Last Updated on April 19, 2026 by Lisa Keys
Strawberry rhubarb crumble is one of my favorite desserts. It's half the reason I grow both strawberries and rhubarb in my garden. The other reason is pie and skillet cake.
A strawberry rhubarb crumble is such an easy dessert to make. It's basically a juicy pie without the hassle of making a pie crust. Any fruit will do. You can even make a frozen fruit crumble, but I love how well fresh strawberries and rhubarb play together. And if you are anything like me extra crumble, with or without nuts, is a necessity.
Fifteen years have passed since I lost my son, Will, yet every April 16th still brings me to my knees. I crumble. This week, on what would have been his 38th birthday, I woke at 2:00 AM to roam the dark hallways, instinctively searching for him, hoping to reach him before he drew his last breath.
The day turned miserable when I learned that vandals had destroyed his memorial bench. They ripped it from its base and burned the wood for a campfire. I struggled to process such a heartless act.
Then, the tide turned.
The Community Unites
Our small town rallied instantly. Friends began retelling Will's stories and, within hours, raised enough money to purchase a brand new bench. Their kindness transformed my grief into gratitude.
A Heavenly "Whoosh"
The evening brought one final, breathtaking surprise: an email from a casting director. I have officially moved to the next round of the competition. The recipe that won them over? The Patriotic Sparkler, the very cocktail I created to honor Will.
In that moment, I knew Will had reached out to put a smile on my face. Whoosh! Cooking and baking will always be an act of love for me. It absolutely keeps me from crumbling.
How to make Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble
Pro Tips:
- Slice large strawberries into quarters and smaller berries in half.
- Dice rhubarb into ½-inch pieces.
- Let the fruit filling macerate for 10 minutes to release some juice.
- Toss the fruit mixture a second time to make sure the cornstarch has dissolved.
- Adding nuts to the crumb mixture gives extra crunch, but be careful they do not burn. Cover the crumble with foil if the topping is looking too dark.
Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble
Equipment
- 1 pie plate
Ingredients
Fruit Filling
- 1 pound rhubarb diced
- 1 pound strawberries sliced
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon flaky salt
Crumble Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon flaky salt
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom or cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ½ cup chopped pecans or almonds optional
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375F.
Fruit Filling
- In a large bowl, toss rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, orange juice, zest, cornstarch and salt. Let stand while preparing the crumble.
Crumble Topping
- In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, salt and cardamon or cinnamon until well mixed.
- Stir in melted butter forming clumps. Stir in nuts, if desired.
Assembly
- Toss fruit mixture again making sure cornstarch has dissolved in juices. Pour into a 9 to10-inch pie dish or square baking pan.
- Top with crumble mixture.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until fruit is bubbling and top is brown.
- The mixture will thicken as it cools. Serve warm with ice cream.
Krista Skinner says
I was so moved reading this, Lisa. I can’t really express how much. Somehow they always find a way to send a light into the dark. Sending you love and a hug. ❤️
Lisa Keys says
I know you get it and how important it is to feel the connection. Our boys still show up.
Lisa says
Just had a delicious bowlful for breakfast. It definitely thickens nicely as it cools, if only one can wait.