Oh, my foodie friends, have I got a treat for you today! If you’re anything like me, the combination of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb, all snuggled under a buttery, crispy crumble topping, is pure dessert perfection. This Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble recipe is a true classic, and for very good reason – it’s unbelievably delicious and surprisingly simple to whip up!
I remember countless spring and summer afternoons when the scent of a bubbling fruit crumble would fill our home. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a quiet, comforting treat. This particular Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble is my go-to when I want something special without a lot of fuss. It’s wonderfully rustic, utterly charming, and always a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to fall in love!
Before we dive into this delightful bake, here are the key details for this Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble:
| ⏲️ Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥 Cook Time: 45 minutes | ⏰ Total Time: 1 hour |
| 🥣 Yields: 6 servings | 🍳 Difficulty: Easy |
❤️ Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Recipe
- ✅ Irresistible Flavor Combo: The marriage of sweet strawberries and tangy rhubarb is a match made in heaven! It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart that keeps you coming back for more.
- ✅ Amazingly Easy to Make: Seriously, this recipe is a breeze! Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean you can have a show-stopping dessert with minimal effort. Perfect for beginner bakers too!
- ✅ That Crumble Topping!: Oh, that glorious, buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumble! It bakes up golden and crisp, providing the perfect textural contrast to the soft, bubbly fruit. This is key for a great Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble.
- ✅ Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight treat, a family gathering, or a potluck, this crumble fits right in. It’s rustic charm is always welcome.
- ✅ Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: I’ve yet to meet someone who doesn’t adore a warm fruit crumble, especially when it stars strawberries and rhubarb.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to gather to create this stunning Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble. Fresh, good-quality ingredients will truly make this dessert shine!
For the Luscious Fruit Filling:
- ✅ 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- ✅ 2 cups fresh rhubarb (about 3/4 pound), cleaned, ends trimmed, and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces
- ✅ 1/2 cup granulated sugar (you can adjust slightly based on your fruit’s sweetness)
- ✅ 1 & 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch (this helps thicken the lovely juices)
- ✅ 1/8 teaspoon coarse salt
For the Irresistible Crumble Topping:
- ✅ 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- ✅ 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- ✅ 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ✅ 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (a non-negotiable for me!)
- ✅ 1/8 teaspoon coarse salt
- ✅ 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For Serving (Highly Recommended!):
- ✅ Vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream
A little tip on rhubarb: If your rhubarb stalks are particularly thick, you might want to halve them lengthwise before slicing into 1/2-inch pieces to ensure they cook down nicely with the strawberries.
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble
Alright, let’s get our hands dirty and create some magic! Making this Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble is a joy from start to finish.
- Preheat and Prep: First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the middle position for even baking. Lightly coat a 9×9-inch square baking dish (or a similar-sized oval or round dish) with nonstick cooking spray.
- Mix the Fruit Filling: In a large bowl, gently combine the quartered strawberries and sliced rhubarb. Sprinkle over the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Toss everything together carefully until the fruit is evenly coated. Pour this beautiful mixture into your prepared baking dish.
- Make the Crumble Topping: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, packed brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Now, add the pieces of cold unsalted butter. Using your fingertips (or a pastry blender, if you prefer), work the butter into the dry ingredients until you have large, moist clumps. Don’t overwork it; some pea-sized bits of butter are perfectly fine and will make your topping extra delicious!
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the strawberry-rhubarb mixture in the baking dish. For easier cleanup (because those fruit juices can get bubbly!), place the baking dish on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly and tender underneath. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine!
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Carefully remove the Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble from the oven and let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to thicken up a bit. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
💡 Expert Tips for the Best Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble
Want to ensure your Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble is the talk of the town? Here are a few of my favorite tips:
- ✅ Cold Butter is Crucial: For the crispiest, most delicious crumble topping, make sure your butter is COLD and cut into small pieces. This helps create those lovely little pockets of flakiness.
