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Easy Rhubarb Crumble Recipe (With Oaty Topping)

ByWendy Mallins
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This easy rhubarb crumble recipe is a classic British dessert made with fresh rhubarb and a crunchy oat crumble topping. It’s simple, comforting, and doesn’t require pre-cooking the fruit, making it perfect for busy family dinners or Sunday pudding.

With sweet, jammy rhubarb bubbling underneath a golden, buttery crumble topping, this traditional rhubarb crumble is proper comfort food. Serve it warm with custard, cream or vanilla ice cream and you’ve got one of the best old-fashioned desserts going.

If you’re looking for a simple rhubarb crumble with oats that works every time, this is it.

homemade rhubarb crumble being spooned into two serving bowls - rhubarb crumble has rich vanilla custard drizzled on top

Why You’ll Love This Rhubarb Crumble

  • No need to pre-cook the rhubarb
  • Made with simple cupboard ingredients
  • Crunchy oat topping for texture
  • Ready in around 35 minutes
  • Easy to adapt (gluten-free or vegan options included)
  • Freezer friendly

Rhubarb Crumble Ingredients

For the filling:

  • 3 large sticks fresh rhubarb
  • 3 tablespoon brown sugar

For the crumble topping:

  • 180g plain flour
  • 100g butter (room temperature)
  • 50g oats (jumbo oats give best crunch)
  • 50g brown sugar

Ingredient Notes

  • Rhubarb: Choose firm, bright pink stalks if possible. Avoid limp or very green stalks for best flavour.
  • Oats: Jumbo oats give a crunchier topping than porridge oats.
  • Sugar: Adjust slightly depending on how tart your rhubarb is.

How To Make Rhubarb Crumble

1. Prepare the Rhubarb

Remove and discard any leaves (rhubarb leaves are toxic). Wash the stalks, trim the ends, and chop into bite-sized pieces.

Scatter the rhubarb into an ovenproof dish and mix with 3 tablespoon brown sugar.

No need to cook the rhubarb first.

2. Make the Crumble Topping

Preheat oven to 180°C.

Rub the butter into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Stir in the oats and brown sugar.

3. Assemble & Bake

Scatter the crumble mixture evenly over the rhubarb. Don’t press it down.

Bake for around 25–30 minutes until golden on top and the fruit is bubbling up at the edges.

Allow to rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.

rhubarb chopped into bitesized pieces in a white bowl, small bowl of oats and sugar are by the side
chopped rhubarb in an oval oven proof dish - next to the dish is a bowl of brown sugar and a saucer with a block of butter on it.
oven proof dish filled with chopped rhubarb covered with brown sugar, bowl of oats alongside the oven proof dish
oven proof dish filled with chopped rhubarb with brown sugar stirred into it with a spoon
green joseph joseph mixing bowl filled with plain flour, bowl of oats, bowl of sugar and block of butter alongside with the mixing bowl
green joseph joseph mixing bowl with plain flour and block of butter tipped into it - oven proof dish with chopped rhubarb, bowl of oats alongside.
green josesph joseph mixing bowl filled with plain flour with butter rubbed into it - small bowls with sugar and oats next to the mixing bowl
green joseph joseph mixing bowl filled with plain flour and butter rubbed into breadcrumb texture - bowl of oats being tipped into the mixing bowl ready to mix in.Oven proof dish filled with chopped rhubarb and brown sugar
green joseph joseph mixing bowl with oats being stirred into flour and butter to make a crumble topping
green joseph joseph mixing bowl filled with crumble topping with brown sugar being added ready to be stirred in
green joseph joseph mixing bowl with crumble topping with brown sugar being stirred through using a wooden spoon. Oven proof dish filled with chopped rhubarb in the background
oven proof dish filled with chopped rhubarb, crumble topping with oats being scattered over the top of the rhubarb filling q

Expert Tips For The Perfect Rhubarb Crumble

How To Stop Rhubarb Crumble Going Soggy

  • Bake until the fruit is visibly bubbling
  • Don’t overload with sugar
  • Use oats for texture
  • Let it rest before serving

How To Make Crumble Extra Crunchy

  • Use cold butter
  • Don’t over-rub the topping
  • Sprinkle a tablespoon of demerara sugar on top before baking

When Is Rhubarb In Season In The UK?

