We're big fruit dessert fans here, in part because they're so easy. Seasonal berries and fruits arrive already bursting with flavor, so a simple flourish is often all you need to shine a spotlight on whatever's in the market.

Rhubarb is a particular favorite, though, because it's time for eating is so heartbreakingly brief and happily, it overlaps with strawberries. When rhubarb is in season we're always looking for ways to use it, and we've tried a lot of crisps and crumbles- trust us when we say this one is the best strawberry rhubarb crumble we've ever tasted.

What makes this particular strawberry rhubarb crumble so special? Toasting the butter, sugar, oats and nuts for the topping separately allows them to deepen their flavor and magnifies the crispiness of the crumble. 

Likewise, roasting the rhubarb and strawberries allows those flavors to deepen, with the sugar caramelizing a bit, and the flour helping to thicken the juices. Each component of this dessert is allowed to realize it's own unique character, and then, when they come together- it's magic!

We actually use this recipe and technique all year round. Strawberries in combination with the rhubarb give this version sweet deliciousness, but raspberries would work too. When peaches, nectarines or apples come into season, this recipe will do the same to amplify and concentrate those succulent, seasonal flavor-packed fruits as well.

Another tip? The crumble topping keeps, stored in an airtight container, for a week or two. If you keep it in the freezer you'll find it lasts even longer, always at the ready for a great dessert at a moment's notice.

Did we mention it's easy? The ingredients for this rhubarb crumble are minimal, the prep time under half an hour. The results? Spectacularly delicious!

We top this strawberry rhubarb crumble with homemade, barely sweetened whipped cream (with a hint of cinnamon), but your favorite ice cream would work beautifully too.

Besides being delicious, this strawberry rhubarb crumble is a gorgeous-looking dessert. Serve it in your prettiest bowl, or use a coupe cocktail glass like we do, to let the vibrant colors and textures parade on full display.

We think our rhubarb crumble hits all the right notes- humble, yet elevated. It's equally at home at a potluck, a picnic (try bringing it along in mason jars!), or at a more elegant al fresco summer table. 

For a variation, try using the roasted rhubarb mixture as a topping for your morning yogurt (perhaps with a sprinkle of crumble topping instead of granola), or use the rhubarb as a topping for a simple cake.

Memorize the crumble ingredients, and we bet you'll find yourself whipping up a version of this one all year round.