- ✅ Don’t Overwork the Topping: Mix the crumble ingredients until just combined and clumpy. Overmixing can lead to a tough or greasy topping rather than a light and crispy one.
- ✅ Balance Your Fruit: Taste your strawberries and rhubarb if possible. If they’re particularly tart, you might want to add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the filling. If they’re super sweet, you can slightly reduce it. This Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble is forgiving!
- ✅ Baking Dish Matters: A ceramic or glass baking dish works wonderfully for crumbles, as they conduct heat evenly.
- ✅ Don’t Skip the Cooling Time: Letting the crumble rest for 10-15 minutes after baking allows the molten fruit filling to thicken slightly, making it easier (and less messy!) to serve.
- ✅ Check for Doneness: Look for a deeply golden topping and actively bubbling fruit juices around the edges and in the center. That’s how you know your Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble is ready!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble is a star on its own, but a little something extra can take it to pure bliss territory:
- ✅ Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing! The cool, creamy ice cream melting into the warm, bubbly crumble is simply irresistible.
- ✅ Whipped Cream: A lighter but equally delicious option. A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a lovely, airy contrast.
- ✅ Custard or Anglaise: For a truly decadent experience, serve your warm crumble with a drizzle of warm vanilla custard or crème anglaise. Oh là là!
- ✅ Greek Yogurt: For a tangier, slightly healthier twist, a spoonful of plain or vanilla Greek yogurt is wonderful, especially for a breakfast-y feel.
🥡 Storage and Freezing Instructions
Got leftovers of your amazing Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble? (Though, honestly, it disappears fast in my house!)
Storage: Once cooled completely, cover the crumble tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or pop the whole dish back into a moderate oven (around 350°F/175°C) until warmed through for that just-baked taste.
Freezing: You can freeze this crumble! Bake and cool completely. Then, wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as above. The topping might lose a little crispness upon thawing, but it will still be delicious.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble
Can I use frozen strawberries or rhubarb for this crumble?
Yes, you absolutely can! If using frozen fruit, there’s no need to thaw it completely before using. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Some frozen fruit can release more liquid, so ensure your cornstarch is well distributed. This is a very versatile Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble recipe!
My crumble topping isn’t crispy. What did I do wrong?
A few things could be at play:
- Butter wasn’t cold enough: Warm or melted butter will result in a more dough-like, less crispy topping.
- Overmixing the topping: This can make it tough. Aim for coarse, moist clumps.
- Not enough baking time: Ensure the topping is truly golden brown.
- Covering while hot: If you cover the crumble while it’s still very hot, steam can make the topping soggy. Let it cool uncovered for a bit.
Can I adjust the sweetness of this Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble?
Definitely! The beauty of a homemade crumble is that you can tailor it to your taste. If your strawberries are super sweet or you prefer a tarter dessert, you can reduce the sugar in the fruit filling by a tablespoon or two. Conversely, if your rhubarb is particularly sharp, you might add a little extra. Some people even ask how much sugar is typical in fruit crisps and crumbles, and it often varies by fruit type and personal preference.
Can I add oats to the crumble topping?
Yes, many people love adding rolled oats (not instant) to their crumble topping for extra texture and a slightly nuttier flavor. You could substitute about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the flour with rolled oats. It makes for a wonderful variation on this Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble.
📖 More Recipes You Might Like
If this Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble has you craving more easy, fruity desserts, you’ll love these other StirDelish favorites:
- Perfect Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
- Classic Rhubarb Crisp Recipe – Easy Homemade Dessert
- Your Go-To Easy Rhubarb Crisp Recipe
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about pulling a bubbling, golden Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble from the oven. The aroma alone is enough to make anyone’s day brighter! It’s a simple dessert, yes, but it’s packed with so much comforting flavor and lovely texture.
I really hope you give this Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble recipe a try. It’s a testament to how wonderful simple, seasonal ingredients can be. Happy baking, dear friends, and please do let me know in the comments if you make it – I love hearing about your kitchen adventures!
