Rhubarb crisp is one of those desserts that instantly brings comfort, with its balance of tartness from the rhubarb and the warm, crunchy topping. If you’ve never tried it before, you’re in for a treat. This easy rhubarb crisp recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special gathering with friends. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: fresh rhubarb mixed with a sweet and buttery crumble topping. It’s an ideal way to showcase the unique flavors of rhubarb, a vegetable that’s both tangy and sweet. In this recipe, you’ll discover not just how to make rhubarb crisp, but also how to perfect the balance of textures and flavors to make your dessert stand out.
By following these steps, you’ll have a warm, golden-brown crisp that’s ready to be served as-is or topped with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
Table of Contents
INGREDIENTS
For this classic rhubarb crisp, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this comforting dessert to life:

For the Rhubarb Filling:
- 4 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (helps thicken the filling)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (adds a nice depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (balances the tartness of the rhubarb)
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed (helps form a crisp texture)
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the oven to reach the perfect temperature while you prepare the rhubarb filling and crisp topping.
Step 2: Prepare the Rhubarb Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the rhubarb is evenly coated. This mixture will become the base of your crisp, so make sure the sugar and cornstarch are well-distributed to create a nice, thick filling as it bakes.

Step 3: Prepare the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Don’t worry about making it too perfect; some larger butter clumps are fine. The uneven butter will melt during baking, giving the topping its signature crispy texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Crisp
Grease a baking dish (about 8×8 inches) with butter or cooking spray. Pour the rhubarb mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the rhubarb, covering it completely.
Step 5: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the rhubarb filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when you can see the filling gently bubbling around the edges.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the rhubarb crisp from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set, making it easier to scoop and serve.
Explore More Spring Dessert Favorites
Enjoyed this rhubarb crisp recipe? Try these other fresh spring desserts next!
- Decadent Red Velvet Strawberry Cheesecake
- Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
- Cake Mix Mug Cake Microwave
- Easy-to-Follow Boston Cream Cake Recipe for Delicious Dessert

In Closing
This rhubarb crisp is the ultimate comfort food—simple to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it with ice cream, whipped cream, or on its own, the combination of sweet and tart rhubarb with the crispy, buttery topping is always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a flexible recipe that allows you to mix in other fruits like strawberries or apples for a unique twist. The best part? It’s easy enough for beginners to make, yet it still impresses with its flavor and homemade feel. So next time you’re craving a cozy dessert, reach for this recipe—it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Rhubarb Crisp Recipe
Ingredients
- Filling:
- 4 cups chopped rhubarb
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter cold, cut into cubes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, toss rhubarb with sugar and flour. Spread into baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, and flour. Cut in butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle topping over rhubarb mixture.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until topping is golden and filling is bubbling.
- Let cool 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can mix in strawberries for a classic combo.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.