why make this recipe
Old-Fashioned Rhubarb Crumble is a delightful treat that brings together the tartness of rhubarb and the sweet crunch of a buttery crumble topping. This classic dessert is perfect for any occasion. It offers a comforting taste that many people remember from childhood, making it a nostalgic choice that warms the heart and satisfies the sweet tooth.
how to make Old-Fashioned Rhubarb Crumble
Ingredients
- 2 lbs rhubarb stalks, cut into about 1/2-in pieces
- 1-1/3 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for crumble)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 stick cold unsalted butter, diced into cubes, plus more for greasing
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Lightly butter a 9″x13″ baking dish.
- In a large bowl, stir together the filling ingredients: rhubarb, sugar, 1/4 cup flour, vanilla extract, ginger, and cinnamon.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and salt for the crumble.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Spread the rhubarb mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the rhubarb mixture.
- Bake for about 40-45 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and the crumble is golden.
- Let cool for about 20-30 minutes before serving. Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
how to serve Old-Fashioned Rhubarb Crumble
Serve Old-Fashioned Rhubarb Crumble warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. This dessert can be a lovely finish to a meal or a comforting snack on its own.
how to store Old-Fashioned Rhubarb Crumble
Store any leftover rhubarb crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil if you prefer. To reheat, simply place a portion in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
tips to make Old-Fashioned Rhubarb Crumble
- Make sure to cut the rhubarb into even pieces for consistent cooking.
- If your rhubarb is very tart, you can increase the sugar slightly to balance the flavors.
- Use cold butter for the crumble to achieve a better texture.
- Feel free to sprinkle some oats into the crumble for added texture and flavor.
variation
You can add strawberries to the rhubarb mixture for a delightful twist. This combination not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful color to the dessert.
FAQs
Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb. Just thaw it and drain any excess moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients.
How do I know when the crumble is done?
The crumble is done when the filling is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the crumble ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

Old-Fashioned Rhubarb Crumble
A delightful treat combining tart rhubarb and a sweet, buttery crumble topping, perfect for any occasion.
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs rhubarb stalks, cut into about 1/2-in pieces
- 1–1/3 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for crumble)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 stick cold unsalted butter, diced into cubes, plus more for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Lightly butter a 9″x13″ baking dish.
- In a large bowl, stir together the filling ingredients: rhubarb, sugar, 1/4 cup flour, vanilla extract, ginger, and cinnamon.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, and salt for the crumble.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Spread the rhubarb mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the rhubarb mixture.
- Bake for about 40-45 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and the crumble is golden.
- Let cool for about 20-30 minutes before serving. Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
Store any leftover crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil if you prefer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: rhubarb, crumble, dessert, baking, nostalgic
