Classic Rhubarb Apple Crisp

Friends, first—thank you for being here! I am genuinely so grateful that you come to this little corner of the internet to find something delicious for your kitchen. Your support means the world to me. 🥰 Today, I’m beyond excited to share a timeless dessert that I just know you’re going to love: Classic Rhubarb Apple Crisp. It’s simple, cozy, and loaded with nostalgic flavors.

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Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Rhubarb Apple Crisp

This isn’t just another fruit crisp. It’s bright and tangy from the rhubarb, sweet and mellow thanks to the apples, and topped with a buttery, golden oat topping that makes every bite irresistible. 🥄

The taste? Think sweet-tart magic with a crunch you can hear across the room. The smell? Oh my goodness—the buttery, cinnamon-sugar aroma that fills the house while it bakes is nothing short of heavenly!!

What Makes This Recipe Special

  • Perfect balance of sweet and tart
  • Ridiculously easy to whip up
  • Customizable with ingredients you have on hand
  • Comfort food at its best—warm, hearty, and nostalgic
Freshly baked classic rhubarb apple crisp in a white baking dish with golden oat topping, surrounded by apples and rhubarb stalks

Benefits of Making Rhubarb Apple Crisp

  • Seasonal goodness: Both rhubarb and apples are at their peak in spring and fall
  • Quick preparation: Ready to go into the oven in just 15 minutes
  • Minimal cleanup: One bowl for the filling, one for the topping—done!
  • Crowd-pleaser: Always a hit at potlucks and family dinners

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Filling:

  • 3 cups rhubarb, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 3 cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are best!)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • A pinch of salt

For the Crisp Topping:

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Peeler (for the apples)
  • Knife and cutting board

Possible Additions and Substitutions

  • Nuts: Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch!
  • Spices: Sprinkle in a bit of nutmeg or ginger for a spicy twist
  • Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
  • Less Sugar: You can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup if you prefer a tarter bite

How to Make Classic Rhubarb Apple Crisp

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, toss rhubarb, apples, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until everything’s beautifully coated.

Step 3: Assemble the Crisp

Spread the fruit mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Make the Topping

In a separate bowl, mix oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until crumbly. (It’s messy and fun—kids love helping with this part!)

Step 5: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the fruit. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling like crazy around the edges. 😍

Mixing chopped rhubarb and diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch in a large glass bowl

What to Serve With Rhubarb Apple Crisp

  • A big scoop of vanilla ice cream (yes, please!)
  • Freshly whipped cream
  • A drizzle of caramel sauce
  • Or even just on its own with a hot cup of coffee or tea—perfection

Tips for the Best Crisp

  • Cut uniform fruit pieces so they bake evenly
  • Don’t overmix the topping—you want those crumbly bits!
  • Let it cool slightly before serving so the juices thicken up

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
  • Freezer: Freeze the baked crisp for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat at 350°F for 20 minutes to re-crisp the topping

General Information

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Servings: 8
  • Cuisine: American
  • Course: Dessert

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen rhubarb?

Absolutely! Thaw it completely and drain excess moisture before using.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?

You bet! Assemble it a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

My crisp topping looks dry. What should I do?

Just drizzle a bit more melted butter over it before baking!

Conclusion

There you have it—a Classic Rhubarb Apple Crisp that’s anything but boring!! 🍎🌸 Whether you’re a longtime rhubarb lover or new to this tart wonder, this dessert is a surefire win. It’s easy, satisfying, and bursting with love in every bite. 🥰

If you make this recipe, please leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest! I love seeing your kitchen creations!

More recipes you’ll love if you’re crushing on fruit crisps:

  • Easy Summer Peach Crisp
  • Mixed Berry Oat Crumble
  • Caramelized Pear and Apple Crumble

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

  • Calories: 320
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 30g

Classic Rhubarb Apple Crisp

This Classic Rhubarb Apple Crisp combines tart rhubarb and sweet apples under a golden, buttery oat topping. It’s a simple, cozy dessert that’s perfect for spring, summer, or whenever you’re craving a little comfort. Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Peeler
  • Knife and cutting board

Ingredients
  

  • For the Filling:
  • 3 cups rhubarb chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 3 cups apples peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • For the Crisp Topping:
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • In a large bowl, toss together the rhubarb, apples, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until evenly coated.
  • Spread the fruit mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
  • In a medium bowl, stir together the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the melted butter and stir until crumbly.
  • Sprinkle the oat mixture evenly over the fruit filling.
  • Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
  • Let the crisp cool for about 10–15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with ice cream or whipped cream if desired!

Notes

You can substitute frozen rhubarb—just thaw and drain well first.
Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch.
Reduce the sugar in the filling slightly if you prefer a more tart dessert.
This crisp can be made gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

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