Sweet strawberries, tart rhubarb, and a golden, buttery oat crumble topping—this easy Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is spring in dessert form! Perfect served warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream!

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is a perfect spring dessert that's an absolute must-try! With sweet, juicy strawberries, tart rhubarb, and a golden, buttery crumble topping, this easy crisp recipe is a fresh and flavorful way to celebrate the season.
Whether you're using rhubarb from your garden or picking up a bundle at the farmer’s market, this crisp comes together quickly and bakes to bubbly perfection.
This homemade Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is everything a fruit crisp should be—easy to make, loaded with fresh flavor, and finished with a crunchy oat topping that everyone loves. It's a foolproof way to showcase spring and summer produce and will have your family asking for seconds. Best served warm with a scoop of cool and creamy vanilla ice cream!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
- Simple, classic ingredients
- Perfect balance of sweet and tart
- Crispy oat topping with warm cinnamon spice
- No pie crust needed—just mix, sprinkle, and bake!
- Great for spring and summer gatherings, Mother’s Day, or just a cozy night in
Crumble vs. Crisp: What’s the Difference?
If you've ever wondered whether there's a real difference between a crumble and a crisp, you're not alone! These two classic desserts are often used interchangeably, but there’s a subtle (and tasty) distinction:
- Crisps typically include oats in the topping, which bake up to a slightly crunchy, crisp texture. The oats add extra texture and a rustic flavor that pairs beautifully with baked fruit.
- Crumbles, on the other hand, usually have a streusel-style topping made with just flour, butter, and sugar—no oats. The result is a softer, more cookie-like topping that “crumbles” over the fruit.
So while both desserts feature sweetened fruit with a buttery topping, the key difference lies in that oaty crunch—and this recipe? It’s definitely a crisp!

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Variations
Want to put your own spin on this classic dessert? Try one of these delicious recipe variations to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences:
- Ginger - Add ½ teaspoon ground ginger or 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger to the filling for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Berries - Swap out some of the strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a delicious mixed berry twist.
- Add Nuts to the Topping - Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a toasty crunch in every bite.
- Rolled Oats - Replace the quick oats with full rolled oats or use half of each.
- Gluten-Free Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp - Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the topping and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.
- Almond Extract - Mix in ¼ teaspoon almond extract with the filling for a light, floral aroma and added depth.
- Mini Individual Crisps - Spoon the filling into ramekins or small oven-safe dishes to make cute, single-serve portions—great for parties or meal prep.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen strawberries or rhubarb? Yes. Using frozen will increase the cook time by 10 to 15 minutes to account for the cold fruit.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftover crisp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Just swap the flour with your favorite measure-for-measure gluten-free baking blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
More Fruity Dessert Recipes You'll Love
- Strawberry Pretzel Salad - Sweet and salty layered dessert with a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy filling, and strawberry Jell-O topping. A potluck favorite!
- Blueberry Cobbler - Juicy blueberries baked under a soft, golden cake-like topping. A warm, comforting dessert perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Berry Cheesecake Salad - Creamy, no-bake fruit salad made with mixed berries and a cheesecake-inspired dressing. Quick, easy, and totally irresistible!
- Southern Banana Pudding - A classic Southern treat with layers of vanilla pudding, sliced bananas, and Nilla wafers, all topped with fluffy whipped cream.
- Lemon Buttermilk Pound Cake - Moist, tangy, and bursting with lemon flavor, this old-fashioned pound cake is perfect for spring and summer gatherings.
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Video

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
Ingredients
Strawberry Rhubarb Filling
- 4 cups fresh strawberries washed and quartered
- 2 cups fresh rhubarb sliced into ½-inch chunks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ tablespoon orange zest
For the Crumble Topping
- 1 cup flour
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- Dash of salt
- ⅔ cup butter cold, thinly sliced
- 1 cup quick oats
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Add all filling ingredients to a 10-inch cast iron skillet or a 9"x13" casserole dish. Gently stir to coat. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk to combine.
- Cut in cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until mixture forms pea-sized lumps.
- Stir in oats, and cut in just a little bit with a fork or pastry cutter to incorporate.
- Sprinkle crumble topping on top of strawberry rhubarb filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven until crisp and lightly browned, about 45 minutes.
- Allow the crisp to cool for about 30 minutes before serving. Serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. Reheat entire dish in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until it’s warmed through. Or scoop a single serving onto a microwave-safe dish and microwave for about 30 seconds or until heated through (microwave times will vary depending on size of microwave)
- Freezer Directions: Freeze before baking. Prepare as directed then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 to 6 months. To bake from frozen, preheat oven to 350°F. Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until hot and bubbly around the edges and the juices look slightly thickened.
Nutrition
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