Let’s not pretend like rhubarb ever asked to be famous. It’s that weird pink celery-looking thing at the farmers market that half of us ignore… until you’ve had it in a dessert. Then it becomes the sneaky ingredient you start hunting for every spring.
Now, if you’re cutting carbs or following a keto lifestyle, you probably figured rhubarb desserts were off the table. Think again.
This Keto Rhubarb Crisp Recipe is everything a crisp should be, sweet but tangy, crumbly on top, soft and gooey underneath. And best part? No sugar crash, no wheat, no guilt.
Let’s get real. You’re not just here for health. You want a dessert that tastes like something Grandma would make on a lazy Sunday. One that smells like home and feels like comfort, even when your carbs are under 20 grams.
So, whether you’re deep into Keto Sweets, need a fresh Meal Idea, or just trying to use up that rhubarb in the fridge before it goes limp and sad—this is for you.
What Makes Rhubarb Great for Keto?
Rhubarb might look starchy, but it’s surprisingly low in carbs. One cup of chopped raw rhubarb has just under 4 net carbs. That’s less than broccoli. And unlike a lot of fruits, it’s not sweet on its own — which makes it perfect to pair with low-carb sweeteners and fat-rich toppings.
Plus, the tartness brings out the flavor in everything else. It’s a natural match for strawberries, which is why you’ll see Strawberry Rhubarb Recipes all over the place. But it also holds up on its own with just a bit of crunch and creaminess on top.
Ingredients for Keto Rhubarb Crisp
This one’s stripped down. No 30-item shopping list. No funky flour blends. Just basic stuff you probably already have if you bake keto once in a while.
For the Filling:
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4 cups chopped rhubarb (fresh or frozen, no need to peel)
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1/2 cup chopped strawberries (optional but highly recommended)
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1/3 cup allulose or erythritol (or mix of both)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
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1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping (Keto Oatless “Oat Crumble Topping”):
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3/4 cup almond flour
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1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
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1/4 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
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2 tbsp coconut flour
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1/3 cup butter (cold, cut into cubes)
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1/4 cup allulose or erythritol
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1/2 tsp cinnamon
No oats here — because keto. But the nuts and coconut step in and do all the crunchy business you expect from a solid Rhubarb Crisp.
Instructions on How to Make Keto Rhubarb Crumble
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish — 8×8 works great, but any small casserole will do.
Toss all the filling ingredients in a bowl. Give it a few good stirs until everything’s coated. Pour into the dish and spread it out.
Step 2: Make the Crumble
In a separate bowl, dump in all the dry topping ingredients. Add the cold butter and work it in with your fingers or a pastry cutter. You want small chunks, not a paste. It should feel like chunky wet sand.
Sprinkle this all over the rhubarb mixture.
Step 3: Bake
Pop it in the oven for about 35–40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden and the edges are bubbling with hot rhubarb jammy goodness.
Let it cool at least 10 minutes before scooping. It thickens as it sits. Trust me, the wait is worth it.
Want to Add Strawberries?
Yes, do it. Especially if you miss that good old Strawberry Crumble or Strawberry Crisp Recipe your aunt used to bring to barbecues. Strawberries bring a hint of nostalgia and balance the tartness of rhubarb like nothing else.
Even adding just a handful to this Rhubarb Crisp Recipe makes it taste more familiar and “classic.” Plus, if you’re hunting for Strawberry Rhubarb Recipes, this one fits the bill.
Tips to Nail It Rhubarb Crisp or Crumble Every Time
1. Use fresh rhubarb if you can.
Frozen works too, just defrost and drain it first so you’re not baking a soup.
2. Don’t skimp on the topping.
The contrast between that buttery crumble and the soft fruit underneath is where the magic lives.
3. Use a combo of sweeteners.
Allulose helps with that sticky, syrupy finish. Erythritol adds bulk and sweetness but can get crunchy when cold. Blend them to get the best of both.
4. Serve warm with whipped cream or keto vanilla ice cream.
It turns it from a snack into a full-blown Rhubarb Dessert that no one will believe is low-carb.
Make-Ahead and Storage
You can totally make this ahead. Just bake, cool, cover and refrigerate. It holds up for about 4 days. You can even freeze it in portions and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Perfect when you want Easy Rhubarb Recipes that feel like more effort than they really are.
Not Just Dessert – It’s a “Breakfast” Too
Alright, let’s be honest. Most people on keto have eaten leftover dessert for breakfast at some point. No shame here.
