Mary Berry Rhubarb Crumble Recipe – Easy & Classic

Nothing says comfort food like a classic Mary Berry Rhubarb Crumble. With its soft, tangy rhubarb filling and golden, buttery topping, this easy dessert is a true British favourite. Perfect for Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or when rhubarb is in season, this recipe is fuss-free and absolutely delicious.

Serve warm with custard, clotted cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.


Why You’ll Love This Mary Berry Rhubarb Crumble

  • Simple & Traditional – Just a few ingredients for maximum flavour.
  • Perfectly Balanced – Sweet, buttery topping with tart rhubarb.
  • Quick Prep – Only 15 minutes of hands-on time.
  • Seasonal Favourite – Ideal for fresh garden rhubarb or frozen.
  • Crowd Pleaser – Comforting and family-friendly.

Ingredients for Rhubarb Crumble

For the Filling

  • 900g (2 lbs) rhubarb, trimmed & chopped into 1-inch pieces
  • 175g (¾ cup) caster sugar
  • Optional: zest of 1 orange or ½ tsp ground ginger

For the Crumble Topping

  • 175g (1¼ cups) plain flour
  • 115g (½ cup) cold butter, diced
  • 85g (⅓ cup) demerara or light brown sugar

Instructions

Step 1 – Preheat Oven
Preheat to 190°C (170°C fan) / 375°F / Gas Mark 5.

Step 2 – Make the Filling
Spread rhubarb evenly in an ovenproof dish. Sprinkle with caster sugar (and orange zest or ginger if using). Toss lightly.

Step 3 – Prepare the Crumble
In a bowl, rub butter into flour until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in sugar.

Step 4 – Assemble & Bake
Scatter crumble mixture over the rhubarb. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Step 5 – Serve
Cool for 5–10 minutes, then serve with custard, cream, or ice cream.


What Goes Well With Mary Berry’s Rhubarb Crumble?

  • Thick custard (classic choice)
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Clotted cream for richness
  • Greek yogurt for a lighter option
  • Drizzle of honey
  • Fresh strawberries

Expert Tips

  • Use firm, pink rhubarb for best flavour and colour.
  • Don’t press down topping – keep it light for crunch.
  • Add spice (ginger or cinnamon) for extra warmth.
  • Bake uncovered to ensure a crisp top.
  • Chill topping if making ahead, to keep it crumbly.

Easy Variations

  • Rhubarb & Apple Crumble – Mix in tart Bramley apples.
  • Oaty Crumble – Swap 50g flour for rolled oats.
  • Nutty Crumble – Add almonds or walnuts to topping.
  • Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free flour.
  • Spiced Crumble – Stir in cinnamon or nutmeg.

Rhubarb Crumble

Storage & Freezing

  • Fridge: Store leftovers for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Best in oven to keep topping crisp.
  • Freeze Before Baking: Assemble, cover, and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Bake From Frozen: Add 10–15 extra minutes baking time.

Nutrition (per serving, 6 servings)

  • Calories: ~330
  • Carbs: ~44g
  • Sugar: ~26g
  • Fat: ~14g
  • Fibre: ~3g

FAQs About Mary Berry Rhubarb Crumble

Do you need to peel rhubarb for crumble?
No, the skin softens during baking and adds colour and flavour.

Can I use frozen rhubarb?
Yes – thaw and drain excess liquid before baking to prevent sogginess.

Can I make Mary Berry Rhubarb Crumble ahead of time?
Yes – assemble and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or freeze unbaked.

How do I stop rhubarb crumble from being watery?
Toss rhubarb in a little sugar and let it sit for 10 minutes, then drain excess liquid before baking.

What’s the best sugar for crumble topping?
Demerara or brown sugar gives a crunchy texture and caramel-like flavour, but caster sugar also works.

Can I add oats to Mary Berry’s crumble topping?
Yes, swap part of the flour for rolled oats for extra crunch.


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Mary Berry Rhubarb Crumble Recipe – Easy & Classic

Course: DessertCuisine: British
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

35

minutes
Calories

330

kcal

Ingredients

  • 900g rhubarb (2 lbs), chopped

  • 175g caster sugar (¾ cup)

  • 175g plain flour (1¼ cups)

  • 115g cold butter (½ cup), diced

  • 85g demerara or brown sugar (⅓ cup)

  • Optional: orange zest or ground ginger

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 190°C (170°C fan) / 375°F / Gas Mark 5.
  • Place rhubarb in baking dish, sprinkle with sugar, and toss.
  • Rub butter into flour until crumbly, then stir in sugar.
  • Scatter topping over rhubarb.
  • Bake 35–40 mins until golden & bubbling.
  • Cool slightly before serving warm.