There’s something truly magical about a warm dessert straight from the oven, especially when it beckons memories of home and family. This Old Fashioned Rhubarb Strawberry Crisp Dessert offers a delightful blend of sweet and tart that is pure comfort. When served warm, it becomes the star of any gathering, making it an ideal treat for both small get-togethers and family celebrations alike.
What makes this dessert stand out are its key ingredients. The combination of 2 cups of chopped rhubarb and 2 cups of hulled and sliced strawberries creates a fruity base that sings with flavor. The 1 cup of sugar brings just the right amount of sweetness, elevated by 1 tablespoon of cornstarch that helps thicken the juices. A splash of 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract rounds out the flavor, while the crisp topping made from 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon adds a comforting crunch. With 1/2 cup of melted butter to bind it all together, each bite is a textural delight.
The method is simple enough for any home cook to follow. You will first preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then toss rhubarb and strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla in a large bowl. This mixture gets poured into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. In another bowl, you mix the oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon, incorporating the melted butter until it is crumbly. This oat mixture is generously sprinkled over the fruit filling before everything bakes for 45 to 50 minutes until it is bubbly and golden. Once slightly cooled, it is ready to be served warm.
This dessert is perfect for chilly nights when you crave something cozy or as a crowning glory for a potluck dinner. It’s versatile enough to adapt for any occasion and is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Rhubarb Strawberry Crisp Dessert
- Quick: This dessert comes together in no time, making it perfect for impromptu gatherings.
- Simple Ingredients: Using fresh produce and pantry staples keeps it accessible.
- Comfort Food: The warm, fruity filling paired with the crispy topping offers that nostalgic comfort.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add other fruits.
- Crowd Pleaser: Its delightful flavors and textures are loved by all ages.
Rhubarb Tips
Rhubarb is the star of this dessert, and it’s essential to pick the freshest bunch available. Look for firm stalks that are crisp, vibrant in color, and free from blemishes. When preparing, make sure to trim off any leaves, as they are toxic. Wash the stalks thoroughly before chopping them into bite-sized pieces. Fresh rhubarb has a tart, slightly tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of strawberries.
Options for Substitutions
- Sugar: You can substitute with coconut sugar or honey for a different sweetness profile.
- Oats: Consider using gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version.
- Flour: Whole wheat flour can replace all-purpose flour for added nutrition.
- Butter: Substitute with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative for a vegan option.
- Berries: Swap strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a berry medley.
- Cinnamon: Nutmeg can be used in place of cinnamon for a unique flavor twist.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
There are a few common pitfalls to keep in mind when making this dessert. One major mistake is overcooking the rhubarb and strawberries. They should be tender but not mushy; keeping an eye on them while baking is crucial. Additionally, ensure you measure your ingredients accurately, especially the sugar. Adding too much can make the dessert overly sweet. Another common error is not letting the crisp cool slightly before serving. This cooling time allows the juices to settle, which makes for easier serving and a better texture. Lastly, remember to distribute the oat topping evenly; you want every bite to have that delightful crunch.
What to Serve With Old Fashioned Rhubarb Strawberry Crisp Dessert?
This dessert shines on its own but can be complemented beautifully with some whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve it alongside a light salad for a balance of flavors. If you’re feeling indulgent, pairing it with a cup of hot coffee or tea makes for a delightful afternoon treat.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep any leftovers in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freeze: To freeze, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave on medium power until hot.
Recipe Info
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
- Level of Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: Makes about 8 servings
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2,500-2,800
- Protein: 25-30 g
- Fat: 80-90 g
- Carbohydrates: 400-450 g
Ingredients
- 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prep Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Mix Fruit Filling
In a large bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb and sliced strawberries. Add the sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Mix until the fruit is well-coated. Pour this fruity mixture into the greased baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare Oat Topping
In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour the melted butter into the dry ingredients and stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Assemble the Crisp
Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the fruit mixture in the baking dish, ensuring it covers the fruit completely.
Step 5: Bake the Crisp
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the crisp from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm, and enjoy the delightful flavors!
This Old Fashioned Rhubarb Strawberry Crisp Dessert is not only delicious but also brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth to any table. I encourage you to try this recipe at home. Feel free to share your experiences and tweaks. And for more comforting recipes, be sure to explore what else our collection has to offer.
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Old Fashioned Rhubarb Strawberry Crisp Dessert
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful blend of sweet and tart with a crispy topping, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chopped rhubarb
- 2 cups hulled and sliced strawberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb and sliced strawberries. Add sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla. Mix until well-coated.
- Pour the fruit mixture into the greased baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the fruit mixture.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes and serve warm.
Notes
Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. Allow cooling slightly for better texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
