Rhubarb Crunch

If you’ve never had Rhubarb Crunch, you’re in for a treat! Imagine the tart, refreshing taste of rhubarb mingled with a buttery, sweet crumble topping that bakes up perfectly golden and crisp. This dessert is like the best of both worlds—pie and crisp—without all the fuss of a pie crust. Each bite is a delightful balance of tangy and sweet, with just the right amount of crunch. If you’re a rhubarb lover (or even if you’re just starting to discover its magic), this dessert is an absolute must-try!

This recipe is a comfort food classic that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for summer BBQs, family gatherings, or a cozy treat on a cool evening, Rhubarb Crunch will definitely earn a spot in your recipe box. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll be coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love Rhubarb Crunch

Here’s why Rhubarb Crunch is such a winner:

Perfectly Balanced: The tartness of the rhubarb combined with the sweetness of the crumble topping makes for a dessert that’s not too sweet, not too tart—just right.

Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples like oats, brown sugar, and butter, you can create a dessert that tastes like it’s from a bakery.

Easy to Make: No pie crust to roll out, no complicated steps. This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for beginners or anyone looking for an easy, fuss-free dessert.

Crispy, Buttery Topping: The crumble topping brings the perfect texture to balance out the soft, baked rhubarb underneath. It’s a crunchy, buttery layer that melts in your mouth!

Great for All Occasions: Whether you’re serving it up at a family dinner, bringing it to a potluck, or enjoying a piece with your afternoon coffee, this rhubarb crunch is a showstopper.

Ingredients in Rhubarb Crunch

Here’s what you’ll need to make this sweet and tangy dessert:

Fresh Rhubarb

The star ingredient! Rhubarb’s tartness gives this dessert its signature flavor. It’s bright and bold, perfect for balancing the sweetness of the topping.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar brings a rich, molasses-like sweetness that’s perfect for complementing the tangy rhubarb.

Granulated Sugar

Just a little white sugar adds some sweetness to the rhubarb and keeps it from being too tart.

Oats

Oats are key to creating that deliciously crunchy topping. They add a great texture and work beautifully with the butter and sugars.

Butter

The butter is essential for the crumbly topping and adds richness to the dessert. Be sure to use unsalted butter for the best flavor.

All-Purpose Flour

Flour helps to hold the crumble topping together and gives it a slightly thick consistency.

Salt

Just a pinch of salt enhances the other flavors and balances out the sweetness of the sugars.

Baking Powder

Baking powder helps the topping rise and get nice and crispy as it bakes.

Instructions

Ready to make your Rhubarb Crunch? Let’s get started!

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This will help prevent your crisp from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Prepare the Rhubarb

Wash the rhubarb stalks, and then cut them into small, 1-inch pieces. Place the chopped rhubarb into a large mixing bowl and toss with granulated sugar and a little bit of flour. This will help release the juices and prevent the filling from being too runny.

Make the Topping

In a separate bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, flour, and salt. Add in the cold, cubed butter, and use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the butter into the dry ingredients. Keep working it until you have a crumbly, coarse texture.

Assemble the Dish

Spread the sweetened rhubarb evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the oat mixture over the top, ensuring it covers the rhubarb evenly.

Bake to Perfection

Bake the Rhubarb Crunch in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the rhubarb filling is bubbling up around the edges. You’ll want the rhubarb to soften and become juicy but not mushy.

Cool and Serve

Let the Rhubarb Crunch cool slightly before serving. It’s delicious warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, but it’s also great at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8-10
Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories (depending on portion size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Rhubarb Crunch

This dessert is perfect on its own, but here are a few ideas to take it to the next level:

• Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or custard on top of warm Rhubarb Crunch is heaven on a spoon.
• Pair with Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a creamy, light contrast to the tangy fruit and crispy topping.
• Add a Drizzle of Caramel: For a decadent touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top before serving.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Rhubarb: While frozen rhubarb can work in a pinch, fresh rhubarb gives the best flavor and texture. Be sure to chop it into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter crunch, you can increase the amount of sugar. Start with a small amount and taste the rhubarb mixture before baking. If it’s too tart, add a little more sugar.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months—just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make Rhubarb Crunch ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can! You can prepare it the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it the day you plan to serve it.

Q2: Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?
A2: Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using it in the recipe.

Q3: Can I substitute the oats for something else?
A3: If you don’t like oats, you can try using crushed graham crackers, almonds, or even coconut flakes for a different flavor and texture.

Q4: How do I know when the Rhubarb Crunch is done?
A4: The topping should be golden brown, and the rhubarb filling should be bubbly and hot. You can also insert a fork into the rhubarb to make sure it’s tender.

Q5: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A5: Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats.

Conclusion

This Rhubarb Crunch is a true summer dessert classic that’s perfect for anyone who loves a combination of sweet, tangy, and crunchy. The best part? It’s so simple to make! Whether you’re baking for a family dinner or sharing it with friends, this dessert is bound to be a hit. Go ahead, bake a batch, and enjoy the taste of summer in every bite!

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