Ina Garten’s Sweet & Tangy Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Recipe

Ina Garten’s strawberry rhubarb crisp transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that dances with vibrant flavors.

Sweet berries mingle with tangy rhubarb, creating a harmonious symphony of taste and texture.

The rustic topping offers a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, bubbling fruit beneath.

Each spoonful promises a delightful balance between sweet and tart sensations that instantly comfort and delight.

Home bakers appreciate this simple yet elegant dessert for its straightforward preparation and impressive results.

Gathering around the table with friends and family becomes even more special when this warm, golden-brown crisp emerges from the oven.

Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that celebrates seasonal produce and classic baking techniques:

Why Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Steals the Spotlight

• Burst with Seasonal Sweetness: Celebrate the vibrant flavors of spring and early summer by combining juicy strawberries and tangy rhubarb in one delightful dessert that captures the essence of fresh seasonal produce.
• Craft Effortless Comfort: Create a rustic, homemade crisp that requires minimal technical skills, making it perfect for home bakers of all experience levels who want a delicious dessert without complicated techniques.
• Indulge in Textural Harmony: Experience a mouthwatering contrast between the soft, bubbling fruit filling and the crispy, crumbly oat topping that provides a satisfying crunch with every single bite.
• Elevate with Simple Elegance: Transform basic ingredients into a stunning dessert that looks impressive and tastes incredible, with a golden-brown topping and jewel-like fruit filling that screams gourmet without demanding professional baking skills.

The Only Ingredients You Need for Crisp Success

• Rhubarb, Strawberries: Fresh, seasonal fruits that create a perfect sweet-tart balance with bright, juicy flavors.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Essential for enhancing fruit sweetness and creating caramelized notes in the crisp.

• Orange Zest, Orange Juice: Adds citrusy brightness and helps dissolve cornstarch for a smooth fruit filling.

• Cornstarch: Helps create a thick, glossy fruit filling by absorbing excess liquid.

• All-Purpose Flour, Rolled Oats: Provide structure and texture to the crispy, crumbly topping.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Cold Butter: Creates flaky, rich crumble topping with a tender, buttery texture.

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Adds creamy, cold contrast to the warm, bubbling fruit crisp.

Bake Up a Dessert That Balances Tart and Sweet

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Warm up your cooking space by setting the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Fruity Base

• Fresh rhubarb
• Ripe strawberries
• Granulated sugar
• Orange zest

Dissolve cornstarch in orange juice and gently fold into the fruit mixture. Transfer this vibrant blend to an 8 × 11-inch baking dish.

Step 3: Craft Crunchy Topping

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Rolled oats

Drop in cold butter cubes and work the mixture until it forms delightful crumbly clusters.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Sprinkle the crumbly topping evenly over the fruit. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for one hour until the fruit bubbles and the topping turns golden brown.

Step 5: Serve With Flair

Let the crisp cool slightly. Scoop onto plates and crown with a dollop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly dessert experience.

Tiny Tips for a Crisp That Crackles Just Right

• Harvest Ripe Seasonal Produce: Select deep red strawberries and firm rhubarb stalks at peak ripeness for maximum sweetness and vibrant flavor. Local farmers markets offer the freshest seasonal ingredients.
• Prep Fruit with Precision: Slice rhubarb and strawberries into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking and balanced texture throughout the crisp. Consistency matters for perfect results.
• Chill Butter for Crispy Topping: Work with cold, cubed butter to create a crumbly, golden streusel that adds delightful crunch and rich buttery notes to the dessert. Quick handling prevents unwanted melting.
• Catch Potential Drips: Place a parchment-lined baking sheet underneath your baking dish to prevent messy oven spills and make cleanup easier. Fruit juices won't burn or create smoke.
• Rest and Set the Dessert: Give the crisp a short cooling period after baking, allowing the filling to thicken and develop deeper flavors. Patience rewards you with a perfectly set, luscious dessert.

Save the Leftovers Without Losing the Crunch

• Freeze: Safeguard your delectable dessert by wrapping it meticulously in heavy-duty aluminum foil or transferring to a robust freezer-safe container. Seal out any potential freezer burn and preserve the crisp's delightful texture for up to 2 months, ensuring a sweet treat awaits you later.
• Refrigerate: Protect the remaining crisp by allowing it to cool naturally at room temperature. Slide the dish into an airtight container or drape plastic wrap snugly across the surface, locking in freshness. Enjoy the strawberry rhubarb dish within 3 days, keeping its vibrant flavors intact in the refrigerator's cool embrace.
• Counter Storage: For short-term enjoyment, leave the crisp loosely covered at room temperature for up to 12 hours.

