Cherry Rhubarb Crunch
A delightful cherry rhubarb crunch with a buttery oat topping, combining tart fruit flavors and crunchy texture, perfect for dessert gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. shortening or floured baking spray
- 1 c. rolled oats ⓘ
- 1 c. packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 c. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 c. butter or margarine
- 4 c. diced rhubarb, cleaned and leaves and ends removed ⓘ
- 1 c. sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 c. cold water ⓘ
- 1 tsp. almond extract ⓘ
- 1 (21 oz.) can cherry pie filling ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely chopped nut meats ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with shortening or non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, combine oats, brown sugar, flour, and salt.
- Stir well to mix.
- Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Pat 2 cups of the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing down evenly. Set aside the remaining mixture.
- In a saucepan, combine diced rhubarb, sugar, cornstarch, and water.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture boils and thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in almond extract.
- Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the rhubarb mixture in the pan.
- Sprinkle the chopped nuts over the fruit layer.
- Crumble the reserved oat topping evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, until bubbling and golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider substituting the rhubarb with strawberries or apples, which can provide a different flavor profile. If you want a crunchier topping, add an extra half cup of oats or incorporate some granola. Be cautious not to overcook the rhubarb mixture; it should be tender but not mushy. Also, using a pastry cutter is key to achieving that perfect crumbly texture for the topping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. It pairs beautifully with 7-Up Wedding Punch for a refreshing drink option. For a festive touch, top with fresh cherries or a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This dessert tastes great warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Rhubarb Crunch contains roughly 1298 calories, with 10g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 107g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (54% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 945mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it first and drain any excess moisture before cooking. This will help prevent the filling from becoming too watery. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen rhubarb may take a bit longer to thicken.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a vegan margarine or coconut oil. For the filling, ensure the cherry pie filling is vegan-friendly or make your own using fresh or frozen cherries. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegan version of Cherry Rhubarb Crunch without sacrificing flavor.
How can I make the topping even more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor of the topping, consider adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also mix in some chopped nuts or seeds like pecans or sunflower seeds for added crunch. Incorporating a bit of vanilla extract into the butter mixture will also elevate the overall taste of the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).