This Keto Rhubarb Crisp doubles as a solid breakfast. Pair it with Greek yogurt and call it a Meal Idea. It’s better than a boring protein shake. It actually fills you up. And you feel like you’re cheating, but you’re not.
Variations and Substitutions
Bored of rhubarb-strawberry already? You can switch it up like this:
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Blueberry Crumble: Replace strawberries with blueberries.
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All-Rhubarb Crisp: Skip the berries, add a splash of orange extract.
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Spiced Version: Add nutmeg and cardamom to the crumble.
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Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed flour and skip the chopped nuts.
The formula is flexible. Once you know how to make one Crisp Recipe, you can adapt it with whatever’s in season or on sale.
Why Keto Folks Shouldn’t Skip Rhubarb
It doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Rhubarb’s not flashy like berries or exotic like coconut. But it’s one of the few plant foods that gives you that tart fruit feel without the sugar. It’s practically begging to be turned into Rhubarb Desserts Recipes.
And when you’ve made it once, it’s easy to see why some people say this is one of the Best Rhubarb Recipes they’ve had. It’s got that old-school comfort food vibe, but you won’t need a nap afterwards.
So, What’s the Deal with Rhubarb Crumble vs. Crisp?
Let’s squash that now. They’re basically the same. In some regions, “crumble” just means it has fewer oats or nuts than a crisp. But in keto baking, you’ll see both terms used for any dessert with a buttery topping over baked fruit.
So if you’re wondering if this counts as a Strawberry Crumble Recipe or a Rhubarb Crisp, yes. Yes to all.
Conclusion
You don’t need sugar to make something sweet. You don’t need flour to make something crispy. And you don’t need to give up dessert to feel good in your body.
This Keto Rhubarb Crisp proves that. You can bake it for guests who don’t even eat keto and they’ll still ask for seconds. It’s that kind of dessert — homey, a little bit fancy, but still easy enough to make on a weeknight.
And whether you’re browsing Easy Rhubarb Recipes, looking for the next best Rhubarb Recipes Crisp, or finally using that mystery rhubarb you got in your CSA box — this one’s worth trying.
If you’re posting this to Pinterest, don’t forget to save the recipe with a photo that screams “fresh from the oven.” Crisped edges, bubbling fruit, maybe a dollop of whipped cream sliding down the side. Make it messy. Make it real.
Because food tastes better when it looks like someone couldn’t wait to eat it.
PrintKeto Rhubarb Crisp or Crumble Recipe
This Keto Rhubarb Crisp is a sweet and tangy low-carb dessert made with fresh rhubarb, optional strawberries, and a buttery crumble topping, no sugar, no flour, no regrets. It’s one of those keto sweets that actually tastes like dessert, and fits perfectly into the keto diet without weird ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert, snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Keto, Low-Carb
Ingredients
For the Filling:
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4 cups chopped rhubarb
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1/2 cup chopped strawberries (optional)
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1/3 cup allulose or erythritol
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
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3/4 cup almond flour
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2 tbsp coconut flour
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1/4 cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
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1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
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1/4 cup allulose or erythritol
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1/2 tsp cinnamon
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1/3 cup cold butter, cubed
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 baking dish.
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In a large bowl, mix together rhubarb, strawberries (if using), sweetener, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt. Pour into the dish.
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In another bowl, combine all topping ingredients. Use fingers or a pastry cutter to mix in butter until crumbly.
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Sprinkle topping evenly over fruit.
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Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and bubbling at the edges.
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Let cool for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
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For nut-free: use sunflower seed flour instead of almond flour, and skip nuts.
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Strawberries add natural sweetness and balance tart rhubarb.
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Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Great hot or cold. Even better with keto ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 Sugar: 2g (from rhubarb/strawberries) Sodium: 45mg Fat: 18g Saturated Fat: 8g Unsaturated Fat: 10g Trans Fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 9g Fiber: 4g Net Carbs: 5g Protein: 4g Cholesterol: 30mg
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you eat rhubarb on a keto diet?
Yes, rhubarb is low in net carbs, which makes it a great choice for the keto diet. One cup of chopped rhubarb has around 3–4 grams of net carbs, so it works well in keto-friendly desserts like crisps and crumbles.
What can I use instead of oats in a keto rhubarb crisp?
Instead of oats, you can use almond flour, coconut flour, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts. These give you the crunchy topping without the carbs, and they taste just as good, if not better.
Can I make this keto rhubarb dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can bake it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave. The flavors actually get better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or gatherings.