Indulge in the Perfect Summer Treat: Our Delicious Gluten-Free Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Recipe
Crafted with the vibrant sweetness of ripe strawberries, the delightful tartness of fresh rhubarb, and a rich, buttery oat topping, this Gluten-Free Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is the quintessential dessert for any summer gathering. For an extra touch of decadence, we highly recommend serving it warm with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream!
As the days lengthen and the sun shines brighter, summer truly fills the air. We’re eagerly anticipating the final days of school, looking forward to long, lazy afternoons by the pool, and, of course, the abundance of incredible summer produce. From juicy strawberries and refreshing watermelon to sweet cherries, crisp corn, and succulent peaches – the season promises a bounty of flavors!
Among the many delights summer offers, one dessert truly stands out and deserves a prime spot on your baking list this year: our exquisite Gluten-Free Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp! This classic fruit crisp embodies everything we love about warm-weather treats – it’s comforting, bursting with fresh fruit flavor, and surprisingly easy to prepare. It’s an absolute game-changer for anyone seeking a delightful, naturally gluten-free option that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
It’s incredibly challenging to surpass the timeless appeal of this flavor combination during the summer months. The harmonious blend of a perfectly crispy oat topping, the characteristic tartness of fresh rhubarb, and the delightful sweetness of sun-ripened strawberries creates an unparalleled balance of flavors in this summer fruit crisp. It truly offers the ideal sweet conclusion to any casual summer barbecue or festive outdoor cookout, making it a fantastic choice for Memorial Day, or a show-stopping 4th of July dessert. What makes this recipe even more appealing is its simplicity and efficiency: it’s primarily made in one bowl with just a handful of straightforward, wholesome ingredients! Get ready to dive into the world of effortless, mouthwatering summer baking!
Simple, Wholesome Ingredients to Create Your Perfect Crisp
If the foundational ingredients for this crisp seem familiar, that’s by design! Our Gluten-Free Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp recipe draws inspiration from our highly popular Blueberry Crisp, Strawberry Crisp, and Caramel Apple Crisp recipes. We believe in harnessing the power of simple, high-quality ingredients to truly highlight the fresh fruit flavors in the vibrant filling, perfectly complemented by our tried-and-true, irresistible crisp topping.
- Fresh Strawberries: Opt for red, ripe, and sweet strawberries. Their peak flavor and ideal texture are essential for this recipe. Making this crisp during strawberry season, when berries are at their absolute best, will yield the most outstanding results. Look for firm, brightly colored berries without any soft spots.
- Fresh Rhubarb: Next up is freshly sliced or diced rhubarb. This unique vegetable provides the crucial brightness and distinct tartness that beautifully balances the sweetness of the strawberries. Choose firm stalks for the best texture.
- Granulated Sugar: We use white granulated sugar to sweeten the fruit filling, ensuring a balanced sweetness that perfectly complements the tart rhubarb. You could experiment with a mix of granulated and brown sugar for a deeper molasses note if desired.
- Cornstarch: Our preferred thickener for the fruit filling. Cornstarch ensures a perfectly smooth, glossy texture without any grittiness often associated with gluten-free flours. It creates a luscious, Spoonable filling that holds its shape as it cools.
- Orange Juice: This is our secret ingredient for a reason! A small touch of citrus brightens and elevates the natural flavors of both the strawberries and rhubarb, adding an unexpected depth. You’ll definitely notice the difference if you decide to omit it! Freshly squeezed orange juice offers the best aroma and flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: A culinary must-have, vanilla extract enhances and rounds out all the flavors in the filling, adding a warm, aromatic note. Always use pure vanilla extract for the best results.
- Salt: Just a tiny pinch in the filling is enough to balance and intensify the overall sweetness and tartness, making every bite more vibrant.
- Our Easy Crumble Topping: This signature oat crumble topping is the crown jewel of our crisp. It’s a delectable mix of cold, cubed butter, gluten-free measure-for-measure flour (for consistency), hearty gluten-free oats, rich brown sugar, a splash of vanilla, and a touch of salt. This combination bakes up into a gorgeously golden brown, perfectly crispy, and deliciously buttery-sweet topping that provides the ideal textural contrast to the soft fruit filling. It’s truly SO GOOD! We recommend certified gluten-free oats to ensure no cross-contamination.
