This Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of strawberries, topped with a crunchy oat and pecan mixture. It’s the perfect treat for a gathering or a cozy family dinner. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is great for home cooks of all levels, especially beginners looking to impress their loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp because it brings together flavors that everyone enjoys. The balance of tart and sweet makes it irresistible, and the crisp topping adds a satisfying crunch. This dessert is an excellent choice for family dinners, potlucks, or any festive occasion. Plus, it’s straightforward to make, ensuring that you can create a homemade dessert that tastes fabulous without spending all day in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather the following ingredients to prepare your Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp:
- 1 pound rhubarb stalks, trimmed and sliced 1/2 inch thick
- 1/2 pound strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 3/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
Ingredient Notes, Variations & Simple Swaps
This recipe is quite flexible! If you can’t find rhubarb, you can use other fruits like apples or peaches. Feel free to adjust the sugar based on your sweetness preference. For the topping, you can swap the pecans for walnuts or almonds based on what you have on hand. If you want to make it nut-free, just leave out the nuts. This ensures that everyone can enjoy the crisp!
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- 2-quart or 8-inch baking dish
- Food processor (optional, but helpful for the topping)
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1 – Prepare the Fruit Filling
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine the sliced rhubarb, quartered strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until the fruit is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 2-quart or 8-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 2 – Make the Crisp Topping
In a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Process until well combined. Add the cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can mix these ingredients by hand using a fork or pastry cutter. Stir in the old-fashioned rolled oats and chopped pecans until evenly mixed.
Step 3 – Assemble and Bake
Spoon the topping evenly over the fruit mixture in the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is bubbling and golden brown. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 20 minutes before serving. This cooling step allows the juices to set a bit, making it easier to serve.

Tips for Perfect Results
Here are some helpful tips to make your Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp a success:
- Use fresh, firm rhubarb for the best texture.
- Make sure to adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of your strawberries and rhubarb.
- Don’t skip the cooling time; it helps the crisp set up nicely.
- If the topping browns too quickly, cover it with foil until the fruit is done baking.
- You can prepare the topping ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
- Experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the topping for an extra flavor boost.
What to Serve With This Recipe
This Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp can be enjoyed on its own or with delightful accompaniments. Here are some great pairing ideas:
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Greek yogurt for a tangy touch
- Fresh mint leaves for decoration
Storage, Make-Ahead & Leftovers
This crisp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick treat. If you want to make it ahead of time, you can prepare the fruit filling and topping separately a day in advance and bake them on the day of your gathering.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Ingredients
Fruit Filling
- 1 pound rhubarb stalks, trimmed and sliced 1/2 inch thick Use fresh, firm rhubarb for the best texture.
- 1/2 pound strawberries, hulled and quartered Adjust sugar based on sweetness of strawberries.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar Adjust sweetness to taste.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crisp Topping
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch cubes Cold butter works best.
- 3/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans Can swap for walnuts or almonds.
Serving Suggestion
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream Optional for serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced rhubarb, quartered strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until the fruit is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 2-quart or 8-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Crisp Topping
- In a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Process until well combined.
- Add the cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the old-fashioned rolled oats and chopped pecans until evenly mixed.
Assembly and Baking
- Spoon the topping evenly over the fruit mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is bubbling and golden brown.
- Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fruit for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb and strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mixing them with the sugar and cornstarch.
How can I tell when the crisp is done baking?
The crisp is done when the topping is golden brown, and you can see bubbling around the edges. You may also want to check the fruit filling to ensure it’s tender.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure that all other ingredients used are also gluten-free.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best within three days.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a larger baking dish and be sure to adjust the baking time as needed. Keep an eye on it to check for doneness.
