If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious way to honor the holiday, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Peach Rhubarb Crisp Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish offers a divine blend of sweet peaches and tangy rhubarb, all wrapped up with a golden, buttery crisp topping that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re gathering with loved ones or simply craving a cozy treat, this crisp perfectly balances flavors and textures, delivering warmth and joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each element is essential, from the juicy peaches and tart rhubarb to the crisp, buttery topping that crowns the dish with golden perfection.
- 3 cups fresh or frozen peaches, peeled and sliced: The star sweet component providing juicy, mellow flavor and lovely color.
- 2 cups rhubarb, chopped into ½-inch pieces: Adds a tart contrast that brightens the dish and enhances the peaches.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the fruit filling—adjust based on the natural sweetness of your peaches.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour or cornstarch: Thickens the filling to prevent sogginess and keeps the fruit luscious.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the fruit mixture with subtle aromatic notes.
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a gentle spice that complements the fruit beautifully.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors quietly in the background.
- 1 cup all-purpose or gluten-free flour: Forms the base of the crisp topping, creating a tender crumb.
- ½ cup rolled oats: Gives the topping a wonderful chewy texture and rustic feel.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Sweetens the crisp topping while adding rich, caramel notes.
- ½ tsp cinnamon: Infuses the topping with cozy spice.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed or coconut oil: Provides the crisp’s buttery crunch or vegan richness.
How to Make Martin Luther King Jr. Day Peach Rhubarb Crisp Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×9-inch baking dish. This ensures your crisp won’t stick and will come out beautifully golden and easy to serve. Getting this step right sets the foundation for your dessert success.
Step 2: Mix the Fruit Filling
In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced peaches, chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, flour or cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Tossing the fruit with these ingredients ensures every juicy bite is perfectly coated with sweetness, spice, and just enough thickener to keep your filling luscious without being runny.
Step 3: Create the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Then cut in the cold, cubed butter or coconut oil using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This crumbly topping is the star of the show, promising a satisfyingly crisp texture once baked.
Step 4: Assemble Your Crisp
Pour the fruit mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, creating a luscious base. Then sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the fruit. This even layering ensures that every spoonful delivers the perfect combination of juicy filling and crunchy topping.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your crisp for 40 to 45 minutes until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the fruit filling bubbles invitingly around the edges. If the topping starts browning too quickly, simply cover loosely with foil to prevent burning while the fruit cooks through.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let your peach rhubarb crisp rest for 10 to 15 minutes after baking. This short cooling time allows the juices to set slightly, making it easier to serve and even more flavorful. Enjoy it warm alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if you like, for an added touch of indulgence.
How to Serve Martin Luther King Jr. Day Peach Rhubarb Crisp Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving experience, top the crisp with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A sprinkle of toasted nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar adds both texture and visual charm, making each serving feel special and festive.
Side Dishes
This crisp pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a fragrant herbal tea, perfect for cozy gatherings. For brunch settings, consider complementing with lightly sweetened Greek yogurt or a platter of fresh seasonal fruit to balance richness with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling playful with your presentation? Serve individual crisp portions in small ramekins or mason jars for charming, personalized portions. Layer with additional fruit or nuts for contrast, or drizzle with warm caramel sauce for decadence. This dish’s warm tones and vibrant colors make it a natural centerpiece at any MLK Day celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover crisp can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you prefer, refrigerate for up to four days, but bring back to room temperature or warm gently before serving to recapture its tender textures.
Freezing
The Martin Luther King Jr. Day Peach Rhubarb Crisp Recipe freezes well either before or after baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven for a freshly baked taste any day of the week.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until warmed through and the topping crisps back up. Avoid microwaving when possible, as the topping can become soggy—baking revives that perfect crunch and warmed fruit deliciousness.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches for this recipe?
Absolutely! Drain them well to avoid excess liquid, which can make the filling too runny. Fresh or frozen peaches are ideal for the best texture and flavor, but canned can work in a pinch.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes, swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter, and you’ll have a cruelty-free version that tastes just as luscious. Serve with coconut whipped cream for a completely vegan-friendly dessert.
How tart will this peach rhubarb crisp be?
The rhubarb brings a bright, tangy punch that balances the sweetness of the peaches and brown sugar, ensuring the dish isn’t overly sweet but well-rounded and satisfying.
Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time for a gathering?
Definitely! Assemble the crisp, then refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just bake it fresh for that perfect golden topping and bubbly fruit.
What’s the best way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour in both the filling and the topping, and confirm your oats are certified gluten-free. This swap maintains the wonderful textures and flavors without any gluten concerns.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a warm, homemade dessert like the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Peach Rhubarb Crisp Recipe with friends and family. It brings a combination of flavors that comfort and delight, making any gathering feel cozy and cared for. This recipe is not only easy to make but also perfect for celebrating stories, community, and connection. Give it a try—you might just find a new holiday favorite!
Print
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Peach Rhubarb Crisp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6–8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A sweet and tangy Peach Rhubarb Crisp with a golden, buttery crunchy topping, perfect for MLK Day gatherings. This recipe balances the sweetness of peaches with the tartness of rhubarb and features a crisp, flavorful topping made with oats and brown sugar. Vegan and gluten-free options are available, making it versatile and easy to prepare ahead.
Ingredients
Fruit Filling
- 3 cups fresh or frozen peaches, peeled and sliced
- 2 cups rhubarb, chopped into ½-inch pieces
- ½ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste, depending on peach sweetness)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Crisp Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (or coconut oil for vegan)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the fruit: In a large bowl, combine peaches, rhubarb, sugar, flour (or cornstarch), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Gently toss all ingredients together until the fruit is evenly coated with the mixture.
- Make the crisp topping: In a separate bowl, mix flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter (or coconut oil) using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with varied textures for a crunchy crisp.
- Assemble: Pour the coated fruit filling into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the crisp topping over the fruit to cover it completely.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly. If the topping begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Cool slightly and serve: Allow the crisp to rest for 10–15 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- For a nutty upgrade, add ½ cup chopped almonds, pecans, or walnuts to the topping.
- Spice it up by adding ¼ tsp nutmeg or ginger to either the fruit filling or topping.
- For a natural sweetener alternative, swap the sugars for maple syrup in the topping.
- To make this vegan, use coconut oil or vegan butter in the topping and serve with coconut whipped cream.
- This crisp can be made ahead, stored at room temperature for a few hours, and reheated before serving.
