Grandma’s Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble

Name: Grandma’s Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 2 cups rhubarb, chopped into 1-inch pieces; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Cozy Dessert Classics

I have always cherished the warm, inviting aroma of my grandma's Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble wafting through the house during the summer months. Every bite takes me back to sunny afternoons spent in her garden, where the sweetest strawberries and tart rhubarb would be lovingly harvested. This crumble melds the perfect balance of flavors and textures, with a buttery topping that crisps beautifully in the oven. It’s not just dessert; it’s a nostalgic experience that reminds me of family gatherings and laughter around the table.

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2026-02-12T12:54:19.605Z

Every time I prepare Grandma’s Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble, it feels like I'm stepping back into my childhood. The combination of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb creates a perfect balance that dances on the palate. During one particular summer, I experimented with adding a pinch of cinnamon to the crumble topping, which elevated the flavor profile and created an unexpected depth. Now it's a staple in my crumble recipe and adds a warming note that reminds me of home.

I learned that letting the fruit mixture sit for a few minutes before baking allows the juices to meld beautifully, intensifying the flavors further. This also helps in achieving that delightful, bubbling sauce which seeps into the crumble topping. It’s these little details that truly transform a simple dessert into an unforgettable one!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A delightful combination of sweet and tart that awakens your taste buds.
Crumbly topping with a perfect buttery crunch.
A family recipe that brings back cherished memories.

The Importance of Fresh Ingredients

The success of Grandma's Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble hinges on choosing the freshest strawberries and rhubarb. Ideally, you should pick strawberries that are bright red and fragrant, while rhubarb stalks should be firm and vibrant in color. If fresh rhubarb is unavailable, you can use frozen, but be sure to thaw and drain it to prevent excess moisture in the filling. This will help maintain the desired texture and consistency of the crumble.

When preparing your fruit, slicing the strawberries evenly ensures uniform cooking, allowing all the fruit to soften together. A good rule of thumb is to keep the rhubarb chunks to about one inch to balance the tartness with the sweetness of the strawberries. This method guarantees the perfect bite every time.

Achieving the Perfect Crumble Topping

The crumble topping is a crucial component of this dessert, delivering texture and flavor that complement the tangy filling. When mixing the dry ingredients with melted butter, it's important not to overwork the mixture; stir just enough until the crumbs are formed. The final texture should resemble coarse sand. If your crumble appears too wet, simply add a touch more flour or oats to achieve the right consistency.

If you're looking to elevate the crumble, consider adding chopped nuts or seeds for added crunch. A quarter cup of chopped walnuts or pecans can enhance the flavor profile while providing additional nutrients. Another trick is to reserve a tablespoon of sugar and sprinkle it on top of the crumble before baking for a sweeter, caramelized finish.

Serving and Storing Your Crumble

Once your crumble is baked to a golden brown, allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This cooling period helps the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve without it becoming too runny. For a delightful contrast, serve it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, which melts into the warm crumble, creating a delicious interplay of temperatures and flavors.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, pop the crumble in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it for a quicker option but be mindful that this may slightly soften the crumble topping.

Ingredients

For the Filling

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 cups rhubarb, chopped into 1-inch pieces
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Crumble

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Gently toss until the fruit is evenly coated. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the juices to develop.

Make the Crumble

In another bowl, mix together the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Assemble the Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the fruit filling into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the fruit.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.

Serve

Allow the crumble to cool slightly before serving. It’s delicious on its own or paired with vanilla ice cream.

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor twist, consider adding a bit of ginger or nutmeg to the fruit filling. Serve warm for the best experience.

Variations to Try

This crumble recipe is incredibly versatile. Instead of just strawberries and rhubarb, feel free to experiment with other fruits. Peaches or blueberries can create a delightful summer twist, while mixing in a bit of tart cherry can add an intriguing depth of flavor. If you're using fruits with higher moisture content, like blueberries, consider reducing the sugar slightly to balance the flavors.

For a unique flavor boost, sprinkle a bit of orange zest into the filling before baking. This addition not only enhances the taste but also adds a fragrant aroma that elevates the entire dish. You might also consider swapping regular oats for gluten-free oats to accommodate dietary preferences.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your crumble topping doesn't achieve that crisp, golden brown look, it may have been too damp. Always ensure that your butter is melted but not too hot when mixed with dry ingredients. If you find your filling too watery, layer your fruit with the sugar and flour as instructed, but also consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to help thicken the juices during baking.

Finally, if the aroma of the baking crumble isn't permeating your kitchen, that may indicate it hasn't been baking long enough or at the correct temperature. Keep an eye on the edges of the crumble; they should be turning golden as a good visual cue that it's time to take it out of the oven.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen fruit for this recipe?

Yes, frozen strawberries and rhubarb can be used, but ensure to thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat in the oven for best results.

→ Can I make this crumble ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the filling and crumble separately and assemble just before baking.

→ What can I serve with the crumble?

It's delightful on its own, but serving it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream enhances the experience.