Apple Rhubarb Crisp Dessert

Featured in: Quick Crunch Fix

This apple rhubarb crisp blends the sweet flavor of apples with the tartness of fresh rhubarb, creating a vibrant filling. An oat and brown sugar topping adds irresistible crunch and buttery richness. Simple steps include tossing fruit with sugar and starch, then layering with a cinnamon oat topping before baking until golden and bubbly. Versatile for dietary needs, swap in gluten-free ingredients as preferred. Serve warm for a comforting finish, and let rest to allow juices to thicken. Perfect for a spring treat, highlighting seasonal produce in an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert.

Updated on Fri, 31 Oct 2025 15:32:00 GMT
Freshly baked apple rhubarb crisp topped with golden oat crumble, perfect for dessert.  Save
Freshly baked apple rhubarb crisp topped with golden oat crumble, perfect for dessert. | williesnack.com

A delightful spring dessert that combines the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of apples, topped with a crunchy oat topping. Enjoy this easy treat that celebrates fresh fruit and brings a comforting finish to any meal.

I first made this crisp one rainy May afternoon when rhubarb was just coming into season. The aroma of buttery oats and soft apples filled my kitchen, and it quickly became a favorite to share with family over coffee.

Ingredients

  • Fruits: 4 cups sliced fresh rhubarb, 2 cups apples (peeled and cut into chunks)
  • Sweeteners: ½ cup sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference), ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • Starch: 3 tablespoons corn starch
  • Toppings: 1 cup old-fashioned oats, ½ cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Fats: ½ cup butter (melted)

Instructions

Prepare Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Mix Fruit:
In a large bowl, combine sugar and corn starch. Add rhubarb and apples, then gently toss to coat. Spoon the mixture into a greased 8-inch square baking dish
Prepare Topping:
In a small bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this topping over the rhubarb mixture
Bake:
Bake for 50 minutes or until bubbly and the fruit is tender
Serve:
Serve warm or at room temperature
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| williesnack.com

This apple rhubarb crisp brings back memories of afternoons spent baking with my grandmother, who always encouraged me to experiment with different fruits. Everyone gathered around the table for a second helping!

Required Tools

Cutting board, Peeler, Chefs knife, Mixing bowls, 8-inch square baking dish

Allergen Information

Contains gluten (if using all-purpose flour) and dairy. Always verify packaging if sensitive to allergens.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 297, Total Fat: 12 g, Carbohydrates: 45 g, Protein: 3 g, Saturated Fat: 7 g, Cholesterol: 31 mg, Sodium: 98 mg, Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 26 g

Golden brown apple rhubarb crisp served warm, bursting with sweet and tart flavors.  Save
Golden brown apple rhubarb crisp served warm, bursting with sweet and tart flavors. | williesnack.com

Savor the unique combination of warm, sweet apples and tart rhubarb in every spoonful. Serve with vanilla ice cream for an irresistible treat.

Recipe Questions & Answers

Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen rhubarb works well. Thaw and drain excess liquid before adding to maintain ideal consistency.

What type of apple is best?

Granny Smith adds tartness, while Honeycrisp offers sweetness. Any firm, fresh apple will complement rhubarb nicely.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free all-purpose flour to replace traditional options in the topping.

Is it necessary to let the crisp sit after baking?

Resting for 15-20 minutes after baking lets juices thicken, making for cleaner servings and richer flavor.

How do I know when it's done baking?

Bake until fruit is tender and topping is golden and bubbly, usually around 50 minutes depending on oven and fruit ripeness.

Can I reduce sugar for a less sweet dessert?

Yes, adjust granulated sugar based on apple variety and personal preference for a tailored sweetness.

Apple Rhubarb Crisp Dessert

Warm apple rhubarb crisp merges tart rhubarb and sweet apples under a crunchy oat topping; perfect springtime delight.

Prep time
15 min
Time to cook
50 min
Total duration
65 min
Created by Willie Cooper


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Total yield 6 Number of servings

Dietary notes Vegetarian-friendly

What You'll Need

Fruits

01 4 cups sliced fresh rhubarb
02 2 cups apples, peeled and cut into chunks

Sweeteners

01 1/2 cup granulated sugar
02 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

Starch

01 3 tablespoons corn starch

Toppings

01 1 cup old-fashioned oats
02 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
03 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Fats

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

How to make it

Step 01

Prepare for baking: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish.

Step 02

Combine fruit and starch mixture: In a large mixing bowl, blend the granulated sugar and corn starch. Add sliced rhubarb and apple chunks, then gently toss until the fruit is evenly coated.

Step 03

Arrange fruit in baking dish: Transfer the coated fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread in an even layer.

Step 04

Prepare oat topping: In a separate bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, melted butter, ground cinnamon, and flour. Stir until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.

Step 05

Add topping: Distribute the oat topping evenly over the fruit mixture.

Step 06

Bake until golden: Bake for 50 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling with tender fruit.

Step 07

Cool and serve: Let rest for 15-20 minutes to allow juices to thicken. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tools you'll need

  • Cutting board
  • Peeler
  • Chef's knife
  • Mixing bowls
  • 8-inch square baking dish

Allergy details

Review ingredients for potential allergens and ask a medical expert if unsure.
  • Contains gluten (from all-purpose flour) and dairy (butter).
  • Certify ingredient labels for possible allergens.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

This nutritional info is for reference only. For health questions, check with a medical professional.
  • Energy: 297
  • Fats: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 3 g