New Takes on a Classic Strawberry Rhubarb Treat

• Berry Bliss Variation: Replace strawberries with a mix of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a multi-berry explosion of flavors. The combination creates a vibrant, colorful dessert with deeper berry undertones.
• Tropical Paradise Crisp: Swap rhubarb and strawberries with mangoes, pineapples, and passion fruit. Add a sprinkle of coconut flakes to the crumble topping for a tropical-inspired dessert that transports you to sunny beaches.
• Autumn Harvest Crisp: Substitute summer fruits with diced apples, pears, and a touch of cinnamon. Replace some oats with chopped pecans in the topping for a warm, comforting dessert perfect for cool autumn evenings.
• Ginger Spice Crisp: Incorporate finely chopped crystallized ginger into the fruit mixture and add ground ginger to the crumble topping. This variation brings a subtle warmth and sophisticated spice to the classic recipe.

One Warm Spoonful to Close the Crisp Chapter

Sweet strawberry and rhubarb layers mingle with buttery crumble in Ina Garten’s classic dessert.

Seasonal produce sparkles through caramelized sugars and aromatic orange zest.

Crisp edges hint at rustic comfort waiting beneath golden-brown topping.

Classic combinations never disappoint with such delightful balance of tartness and sweetness.

Summer memories dance across each spoonful, inviting nostalgic moments of pure culinary joy.

Crisp lovers will savor each delectable bite – so snap a pic, share this recipe’s magic, and spread deliciousness with friends who crave homemade warmth.

Ina Garten Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s strawberry rhubarb crisp brings classic summer flavors to life with sweet-tart fruit and a buttery crumble topping. Seasonal berries and rhubarb meld perfectly under a golden, crunchy oat-rich layer that promises pure comfort in each delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Fruits and Berries:

• 4 cups (0.95 liters) fresh rhubarb, 1-inch-diced (4 to 5 stalks)
• 4 cups (0.95 liters) fresh strawberries, hulled and halved, if large

Sugars and Seasonings:

• 1¼ cups (250 grams) granulated sugar, divided
• 1½ teaspoons grated orange zest
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) freshly squeezed orange juice
• ½ cup (110 grams) light brown sugar, lightly packed

Dry Ingredients and Additional Components:

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup (90 grams) quick-cooking (not instant) oatmeal, such as McCann’s
• 12 tablespoons (170 grams or 1½ sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced
• Vanilla ice cream, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a moderate temperature of 180°C / 350°F, ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even heat distribution.
2. Carefully slice rhubarb into uniform 1-centimeter pieces and hull and quarter the strawberries, creating a vibrant and consistent fruit mixture.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine the prepared rhubarb and strawberries with 150 grams / ¾ cup granulated sugar and delicate orange zest, allowing the fruits to macerate and release their natural juices.
4. Dissolve the cornstarch completely in fresh orange juice, creating a smooth, lump-free liquid that will help thicken the fruit filling and enhance its glossy appearance.
5. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the fruit, stirring gently to ensure even coating and distribute the thickening agent throughout the mixture.
6. Transfer the fruit mixture to an 8 × 11-inch / 20 × 28 centimeter baking dish, spreading it evenly and placing the dish on a parchment-lined sheet pan to catch any potential overflow.
7. Prepare the crumble topping by combining flour, remaining 100 grams / ½ cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and rolled oats in a separate mixing bowl.
8. Add cold, diced butter to the dry ingredients and work the mixture using a stand mixer on low speed or your fingertips until it forms moist, coarse crumbles with a rustic texture.
9. Evenly distribute the crumble topping over the fruit mixture, ensuring complete coverage and creating an appealing, textured surface.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, watching for bubbling fruit and a golden-brown topping that indicates perfect caramelization.
11. Remove from the oven and let the crisp cool slightly to allow the filling to set and prevent burning, then serve warm with a luxurious scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

• Cooling transforms the crisp’s texture and prevents runny filling, so let it rest for 10-15 minutes after baking.
• Parchment paper saves your oven from sticky fruit juice spills by catching potential drips during baking.
• Quickly integrate cold, diced butter into the topping for a perfectly golden and crumbly crunch.
• Cut rhubarb and strawberries into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent mouthfeel.
• Prioritize fresh seasonal fruits for maximum flavor, but frozen options work when fresh aren’t available – just drain thoroughly to maintain ideal consistency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 60mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg