Rhubarb and Strawberry Delight is the perfect dessert to showcase the vibrant flavors of spring. This dish combines the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of strawberries, all topped with a crunchy, buttery crumble. It's a delightful treat that's simple to make and sure to impress!
The star of this dish is the vibrant rhubarb, providing a tart contrast to the strawberries, which offer natural sweetness. The granulated sugar balances these flavors, while cornstarch helps thicken the filling as it bakes. A hint of vanilla extract enhances the fruit's natural flavors. For the crumble, we blend all-purpose flour with wholesome rolled oats for texture, and brown sugar for a caramel-like sweetness. Ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth, while unsalted butter binds everything together with a rich, buttery taste.
This dessert is delicious on its own, but for an extra treat, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creaminess complements the tart and sweet flavors beautifully. For a bit of extra texture, sprinkle with chopped nuts like almonds or pecans before serving.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it's hot and ready by the time you're done prepping. Grab a large bowl and toss in your chopped rhubarb and sliced strawberries. Add the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla extract. Mix everything well until the fruit is evenly coated in sugar and cornstarch, then spread this mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir them together until they're evenly mixed. Pour the melted butter over this dry mixture. Use a fork or your fingers to mix it until you have a crumbly texture.
Evenly distribute the crumble mixture over the fruit in the baking dish. Make sure you cover all the fruit for that perfect crunchy topping. Pop your dish in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the topping is golden brown and you see the fruit bubbling along the edges.
Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly. This will help the filling set a bit more, making it easier to serve.