Key Ingredient Spotlight: Understanding Rhubarb
Rhubarb is an exceptionally unique and fascinating ingredient that holds a special place in spring and summer baking. Often mistaken for a fruit due to its culinary applications, rhubarb is botanically classified as a vegetable. Its striking appearance, with long, vibrant red or greenish-pink stalks, can often be compared to celery, though its flavor profile is distinctly its own. What truly sets rhubarb apart is its naturally intense tartness, which mellows beautifully and transforms into a complex, fruity flavor when cooked. This tart characteristic is precisely why rhubarb is so frequently paired with sweeter fruits, such as strawberries, creating that iconic, perfectly balanced flavor profile that makes crisps, pies, and crumbles so irresistible. While pairing it with sweet fruits is common, you can certainly discover delightful recipes that feature rhubarb as the sole fruit component.
If you’re new to baking with this wonderful ingredient, here are a few essential things to know:
- What Does Rhubarb Taste Like? When raw, rhubarb is notably tart, almost intensely so, with a fibrous texture. However, as it cooks, its tartness softens considerably, developing a more nuanced, subtly sweet-sour flavor. While it becomes much more palatable, it will still retain a distinct tartness on its own, which is why it truly shines when sweetened or combined with naturally sweet fruits like berries. The combination offers a delightful contrast that awakens the palate.
- How To Choose the Best Rhubarb: When selecting rhubarb at the market, look for stalks that are vividly colored, ranging from deep red to a lighter pinkish-green. The color often indicates the tartness level, with redder stalks generally being sweeter. Most importantly, the stalks should feel firm and crisp, snapping easily when bent. Avoid any stalks that appear limp, soft, or shriveled, as these are signs of older, less fresh rhubarb. In the United States, rhubarb is typically sold without its leaves, but if you happen to find stalks with leaves attached, remember this crucial safety tip: **rhubarb leaves are poisonous and should never be consumed.** Always trim and discard them before cooking.
- Where and When To Buy Rhubarb: Rhubarb season in many parts of the United States is relatively short, usually spanning from late April through June. This brief window means it’s not always a year-round staple in standard grocery stores. Keep a keen eye out for fresh rhubarb during early summer at local farmer’s markets, which are often the best place to find the freshest, most vibrant stalks. You might also find it in grocery stores with exceptionally well-stocked produce sections. It’s commonly stored in the fruit section, often near berries, due to its common culinary usage.
- Storing Fresh Rhubarb: To keep your fresh rhubarb at its best, wrap the unwashed stalks tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Store them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator, where they can last for up to 1-2 weeks.
How To Make Your Gluten-Free Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp, Step By Step
For precise ingredient measurements, detailed instructions, and additional tips, always refer to the comprehensive recipe card located below.
- Preheat The Oven & Prep The Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Next, select a 2-quart baking dish; an 8-inch or 9-inch square pan works wonderfully for this recipe. You don’t typically need to grease the dish, as the fruit filling won’t stick.
- Prepare The Strawberry Rhubarb Filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine your freshly prepared strawberries, sliced rhubarb, granulated sugar, a splash of orange juice, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Gently stir all these ingredients together until the fruit is thoroughly coated. It’s crucial that the cornstarch is evenly distributed to ensure the filling thickens properly during baking. Once mixed, carefully pour the vibrant fruit mixture into your prepared baking dish and set it aside while you quickly prepare the irresistible crumble topping.
- Craft The Delicious Crumble Topping. Using the same mixing bowl (to save on dishes!) or a fresh one if you prefer, combine the cold, cubed butter with brown sugar, your chosen gluten-free flour blend, gluten-free oats (either quick-cooking or rolled oats work well, or a mix for varied texture), vanilla extract, and a touch of salt. Now, the fun part: using a fork, a pastry blender, or even your clean fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients. Continue until the mixture forms lovely clusters of various sizes, and the butter is thoroughly integrated, creating a coarse, crumbly texture. These clusters are what give the crisp its signature crunch.
- Generously Sprinkle Crumble Over The Fruit Filling. Once your crumble topping is ready, generously distribute it evenly over the top of the vibrant fruit filling in your baking dish. I love aiming for a variety of shapes and sizes within the crumble – some larger, more rustic pieces alongside smaller, finer crumbles – for a more interesting texture in the final baked crisp.
