salt from the recipe.
  • Vanilla bean seeds – this adds a little flavor upgrade, they are expensive though so it is optional.

Showing steps to layering strawberry rhubarb crisp. Adding fresh strawberries and rhubarb to baking dish. Adding oatmeal crisp layer over strawberry rhubarb layer in baking dish. Strawberry rhubarb crisp shown after finished baking.

How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

  1. Preheat oven and butter baking dish.
  2. Make crisp topping: In a mixing bowl, whisk together all the oatmeal crisp topping ingredients, except for the butter and vanilla bean seeds. Then rub the butter and vanilla bean seeds in with your fingers until the mixture comes together in crumbles.
  3. Sweeten strawberry rhubarb filling: In a separate bowl, toss together sliced strawberries, rhubarb and sugar.
  4. Pour strawberry mixture into baking dish, toss with cornstarch mixture : transfer mixture to baking dish, spread even. Whisk together orange zest, orange juice and cornstarch. Pour over the fruit mixture and toss to combine.
  5. Top with crisp topping: Sprinkle oatmeal crisp topping onto the strawberry rhubarb filling.
  6. Bake: Bake for 40 – 45 minutes, until top is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

Can I Use Quick Oats in the Crisp Topping?

No, the oatmeal crisp topping can only be made with old-fashioned rolled oats. Quick oats wouldn’t give you the same crispy, chewy texture.

Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?

No, this rhubarb strawberry crisp is best with fresh berries. Frozen and thawed strawberries would result in a mushier texture, and the fruit crisp likely wouldn’t taste as fresh.

How to Store Fruit Crisps

Let the strawberry rhubarb crisp cool to room temperature on your counter before topping it with plastic wrap and refrigerating. Reheat the strawberry rhubarb crisp in the oven or in the microwave, just keep in mind the topping will soften by the next day.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

Tips for the Best Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

  • Don’t slice the fruit too small, otherwise it’ll turn to mush in the oven.
  • In a pinch, all-purpose flour can be substituted for cornstarch in the fruit filling (the filling might not thicken as much, but it’ll still taste good).
  • Serve this fruit crisp warm with a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate springtime treat!

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Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
5 from 2 votes

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

One of my go-to summer desserts! You get a fresh, juicy strawberry and tart rhubarb filling topped with a crisp buttery oat crumble. Finish it with a scoop of sweet vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat no one can resist!
Servings: 7
Prep30 minutes
Cook40 minutes
Ready in: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Butter a 3 quart baking dish (I used a 12 by 8 by 2 1/2, a 13 by 9 should work fine too), set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar and salt, while breaking up any clumps of brown sugar with finger tips as needed. Add butter and vanilla bean seeds and rub into mixture with finger tips until it comes together in crumbles and no clumps of butter remain. Transfer to refrigerator while preparing filling.
  • In a mixing bowl toss together strawberries, rhubarb and sugar. Pour into prepared baking dish. In liquid measuring cup whisk together orange juice, orange zest and cornstarch until well blended. Slowly and evenly pour over strawberry rhubarb mixture in pan then lightly toss mixture. Sprinkle crumble evenly over top. Bake in preheated oven 40 - 45 minutes until juices are bubbling and crisp is golden brown. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • Don't slice the fruit too small, otherwise it'll turn to mush in the oven. 
  • In a pinch, all-purpose flour can be substituted for cornstarch in the fruit filling (the filling might not thicken as much, but it'll still taste good). 
Nutrition Facts
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Amount Per Serving
Calories 520 Calories from Fat 171
% Daily Value*
Fat 19g29%
Saturated Fat 11g69%
Cholesterol 45mg15%
Sodium 98mg4%
Potassium 454mg13%
Carbohydrates 87g29%
Fiber 5g21%
Sugar 56g62%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 622IU12%
Vitamin C 67mg81%
Calcium 106mg11%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.