Summer is the perfect time to make a cherry rhubarb crisp. It’s a delicious dessert that combines cherries’ sweetness with rhubarb’s tanginess. It’s a homemade treat that will wow your family and friends.
In the Midwest, rhubarb is a favorite summer ingredient. It only takes 15 minutes to prepare and 50 minutes to bake. This dessert serves 8 people, making it ideal for gatherings.
This cherry rhubarb crisp is a simple yet elegant dessert. It’s perfect for both experienced bakers and kitchen newbies. It’s sure to become a favorite in your summer recipe collection.
Ingredients for Cherry Rhubarb Crisp
Making a cherry rhubarb crisp is all about picking the right ingredients. Fresh rhubarb and sweet cherries are the main stars. They mix to make a fruit filling that’s both vibrant and delicious.
For the fruit filling, you’ll need:
- 4 cups fresh rhubarb, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups pitted sweet cherries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
The oat streusel topping adds a wonderful crunch. Here’s what you’ll need for it:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Tip: Use fresh rhubarb and cherries for the best taste. If fresh ones aren’t available, frozen fruits are a good substitute. The mix of tart rhubarb and sweet cherries is a hit with everyone.
Need to make changes for dietary reasons? For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and oats. Vegans can replace butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine.
How to Make Cherry Rhubarb Crisp
To make a tasty cherry rhubarb crisp, start by washing and chopping fresh rhubarb into small pieces. If using fresh cherries, remove the pits. You can also use pitted cherries to save time.
Next, mix the chopped rhubarb and cherries in a bowl. Add sugar, cornstarch, and a bit of lemon juice. This will boost the flavors. Gently mix to coat the fruit evenly.
The crumble topping is key for a great crisp. Here’s how to make it:
- Mix rolled oats, flour, and brown sugar in a bowl
- Cut cold butter into small cubes
- Use your fingers to blend butter into the dry ingredients
- Create a crumbly texture with pea-sized butter pieces
To bake, preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the fruit mixture in a baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping over it. Bake for 40-45 minutes. The topping should be golden, and the fruit should bubble.
Pro tip: Cover the crisp with aluminum foil for the first 25 minutes. This prevents the topping from getting too dark. Remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes to get the perfect crisp.
Tips for Making Cherry Rhubarb Crisp
Creating a perfect cherry rhubarb crisp needs some key baking tips and the right ingredients. The success of this dessert comes from knowing a few important techniques. These can improve your baking skills.
When picking ingredients, choose the freshest produce you can find. Go for ripe, deep-colored cherries and crisp rhubarb stalks. These should have a vibrant red or pink color. These choices will give your crisp a strong flavor.
- Select firm, unblemished rhubarb stalks with bright coloration
- Pick cherries that are plump and have a deep, rich color
- Use quick-cooking tapioca or cornstarch to improve filling texture
- Balance sweetness by tasting your fruit before adding sugar
Getting the perfect crisp topping is all about detail. Use cold butter and mix it quickly with your dry ingredients. This makes a crumbly, golden-brown topping. Cold ingredients are key for that crunchy texture.
Temperature control is very important in baking. Preheat your oven and use a ceramic or glass dish for even heat. This ensures your crisp is perfectly baked with a golden topping and a bubbling fruit filling.
- Keep butter cold when making the topping
- Preheat oven to the correct temperature
- Use ceramic or glass baking dishes
- Allow crisp to cool slightly before serving
By using these baking tips and choosing the right ingredients, you’ll make a cherry rhubarb crisp that will wow everyone. It will have a perfect mix of flavors and textures.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Making a make-ahead dessert like Cherry Rhubarb Crisp is a big help for busy bakers. It lets you prepare ahead and enjoy a tasty treat without last-minute stress.
Start by preparing each part of the Cherry Rhubarb Crisp separately. This makes it easier and tastier. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare the fruit filling up to 2 days before baking
- Mix the crumble topping and store it in the fridge
- Keep everything separate until you’re ready to put it together
Using smart storage keeps your dessert fresh and delicious. Here are some tips:
| Component | Storage Location | Maximum Storage Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit Filling | Refrigerator | 48 hours |
| Crumble Topping | Refrigerator | 3-4 days |
| Assembled Crisp | Refrigerator (unbaked) | 24 hours |
When you’re ready to bake, just mix the parts together and bake. Remember, let the cold ingredients sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking. This helps them cook evenly.
Storing Leftovers
Keeping your Cherry Rhubarb Crisp fresh is key. Cool it down completely before storing. This way, it stays delicious for days.
Here are some tips to keep your dessert fresh:
- Let the crisp cool down at room temperature first
- Use a tight container to avoid moisture
- Put it in the fridge within two hours of baking
- It can stay fresh for 4-5 days in the fridge
Keeping the topping crisp can be tricky. To avoid sogginess, cover it loosely with foil or plastic wrap.
| Storage Method | Duration | Recommended Technique |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator Storage | 4-5 days | Airtight container, loosely covered |
| Room Temperature | 1-2 hours | Cool completely before covering |
Pro tip: To revive your crisp, reheat it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. This will make the topping crisp again and warm the filling.
Freezing Cherry Rhubarb Crisp
Freezing your delicious dessert is simpler than you might think. To keep your frozen fruit crisp fresh, follow some key steps. This way, you can enjoy it later without losing its taste and texture.
Here’s how to prepare your crisp for freezing:
- Cool the crisp completely before freezing
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil
- Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn
You have two main ways to freeze a cherry rhubarb crisp:
| Freezing Method | Best For | Storage Time |
|---|---|---|
| Baked Crisp | Quick reheating | Up to 3 months |
| Unbaked Crisp | Fresh-baked taste | Up to 2 months |
Pro tip for long-term storage: Label your frozen fruit crisp with the date of preparation. This helps you track how long it’s been in the freezer and ensures you enjoy it at its best quality.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen dessert, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. For the best results, reheat in the oven. This will restore the crisp’s delightful texture and bring back its original warmth and flavor.
Reheating Cherry Rhubarb Crisp
To revive your cherry rhubarb crisp, reheating is key. It keeps the crisp texture perfect. The right method turns your chilled dessert into a warm, inviting treat.
The oven is the best way to reheat this dessert. A slow and low method keeps the crisp topping intact. It also warms the fruit filling evenly.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Place the crisp in an oven-safe dish
- Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning
- Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through
If you need a quick reheat, the microwave is a good choice. It might soften the crisp a bit. But it’s great for warming up individual servings fast.
| Reheating Method | Time | Crisp Texture Preservation |
|---|---|---|
| Oven | 15-20 minutes | Excellent |
| Microwave | 30-45 seconds | Fair |
To get the crisp topping crunchy again, try broiling it. Place the warm fruit crisp under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn it. This way, you’ll enjoy the crisp texture that makes this dessert so appealing.
Serving Suggestions
When serving fruit crisp, how you present it can make a big difference. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on top is perfect. It contrasts beautifully with the warm crisp, adding a creamy sweetness.
Try different dessert pairings to make your crisp even better. A dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt adds a touch of luxury. For a special treat, drizzle caramel sauce or sprinkle powdered sugar on top. Fresh mint leaves can add a burst of color and freshness.
Choosing the right drink can enhance your dessert experience. A strong coffee or a light herbal tea goes well with the crisp’s flavors. For a special occasion, a sweet dessert wine can complement the fruit’s sweetness. These pairings will impress your guests and make the crisp unforgettable.
Don’t forget about the serving temperature. Warm crisp is best for texture and taste. Enjoy it after dinner or on a weekend afternoon for a delightful treat.