The Best Rhubarb Crisp Recipe

This easy rhubarb crisp comes together quickly and bakes up with a jammy, sweet-tart filling and a perfectly golden oat topping. Top with vanilla ice cream and you’ve got pure comfort in every bite.

Rhubarb, but make it irresistible.

• There is nothing more satisfying than watching rhubarb transform in the oven. All those tart, vibrant stalks bubbling away beneath a buttery, golden crisp topping. This one is simple, stunning, and absolutely worth turning your oven on for.
• This crisp couldn’t be easier. Just toss the filling together, crumble on the topping, and let the oven do all the work.
• The filling is jammy with the most subtle and delicious hint of orange, and the crisp topping bakes up perfectly golden and crunchy every single time!

Here’s what you’ll need.

Here’s how it all comes together.

Let’s talk texture.

• The texture you’re looking for in the rhubarb filling is jammy, tender, and saucy. The rhubarb will go from hard and fibrous to incredibly delicate and melt-in-your-mouth soft.
• The crisp topping should be, well, crisp! And buttery, crunchy, and crumbly.
• The balance of the jammy texture with the crispy crunch is what makes this dessert so incredibly delicious. Pair it with cold, sweet vanilla ice cream, and your taste buds will be singing!

Things I learned while testing this recipe.

• Don’t skip the cornstarch. Rhubarb releases a ton of liquid as it bakes, and the cornstarch is what transforms that liquid into a thick, jammy filling instead of a watery mess. I like it better than flour because it gives a glossier, jammy filling.
• The orange zest makes a bigger difference than you’d think. It’s easy to skip, but it adds a brightness that balances the tart flavor of the rhubarb in a really lovely way. Don’t leave it out. You can substitute lemon zest and juice instead if that’s all you have.
• Watch the topping more than the clock. Ovens vary, so use the visual cues. You want the edges bubbling and the topping a deep golden brown. If it’s browning too fast, tent it loosely with foil until the rhubarb is jammy.

Here’s what I’d serve with this.

• easy smash burger recipe
• instant pot pulled pork
• crispy oven baked fries
• air fryer hot dogs
• sesame chicken pasta salad

Just in case you have leftovers.

Let the crisp cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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