- Bake The Crisp to Golden Perfection. Place your assembled crisp into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-50 minutes. The key indicators of doneness are when the fruit filling is visibly bubbling around the edges of the pan (this signals that the cornstarch is actively thickening the sauce!) and the oat topping has achieved a beautiful golden brown color. If you notice the topping browning too quickly before the filling is ready, simply cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
- Allow To Cool Slightly Before Serving. Once baked, carefully remove the strawberry rhubarb crisp from the oven. It’s tempting to dig in immediately, but patience is a virtue here! Allow the crisp to cool for 20-30 minutes before serving, if possible. This crucial cooling period allows the fruit filling to set and thicken to its ideal consistency. When freshly out of the oven, the filling will be much thinner and more liquid, but it will beautifully gel and firm up as it cools.
- Serve, Savor & Store. For the absolute best experience, serve your warm strawberry rhubarb crisp with a decadent scoop of cold vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. The contrast of warm fruit and cold cream is simply divine! Any leftover crisp should be stored covered tightly in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh and delicious for 2-3 days.
Pro Tip: The Secret to a Perfectly Thickened Filling – Look for Bubbling!
To ensure your fruit filling achieves that perfect, luscious thickness, it is absolutely essential to make SURE the filling is actively bubbling around the edges of the baking dish before you even consider removing it from the oven. This vigorous boiling and bubbling action is what activates the cornstarch, allowing it to work its magic and properly thicken the liquid. If you skip this crucial step and remove the crisp before it’s bubbling around the edges, your filling will remain thin and runny, failing to reach its desired, Spoonable consistency! Patience during this stage will be greatly rewarded!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for the Best Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
You’ve got questions, and we’ve got answers! Here are some common queries and helpful tips to ensure your gluten-free strawberry rhubarb crisp turns out perfectly every time:
Can I Use Frozen Rhubarb? While fresh fruit generally yields the best texture and flavor in most fruit crisp recipes, you absolutely CAN use frozen rhubarb if fresh is out of season or unavailable. For optimal results, we highly recommend thawing the frozen rhubarb completely before using it. After thawing, make sure to drain off any excess liquid. This crucial step prevents adding too much moisture to your crisp, which could result in a watery filling. A quick pat dry with paper towels can also help.
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries? Similar to rhubarb, frozen strawberries can be used. Thaw them thoroughly and drain off any accumulated liquid to avoid a soggy crisp. Keep in mind that frozen strawberries might become a bit softer in texture once baked compared to fresh ones, but the flavor will still be fantastic!
Is This Recipe Vegan-Friendly? YES! This gluten-free strawberry rhubarb crisp recipe can easily be made completely vegan. Simply swap out the dairy butter for a high-quality vegan butter substitute. Brands like Earth Balance buttery sticks work wonderfully and mimic the texture and richness of traditional butter. Ensure your granulated sugar is also vegan, as some brands use bone char in their refining process.
Can I Double This Recipe for a Crowd? You bet! If you’re hosting a larger gathering or simply want more of this delicious crisp to enjoy throughout the week, you can easily double the recipe. To do so, simply use a larger 9×13-inch baking dish. You’ll double all the ingredient quantities (many recipe cards, including ours, offer a convenient “2x” button for this!) and bake it for roughly the same length of time, typically 40-50 minutes, though you might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes if your oven runs cooler or if the larger volume requires it. Always watch for the bubbling filling and golden-brown topping.
How Do I Store Leftovers and Can I Reheat It? Store any leftover crisp covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm individual servings in the microwave for a quick treat, or place the entire pan (if it’s oven-safe) in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through and the topping crisps up again. Avoid overheating to prevent the fruit from becoming mushy.
My Crisp Filling is Too Runny – What Went Wrong? The most common reason for a runny filling is not allowing the crisp to bake long enough for the cornstarch to activate and thicken the fruit. Remember our pro tip: ensure the filling is actively bubbling around the edges of the pan before removing it from the oven! If it’s still runny after cooling, you might have removed it too soon. Unfortunately, once cooled, it’s hard to re-thicken. Next time, give it more time in the oven!
Can I Add Nuts to the Crumble Topping? Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the crumble topping can provide an extra layer of flavor and crunch. Simply mix about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of your favorite chopped nuts into the crumble mixture before sprinkling it over the fruit. This makes for a delightful variation on this classic gluten-free strawberry rhubarb crisp.
More Irresistible Gluten-Free Summer Desserts To Try
Gluten-Free Blueberry Crisp
Gluten-Free Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches
Gluten-Free S’mores Bars
Recipe Card
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Gluten-Free Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
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Author: Emily Dixon, Sweets & Thank You
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 9-12 servings
Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Experience the ultimate summer dessert with our Gluten-Free Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp! The irresistibly crispy oatmeal crumble topping perfectly complements the vibrant tartness of fresh rhubarb and the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries. This harmonious blend of flavors makes it the ideal sweet ending for any summer barbecue, cookout, or special holiday celebration like Memorial Day or the 4th of July. Crafted with ease in just one bowl using simple, wholesome ingredients, this gluten-free rhubarb crisp promises a delightful and satisfying treat for everyone!
