Gluten-Free Rhubarb Crisp – A Classic Dessert with a Modern Gluten-Free Update
A Family Favorite with a Personal Twist
Rhubarb crisp holds a special place in my heart—and my kitchen—because it’s one of my wife’s all-time favorite desserts. She loves the pure, tangy flavor of rhubarb on its own, without the addition of other fruits like strawberries. This recipe celebrates rhubarb in its simplest and most authentic form, allowing its unique tartness to shine through. Gluten-Free Rhubarb crisp is a dessert that’s as nostalgic as it is delicious.
A Tangy and Sweet Treat for All Seasons
Few desserts capture the essence of spring and summer quite like a rhubarb crisp. With its tart rhubarb base and crunchy, golden topping, this dessert is a timeless favorite. But what makes this version special? It’s completely gluten-free, making it accessible to more people without sacrificing flavor or texture.
I’ve also elevated the traditional crisp with the addition of shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and a hint of dry ginger in the topping. These subtle additions bring depth to every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it as a weeknight treat, this crisp is sure to impress.
The Secret to Perfect Rhubarb Crisp
One of the keys to making this crisp truly exceptional is how I prepare the rhubarb. I freeze the fresh rhubarb for several hours, then thaw and strain. This step removes excess water, ensuring your crisp isn’t soggy but perfectly balanced with just the right amount of moisture. It’s a game changer! But don’t toss that liquid! It’s a hidden treasure that can be repurposed into a delightful rhubarb cosmopolitan or martini. Trust me, this little trick not only improves your dessert but also gives you an excuse to enjoy a refreshing cocktail while it bakes.
Rustic Charm with a Sophisticated Edge
I’ve always loved the simplicity and rustic nature of a crisp. There’s something comforting about its unpretentious layers—the soft, juicy fruit base topped with a crumbly, buttery topping. This recipe is approachable and easy to make, but with just enough flair to impress your family or guests.
If you’ve never worked with rhubarb before, don’t worry! This recipe guides you through every step—from prepping the rhubarb to creating the perfect crumble topping. The result? A dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients: A Breakdown of Flavorful Components
Rhubarb
- The star of the dish! Rhubarb’s natural tartness pairs beautifully with the sweet crumble topping.
Granulated Sugar
- Balances the tartness of the rhubarb while also helping to caramelize the topping.
Lemon Zest
- Adds brightness and a subtle citrus aroma to enhance the rhubarb’s flavor.
Cinnamon
- Brings warmth and depth to the dish.
Dry Ginger Powder
- A pinch of ginger elevates the flavor profile with a gentle spice.
Gluten-Free Flour
- Keeps this dessert gluten-free while providing structure to both the filling and topping.
Gluten-Free Oats
- Adds texture and crunch to the crumble topping.
Brown Sugar
- Sweetens the topping while contributing a rich molasses flavor.
Shredded Coconut
- A tropical twist that adds sweetness and chewiness to the topping.
Chopped Pecans or Walnuts
- Provides a nutty crunch that complements the soft rhubarb filling.
Melted Butter
- Binds the topping ingredients together and creates a perfectly crisp texture when baked.
Equipment You’ll Need
8×8-Inch Casserole Dish
- Perfect for evenly baking this dessert. Its size ensures just the right thickness for both filling and topping.
Mixing Bowls
- One for preparing the rhubarb base and another for mixing the crumble topping.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Measuring cups are essential for accurately measuring ingredients like flour and sugar. Measuring spoons help you measure smaller quantities of ingredients like cinnamon and ginger.
Zester or Microplane
- Essential for extracting fresh lemon zest without bitterness.
Knife and Cutting Board
- For trimming and slicing rhubarb into uniform pieces.
Oven
- You’ll use a conventional oven to bake the crisp. Preheated to 350°F (177°C) to bake your crisp to perfection.
Cooling Rack
- A cooling rack can help cool the crisp evenly once it’s removed from the oven.
Substitutions
Remember to consider any dietary restrictions or preferences when making substitutions. The key is to adapt the recipe to needs while still maintaining the structure and flavors of the dessert. These ingredients have easy substitutions.
Butter
- Feel free to use salted or unsalted butter in this recipe. If you’re dairy-free, you can substitute cold dairy-free margarine or a vegan butter alternative for the butter. If you prefer used melted coconut oil instead of butter; it complements the coconut in the topping beautifully.
Brown Sugar
- Swap brown sugar with coconut sugar for a slightly less sweet but more caramel-like flavor.
