Sweet & Tart Perfection: Rhubarb Cherry Crisp Recipe
Get ready for a flavor explosion with this irresistible Rhubarb Cherry Crisp! This dessert perfectly balances the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of cherries, all topped with a buttery, golden-brown crisp. It’s easy to make, perfect for any occasion, and sure to become a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Rhubarb Cherry Crisp
* **The Perfect Balance of Flavors:** The tart rhubarb and sweet cherries create a delightful contrast that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal effort and simple ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
* **Comfort Food at Its Best:** Warm, fruity, and topped with a crunchy crisp, this dessert is the epitome of comfort food.
* **Versatile:** Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or simply enjoy it on its own.
* **Seasonal Delight:** Rhubarb and cherries are at their peak in spring and early summer, making this the perfect dessert to celebrate the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
**For the Rhubarb Cherry Filling:**
* 6 cups chopped rhubarb (about 1 1/2 pounds)
* 2 cups pitted and halved fresh or frozen cherries (if using frozen, thaw slightly)
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your cherries)
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds a nice depth of flavor)
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* Pinch of salt
**For the Crisp Topping:**
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned or quick-cooking)
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
* 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for added crunch)
Equipment You’ll Need
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large mixing bowl
* Small mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Pastry blender or fork (for cutting in butter)
* Knife or cherry pitter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your own delicious Rhubarb Cherry Crisp:
**1. Prepare the Rhubarb Cherry Filling:**
* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb, pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), lemon juice, and salt. Gently toss to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. The cornstarch will help to thicken the filling as it bakes.
* Pour the rhubarb cherry mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
**2. Make the Crisp Topping:**
* In a separate, smaller mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, packed brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Whisk the dry ingredients together to ensure they are well combined.
* Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or a fork, cut the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This process is crucial for creating a tender and crumbly topping. You can also use your fingers, but work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
* Stir in the chopped pecans or walnuts (if using). These add a delightful nutty flavor and extra crunch to the topping.
**3. Assemble and Bake the Crisp:**
* Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the rhubarb cherry filling in the baking dish. Make sure the entire surface is covered for a uniformly golden-brown topping.
* Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
* If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent burning.
**4. Cool and Serve:**
* Remove the Rhubarb Cherry Crisp from the oven and let it cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to thicken slightly and prevents you from burning your mouth.
* Serve warm, either on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Rhubarb Cherry Crisp
* **Use Fresh or Frozen Cherries:** Both fresh and frozen cherries work well in this recipe. If using frozen cherries, thaw them slightly before adding them to the filling to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.
* **Adjust the Sugar:** The amount of sugar you need may vary depending on the sweetness of your cherries and the tartness of your rhubarb. Taste the rhubarb cherry mixture before adding it to the baking dish and adjust the sugar accordingly.
* **Don’t Overmix the Filling:** When combining the rhubarb, cherries, sugar, and cornstarch, be gentle and avoid overmixing. Overmixing can cause the rhubarb to release too much liquid, resulting in a watery filling.
* **Keep the Butter Cold:** Cold butter is essential for creating a tender and crumbly crisp topping. Make sure your butter is cold before cutting it into the flour mixture.
* **Use a Pastry Blender or Fork:** A pastry blender or fork is the best tool for cutting the butter into the flour mixture. If you don’t have either of these tools, you can use your fingers, but work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
* **Add Nuts for Extra Crunch:** Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful nutty flavor and extra crunch to the crisp topping. Feel free to experiment with other types of nuts, such as almonds or macadamia nuts.
* **Let it Cool Slightly:** Allowing the crisp to cool for at least 15-20 minutes before serving allows the filling to thicken and prevents you from burning your mouth. It also gives the flavors a chance to meld together.
* **Reheat Leftovers:** Leftover Rhubarb Cherry Crisp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the topping may not be as crispy.
* **Add a Touch of Spice:** A pinch of ground ginger or cardamom can add a warm and inviting flavor to the crisp topping.
* **Experiment with Different Fruits:** While this recipe calls for rhubarb and cherries, you can easily adapt it to use other fruits, such as apples, peaches, blueberries, or blackberries. Simply adjust the sugar and spices to complement the flavors of the fruits you are using.
Variations and Substitutions
* **Gluten-Free Rhubarb Cherry Crisp:** To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the crisp topping with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.
* **Vegan Rhubarb Cherry Crisp:** To make this recipe vegan, substitute the butter in the crisp topping with vegan butter or coconut oil. You can also use a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) to bind the dry ingredients together.
* **Different Sweeteners:** You can substitute the granulated sugar in the filling with other sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar. Adjust the amount of sweetener to taste.
* **Add Citrus Zest:** A teaspoon of lemon or orange zest added to the filling can brighten the flavors and add a refreshing twist.
* **Use Different Extracts:** Experiment with different extracts, such as almond extract, lemon extract, or rum extract, to add unique flavors to the filling.
* **Add a Crumble Topping:** For a different texture, you can use a crumble topping instead of a crisp topping. A crumble topping typically consists of flour, butter, sugar, and nuts, but it is not as finely mixed as a crisp topping, resulting in larger clumps.
Serving Suggestions
* **Warm with Ice Cream:** The classic way to serve Rhubarb Cherry Crisp is warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm crisp.
* **With Whipped Cream:** A dollop of freshly whipped cream is another delicious topping option. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the whipped cream for extra flavor.
* **With Custard:** For a more decadent dessert, serve the crisp with a scoop of custard or crème anglaise.
* **With Yogurt:** For a lighter option, serve the crisp with a dollop of Greek yogurt or plain yogurt.
* **As a Brunch Treat:** Rhubarb Cherry Crisp is also a great option for brunch. Serve it alongside other brunch favorites, such as pancakes, waffles, or omelets.
* **On its Own:** Of course, you can also enjoy Rhubarb Cherry Crisp on its own. It’s delicious any way you serve it!
Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving)
* Calories: 350-400
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-10g
* Cholesterol: 30-40mg
* Sodium: 100-150mg
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Sugar: 30-40g
* Protein: 3-4g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*
Enjoy Your Homemade Rhubarb Cherry Crisp!
This Rhubarb Cherry Crisp is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its balance of tart and sweet flavors and its easy-to-make recipe, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of sweet and tart perfection!