Cherry Rhubarb Crunch 🍒🌿

This delightful Cherry Rhubarb Crunch combines the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of cherry, creating a dessert that's both rich and refreshing. It's the perfect balance of flavors and textures, topped with a crumbly oat mixture that will leave everyone wanting more! Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting treat on a chilly evening. 🍨

Ingredients

For the crumb topping

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

For the filling

• 4 cups diced rhubarb (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
• 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the Crumb Topping: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, flour, and salt. Mix well.

2. Add the Butter: Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Prepare the Baking Dish: Pat 2 cups of the crumb mixture into a greased 13"x9" baking pan. Set aside the remaining crumb mixture.

4. Layer the Filling: Cover the crumb base with the diced rhubarb.

5. Cook the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine the sugar and cornstarch. Stir in the water and cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and becomes clear. Remove from heat, stir in the almond extract, and mix in the cherry pie filling. Spoon this mixture evenly over the rhubarb.

6. Add the Topping: Combine the walnuts (if using) with the reserved crumb mixture and sprinkle it over the cherry filling.

7. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

🔥 Make sure to keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to prevent burning. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil.

Variations

• Fruity Twist: Add sliced strawberries or blueberries to the filling for an additional burst of flavor! 🍓🫐
• Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this dessert suitable for those avoiding gluten.
• Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts if you have nut allergies or dislike nuts; the crunch will still be delicious without them!
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumb topping for a warm and inviting flavor.

Enjoy this Cherry Rhubarb Crunch with family and friends, and watch it quickly become a favorite! 🌟🍽️