Rhubarb season in the UK runs:

  • Forced rhubarb: January to March
  • Outdoor rhubarb: April to July

Yorkshire forced rhubarb is especially prized for its bright pink colour and slightly sweeter flavour. If you can’t get fresh rhubarb, frozen works perfectly too.

homemade rhubarb crumble being spooned into serving bowls

What Goes With Rhubarb Crumble?

Rhubarb crumble is delicious served with:

  • Hot vanilla custard
  • Cold custard
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Double cream

If you love traditional British puddings, you might also enjoy my apple crumble, pear crumble, or sticky toffee apple crumble recipes.

homemade rhubarb crumble being spooned into two serving bowls - rhubarb crumble has rich vanilla custard drizzled on top

Love cake? Get loads more easy cakes and bakes recipes here!

Make This Rhubarb Crumble Your Way

One of the loveliest things about a proper rhubarb crumble recipe is how easily you can make it your own.

Add extra fruit
Stir through chopped apples or pears with the rhubarb for a naturally sweeter, softer filling. It’s especially good if your rhubarb is quite sharp.

Add flavour
A little ground ginger adds gentle warmth, while a splash of vanilla extract softens the tartness and rounds everything out beautifully.

Make it gluten free
Swap the plain flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free oats. You’ll still get that golden, crumbly topping.

Make it vegan
Replace the butter with a good plant-based block butter (the firm kind, not spreadable) and use a dairy-free custard or ice cream to serve. The topping will still turn crisp and golden, with that same irresistible crunch.

However you tweak it, this easy rhubarb crumble always delivers.

Find out how to make crumble topping with oats here

Storage & Freezing

  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the oven for best texture.
  • Freeze baked crumble for up to 3 months.
Do You Need To Cook Rhubarb Before Making Crumble?

No. Rhubarb softens quickly in the oven and releases its juices as it bakes.

Can You Use Frozen Rhubarb?

Yes. Add it straight from frozen but bake slightly longer to allow excess moisture to evaporate.

Why Is My Rhubarb Crumble Too Sour?

Rhubarb is naturally tart. Add more sugar or mix with chopped apple for sweetness.

Why Is My Crumble Topping Not Crispy?

It may need longer in the oven. Also avoid pressing the topping down before baking.

Can You Make Rhubarb Crumble Ahead Of Time?

Yes. Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

homemade rhubarb crumble being spooned into two serving bowls - rhubarb crumble has rich vanilla custard drizzled on top

Rhubarb Crumble

Yield: Serves 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Really nice rhubarb crumble with custard - proper comfort food!

No Ratings

Ingredients

  • 3 sticks rhubarb
  • 3 tbs brown sugar 
  • 180g plain flour 
  • 100g butter 
  • 50g oats 
  • 50g brown sugar 

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 180C
  2. Remove any rhubarb leaves as they're poisonous - don't eat them.
  3. Wash the rhubarb and cut into bitesized pieces.
  4. Scatter over the 3 tbs brown sugar and stir it into the rhubarb.
  5. Make the crumble topping - rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs.
  6. Stir in the oats and brown sugar.
  7. Scatter the crumble topping over the chopped rhubarb.
  8. Bake the crumble in the oven for around 25 minutes until it's turning golden and the rhubarb is deliciously jammy.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 318Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 113mgCarbohydrates: 43gFiber: 2gSugar: 14gProtein: 5g

Nutritional content will vary depending on the exact ingredients you use and how careful you are with measuring - this nutritional information is given as a general guide only and may not be accurate - you should always calculate your own nutritional information especially if you have specific dietary requirements.

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© wendy
Category: Dessert

You might also just LOVE our Strawberry Crumble recipe here - it's super sticky and delicious

homemade rhubarb crumble being spooned into two serving bowls - rhubarb crumble has rich vanilla custard drizzled on top. Text "really lovely homemade rhubarb crumble daisiesadpie.co.uk"

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Disclosure – the Joseph Joseph nesting bowl set used to make this recipe was gifted for review in November 2017 – you can read the Joseph Joseph nesting bowl review here.

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Wendy is the creator of Daisies & Pie, a UK food blog sharing easy meals and home lifestyle tips since 2012