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.

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.
Similar Recipes You May Like:
Mary Berry Rhubarb Crumble Recipe – Easy & Classic
Course: DessertCuisine: British6
servings15
minutes35
minutes330
kcalIngredients
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.