There’s something incredibly charming about a Sunday brunch that brings family and friends together. One dish that often steals the spotlight is a fruit crisp, and our Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp is no exception. Combining the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of strawberries, and topped with a crunchy oat crumble, this dessert is both comforting and delicious.
Preparing the Fruit
Choosing the freshest strawberries and rhubarb is key to making a standout crisp. Look for bright red strawberries and firm, vibrant rhubarb stalks. Once you have your fruit, wash and slice them into bite-sized pieces. It’s important to slice the fruit evenly so that it cooks consistently. This preparation step ensures that your fruit filling is juicy and tender, without being overly mushy.
Enhancing the Fruit’s Flavor
To bring out the best in your fruit, toss the sliced strawberries and rhubarb with a bit of brown sugar. This helps to enhance their natural sweetness while balancing the tartness of the rhubarb. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial because it helps to draw out the juices from the fruit, which will then mix with the crisp topping to create a deliciously syrupy filling.
Making the Crisp Topping
The crisp topping is what sets this dessert apart. In a separate bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the ingredients are well-coated and crumbly. The key to a good crisp topping is to ensure that it’s not too dry or too wet. It should be crumbly and clumpy, so it bakes into a perfect golden-brown crust. The combination of oats and brown sugar creates a delightful crunch that complements the soft fruit filling.
Assembling the Crisp
Now it’s time to put everything together. Spread the fruit mixture evenly in a baking dish, ensuring that it covers the bottom completely. Next, sprinkle the oat topping over the fruit, making sure it’s evenly distributed. This ensures that every bite has the perfect balance of fruit and crunchy topping. The even distribution of the topping is important because it allows the fruit to cook evenly and prevents any spots from becoming too dry or too moist.
Baking the Crisp
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before you start assembling the crisp. Once your oven is ready, place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. The crisp is done when the fruit filling is bubbling and the topping is golden brown. Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on your crisp to ensure it doesn’t overcook. The bubbling filling indicates that the fruit is cooked through, and the golden topping shows that it’s perfectly crisp.
Serving Suggestions
Once the crisp is done baking, let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to set a bit, making it easier to scoop out servings. You can enjoy this Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp on its own, but it’s also delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold, creamy ice cream or whipped cream contrasts wonderfully with the warm, sweet crisp, making each bite a delightful experience.