There’s a certain nostalgia that envelops me every time I whip up a batch of Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp. The harmonious blend of sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb creates a jammy filling that speaks to the heart of summer. Imagine pulling a golden-brown, bubbling dish out of the oven, where the air is filled with warm notes of cinnamon and vanilla, instantly making your kitchen feel like a cozy retreat.
This recipe not only satisfies a sweet tooth but also caters to everyone at the table. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and indulgently healthy—perfect for those evenings when you crave a dessert that feels special without the fuss. Whether celebrating a warm summer evening or simply enjoying a quiet night in, this fuss-free crisp is a stellar way to embrace fresh or frozen fruits. Let’s dive into making this delightful treat that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why is Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp a Must-Try?
Delectable Balance: The combination of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb creates a uniquely flavorful dessert that’s sure to impress.
Wholesome Ingredients: This crisp is entirely vegan and gluten-free, allowing everyone to indulge without worry.
Effortless Preparation: With simple steps and minimal prep, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Versatile Options: Feel free to swap out fruits or add nuts, making it a dish that adapts to your tastes.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Serve it warm with a scoop of vegan ice cream, and watch your family or friends rave about this delightful treat!
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Ingredients
For the Fruit Base
- Rhubarb – Adds tartness and structure to the base; substitute with frozen rhubarb if fresh is unavailable.
- Strawberries – Provides sweetness and a juicy texture; can be replaced with other soft fruits like peaches for variations.
- Raw Cane Sugar – Sweetens the fruit filling; coconut sugar can be used as a substitute for a lower glycemic index.
- Corn Starch – Acts as a thickening agent; arrowroot powder can be used as an alternative.
- Lime or Lemon Juice – Balances flavors with its acidity; either citrus works effectively for flavor enhancement.
- Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
For the Oaty Almond Topping
- Gluten-Free Oats – Forms the base of the topping; ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
- Almond Flour – Provides texture and richness; substitute with all-purpose flour if gluten is not a concern.
- Sliced Almonds – Adds crunch to the topping; can be replaced with chopped walnuts or pecans for a different flavor.
- Raw Cane Sugar or Coconut Sugar (for topping) – Sweetens the topping.
- Cinnamon – Offers warmth and enhances flavor; optional but highly recommended.
- Cardamom – A fragrant spice that complements the other flavors; optional.
- Sea Salt – Boosts overall flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures an even bake and a nicely crisp topping.
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Combine the chopped rhubarb, strawberries, raw cane sugar, corn starch, lime juice, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the juice to release.
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Mix the gluten-free oats, almond flour, sliced almonds, sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and sea salt in another bowl. Stir to combine, then add melted coconut oil to create a cohesive topping.
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Pour the fruit mixture into a 9×6 baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then, sprinkle the oaty topping over the fruit mixture, ensuring it’s well distributed for a crispy crust.
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Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is golden brown. The delightful aroma will fill your kitchen!
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Cool for 20 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature, with optional vegan ice cream or coconut yogurt for a creamy finish.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top before serving for extra flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
- Use Fresh Fruits: Fresh strawberries and rhubarb yield the best flavor. If using frozen, be prepared for a juicier filling that may need extra baking time.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the fruit mixture before baking. If it’s too tart, add a bit more raw cane sugar to achieve your desired sweetness in the strawberry rhubarb crisp.
- Check Consistency: Begin checking the crisp around 40 minutes. If the filling seems too wet, continue baking until it’s thick and bubbly for that perfect texture.
- Customize Toppings: Don’t hesitate to swap almonds for other nuts or add spices like nutmeg for a unique flavor twist in your strawberry rhubarb crisp.
- Let It Rest: Allow the crisp to cool for at least 20 minutes after baking. This helps the filling set and enhances flavors, making every bite more enjoyable!
What to Serve with Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp?
Warm air filled with the scent of freshly baked crisp is perfect for sharing with loved ones, and it begs for delicious accompaniments that enhance the experience.
- Vegan Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vegan ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm, jammy filling, creating a delightful temperature play.
- Coconut Yogurt: Its tangy, smooth texture adds a rich creaminess while keeping things light and refreshing.
- Homemade Whipped Coconut Cream: This airy topping amplifies the dessert’s sweetness while providing a decadent, fluffy finish.
- Fresh Berries: Topping with a handful of fresh berries elevates the crisp with bright, juicy bursts of flavor that balance the tartness of the rhubarb.
- Mint Sprigs: A sprinkle of aromatic mint not only brings a pop of color but also adds a fresh note that enhances the crisp’s seasonal flavors.
- Chai Tea: Serve this delightful dessert with a warm cup of spiced chai tea, creating a comforting and cozy dessert experience that warms the heart.
- Lemonade: The brightness of chilled lemonade cuts through the sweetness of the crisp, providing a refreshing contrast to each mouthful.
- Spiced Pecans: A side of sweet and spicy pecans gives an unexpected crunch and flavor depth, making each bite of crisp even more enjoyable.
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Variations
Feel free to explore these fun twists that can elevate your Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp experience and cater to different tastes!
- Berry-Burst: Swap half of the strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a vibrant mixed berry flavor that pops with color and taste.
- Nutty Delight: Replace sliced almonds with chopped pecans or walnuts for a richer, earthier crunch across the topping.
- Tropical Twist: Add shredded coconut to the topping for a hint of tropical flavor that brightens your summer dessert.
- Chocolate Indulgence: Mix in some dark chocolate chips into the fruit base for a decadent touch that will delight any chocolate lover.
- Spiced Variation: Enhance complexity by adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon to elevate the warm spices.
- Maple Sweetness: Substitute raw cane sugar with maple syrup in the fruit filling for a subtle, caramel-like flavor that beautifully complements the tartness.
- Citrus Zing: Incorporate the zest of one lime or lemon into the fruit filling to add an extra layer of refreshing brightness.
- Pie Crust Base: For a heartier dessert, bake the fruit mixture in a pre-made pie crust instead of the oaty topping, transforming it into a delightful pie.
With these variations, every batch of Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp can be a new, exciting treat!
Make Ahead Options
This Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is a fantastic dessert for meal prep lovers! You can prepare the fruit filling up to 24 hours in advance by combining the chopped strawberries, rhubarb, sugar, corn starch, lime juice, and vanilla extract in a bowl—then cover and refrigerate it. Additionally, the oaty almond topping can also be mixed and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to serve, simply layer the cold fruit filling into your baking dish, sprinkle the topping on top, and bake as directed. This ensures that you’re enjoying the delightful flavors and textures of the crisp without the fuss on busy evenings!
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Fridge: Store leftover strawberry rhubarb crisp in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This keeps it fresh while maintaining the crispy topping.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the crisp in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the container.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Enjoy the delightful flavors just like when it was freshly baked!
Thawing: If frozen, let the crisp thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain its delicious texture.
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe strawberries and rhubarb?
Pick strawberries that are bright red and have a natural shine—those are usually the sweetest! Look for rhubarb stalks that are firm and crisp, avoiding any that have dark spots or wilting. If fresh rhubarb is unavailable, frozen is a great alternative!
How should I store leftover strawberry rhubarb crisp?
Store any leftover crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. This keeps it fresh while ensuring the topping remains crispy! Just pop it in the oven to reheat for that delightful crunch.
Can I freeze strawberry rhubarb crisp?
Absolutely! To freeze, first, let the crisp cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before putting it in the freezer—this helps prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 3 months, and when you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What should I do if my crisp topping isn’t crunchy?
If your topping isn’t as crispy as you’d like, consider checking your baking time. Sometimes the topping needs extra time to achieve that golden color and crunch—just keep an eye on it to avoid burning. A sprinkle of nuts can also enhance crunchiness!
Are there any allergy concerns with this recipe?
This recipe is vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for many diets. However, always check the labels for cross-contamination if you have severe allergies, especially with oats and nut flours. You can substitute almond flour with other gluten-free alternatives if nuts are an issue.
How can I make this strawberry rhubarb crisp healthier?
To make it even healthier, you could reduce the amount of sugar used. Instead of raw cane sugar, consider using natural sweeteners like maple syrup or a sugar substitute like erythritol. You can also add ground flax seeds for extra fiber in the topping!
Heavenly Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp: Vegan & Gluten-Free Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine the chopped rhubarb, strawberries, raw cane sugar, corn starch, lime juice, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Mix the gluten-free oats, almond flour, sliced almonds, sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and sea salt in another bowl. Stir to combine, then add melted coconut oil.
- Pour the fruit mixture into a 9x6 baking dish, spreading it evenly, then sprinkle the oaty topping over the fruit mixture.
- Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the fruit is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool for 20 minutes before serving.