Ingredients
For The Strawberry-Rhubarb Filling:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, quartered or halved (1 1/2 pounds)
- 2 cups rhubarb, sliced or diced (1/2 pound)*
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (67 grams)
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch (use 3 Tablespoons for thicker filling) (16 grams)
- 1 Tablespoon orange juice, freshly squeezed for best flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- pinch of salt (less than 1/8 teaspoon)
For The Crumble Topping:
- 6 Tbsp. cold or slightly softened unsalted butter, cut into small cubes (or vegan butter)
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar (150 grams)
- 1/2 cup gluten-free measure-for-measure flour blend, weighed or scooped & leveled (60 grams)
- 3/4 cup certified gluten-free oats (quick-cooking, rolled oats or a mix for varied texture) (68 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat The Oven & Prepare The Pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Set out a 2-quart baking dish, such as an 8-inch or 9-inch square pan, which is ideal for this gluten-free crisp.
- Mix The Strawberry Rhubarb Filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the quartered strawberries, sliced rhubarb, granulated sugar, orange juice, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to ensure all fruit pieces are well coated with the cornstarch mixture. Pour this vibrant filling into your prepared baking dish and set it aside.
- Prepare The Crumble Topping. In the same mixing bowl (or a clean one), combine the cold, cubed butter, brown sugar, gluten-free measure-for-measure flour blend, gluten-free oats, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Use a fork, pastry cutter, or your hands to work the butter into the dry ingredients until a crumbly mixture with varying sizes of clusters forms.
- Sprinkle Crumble Over The Fruit Filling. Evenly distribute the oat crumble mixture over the strawberry rhubarb filling in the baking dish. Aim for some larger clusters for extra crunch and smaller crumbles for consistent coverage.
- Bake The Crisp to Golden Perfection. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes. The crisp is ready when the fruit filling is actively bubbling around the edges of the pan (indicating the cornstarch has thickened) and the topping is beautifully golden brown. If the topping browns too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil.
- Cool Before Serving. Remove the strawberry crisp from the oven and allow it to cool for 20-30 minutes before serving. This cooling time is essential for the filling to properly set and thicken, achieving the perfect consistency.
- Serve & Store. Enjoy your warm gluten-free strawberry rhubarb crisp with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the best experience. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Notes
- How To Choose Rhubarb: Select rhubarb stalks that are vibrant in color (redder stalks often indicate more sweetness) and feel firm and crisp. Avoid limp or soft stalks, which are signs of age. You will need about 1/2 pound of rhubarb, which typically amounts to 3 large stalks. Remember to discard the leaves, as they are poisonous.
- Can I Use Frozen Rhubarb? Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb in a pinch. For the best results, thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the fruit filling. This step is crucial to prevent a watery crisp.
- Crucial Baking Tip: Watch For Bubbling! To ensure your fruit filling thickens correctly, it is absolutely vital that the filling is visibly bubbling around the edges of the pan before you remove the crisp from the oven. This boiling action activates the cornstarch, allowing it to work its thickening magic. If you don’t see bubbles, your filling will not set properly and will remain runny!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Why This Gluten-Free Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is a Must-Try
There’s something truly magical about a warm fruit crisp, especially one that celebrates the best of summer’s bounty while being accessible to everyone. Our Gluten-Free Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is more than just a dessert; it’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures designed to bring joy to your table. The sweet notes of ripe strawberries perfectly complement the vibrant, tangy kick of rhubarb, creating a sophisticated yet comforting profile that appeals to all palates. The crown jewel, our signature oat crumble, delivers an irresistible buttery crunch with every spoonful, making each bite an experience in itself.
This crisp is not only a fantastic option for those following a gluten-free diet but also a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Its straightforward preparation, utilizing simple ingredients and a one-bowl method for the filling, ensures that even novice bakers can achieve spectacular results. Whether you’re hosting a festive holiday gathering, a casual backyard barbecue, or simply craving a comforting treat on a quiet evening, this strawberry rhubarb crisp is guaranteed to impress. Serve it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, and watch it disappear! It’s the perfect way to savor the sweet essence of summer, one delectable, gluten-free bite at a time.