Ah, the sweet and tart dance of apples and rhubarb – a flavor combination that perfectly captures the essence of summer. This apple rhubarb crisp recipe isn't just delicious; it's also incredibly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend dessert. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe will guide you through creating a warm, comforting, and undeniably delicious crisp that's sure to become a family favorite. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a healthy and satisfying alternative to store-bought sweets.
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 4 cups rhubarb, chopped (about 1 pound)
- 4 cups apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Crisp Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This simple step ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
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Combine Filling: In a large bowl, gently combine the chopped rhubarb, sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the fruit to become mushy.
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Make the Crisp Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Cold butter is key for a flaky topping!
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Assemble & Bake: Pour the fruit filling into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the fruit.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbly and tender. If the topping is browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
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Cool & Serve: Let the crisp cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Cooking Tips for the Best Apple Rhubarb Crisp:
- Use a mix of apples: Combining tart and sweet apples will result in a more balanced flavor profile.
- Don't overmix the filling: Gentle mixing helps retain the shape and texture of the fruit.
- Use cold butter: Cold butter is essential for a flaky and crumbly crisp topping.
- Adjust sweetness to your taste: If you prefer a less sweet crisp, reduce the amount of sugar.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts would add a delicious crunch to the topping.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the filling for a warming twist.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour in both the filling and topping. Use certified gluten-free oats as well.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Protein: 3-5g
This apple rhubarb crisp recipe is a simple yet satisfying dessert that showcases the best of seasonal fruits. It's a perfect example of easy recipes and healthy meals that can be enjoyed any time of year. The quick dinner ideas potential here are almost endless – serve it alongside a light salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!