Lemon Zest
- If you want a sweeter citrus note instead of tangy lemon.
Pecans
- Â Use walnuts or almonds if you prefer their milder nutty taste or have them on hand. Or if you have a nut allergy, completely eliminate them.
What to serve with Gluten-Free Rhubarb Crisp
The Gluten-Free Rhubarb Crisp calls for something cool and light as a companion on the dish! Served warm or cool or even on its own – this crisp is sure to please!
Vanilla Ice Cream
- The cool creaminess contrasts perfectly with the warm crisp. Vanilla ice cream or gelato would work great. To elevate it even more, add a zest of lemon or mix in lemon curd with the ice cream!
Whipped Cream
- A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an airy touch.
Hot Tea or Coffee
- Pair it with Earl Grey tea or a rich espresso for an indulgent treat.
Sparkling Wine
- Some champagne or prosecco goes a long way when combined with this desert.
Why will you love this savory Gluten-Free Rhubarb Crisp?
Sophisticated Flavor
- This Gluten-Free Rhubarb Crisp recipe takes this classic dessert to new heights with the addition of ginger, pecans, and coconut.
- Serve it with vanilla ice cream to enhance the overall taste, creating a mouthwatering and well-rounded flavor profile that is both satisfying and indulgent.
Gluten-Free Option
- For individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, finding delicious gluten-free recipes can be a challenge. This rhubarb crisp offers a gluten-free alternative to traditional crisps, allowing those with dietary restrictions to indulge in a flavorful dessert without compromising on taste.
Rustic Charm
- The gluten-free rhubarb crisps rustic appearance adds to its appeal. It’s an inviting and visually pleasing dish that feels cozy and comforting, perfect for sharing with friends and family during gatherings or special occasions.
Easy Preparation
- Straightforward steps make this recipe accessible even for beginner bakers.
Adaptable for Dietary Needs
- The recipe can be modified to suit various dietary preferences. You can easily make it dairy-free or vegan by using suitable substitutions, ensuring that everyone at your table can enjoy this delectable dessert.
Gluten-Free Rhubarb Crisp
Description
Simple and rustic dessert - Gluten-Free Rhubarb Crisp - It's a crowd pleaser.
Ingredients
Rhubarb Crisp Base
Rhubarb Crisp Topping
Instructions
Prepare the Rhubarb Crisp Base
-
- Wash and trim rhubarb stalks, removing root ends and any leaves. Cut into ½–¾ inch pieces.
- Place rhubarb in a bowl and freeze for at least 2 hours.
- Remove frozen rhubarb from the freezer, toss with ¼ cup sugar, and let thaw completely. Strain off any resulting juice.
- Toss thawed rhubarb with remaining ¾ cup sugar, gluten-free flour, lemon zest, cinnamon, and ginger until evenly coated.
- Transfer rhubarb mixture to a greased 8x8-inch casserole dish.
Prepare the Rhubarb Crisp Topping
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- In a separate bowl, combine gluten-free flour, brown sugar, oats, shredded coconut, chopped nuts, and melted butter until crumbly.
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Assemble and Bake
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- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Spread crumble mixture evenly over the rhubarb base.
- Bake for about 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Let cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Note
Gluten-Free Flours
When it comes to baking gluten-free, the type of flour you use can significantly impact the texture and flavor of your final product. Here are some important tips regarding gluten-free flours:
1. Homemade Flour Blend
I use a custom gluten-free flour blend that I make myself, which weighs approximately 140 grams per cup. This blend typically includes a mix of gluten-free flours such as white and brown rice flour, potato starch, tapioca starch, sorghum and milk powder, providing a balanced texture and flavor for baking.
2. Store-Bought Gluten-Free Flours
If you prefer to use a store-bought gluten-free flour blend, it's crucial to check the packaging for the weight per cup, as this can vary between brands. Each manufacturer may have a different formulation, which affects the density and weight of their flour.
Here are several that are available from Amazon:
- King Arthur Measure for Measure Gluten-Free Flour
- Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour
- Cup4Cup Gluten Free Multipurpose Flour
None of these flours contain xanthan gum. So if your recipe calls for xanthan gum, omit the extra xanthan if using one of these blends. All of the manufacturers promote these products as a one-to-one replacement.
3. Measuring for Accuracy
For the most accurate results, I highly recommend using a digital food scale to measure your gluten-free flour. Measuring by weight ensures that you have the correct amount, leading to more consistent and successful baking outcomes. This method eliminates the variability that can come from measuring by volume, especially with gluten-free flours, which can be compacted or aerated differently.
