The Best Prize-Winning Berry Rhubarb Crumble: Sweet, Tangy, & Easy to Make

Prepare to be amazed by this extraordinary dessert! A delightful symphony of tangy rhubarb, luscious sweet strawberries, and juicy blueberries, this recipe for **Prize-Winning Berry Rhubarb Crumble** isn’t just delicious – it’s an acclaimed masterpiece that took home a staggering $5,000 prize. Once you taste it, you’ll instantly understand why this dessert stole the judges’ hearts and will undoubtedly capture yours too.

The Story Behind This Award-Winning Rhubarb Crumble

Every great recipe often comes with an equally compelling story, and this Berry Rhubarb Crumble is no exception. This particular recipe landed in my hands through a wonderful connection within my recipe and food Facebook group. One of our incredibly talented members, Pat Harmon, is what we call a “recipe contester.” This means she dedicates her time to crafting innovative recipes and entering them into various cooking competitions. And let me tell you, Pat doesn’t just enter – she wins, and she wins big!

Pat generously shared her “Very Berry Rhubarb Cobbler” (which we’ll delve into the name later!) with the group, revealing its incredible history. This very recipe secured a whopping $5,000 grand prize back in 1997! Pat recounted her journey, explaining that she had been an avid recipe contester for several years before entering Reddi-Wip’s “50 Fruit Salute” contest. This competition was unique, offering $50 prizes to winners from each state, culminating in one grand prize winner who would receive $5,000.

Even before this impressive win, Pat had already established herself as a culinary force, having been a finalist in the prestigious Pillsbury Bake-Off (an achievement she would repeat two more times!). Her dedication and creative flair were undeniable. She described the inspiration for this particular recipe:

“I was a big fan of rhubarb and strawberries together, so I changed it up a bit by adding blueberries. Inspired by an apple crisp topping I had tried, I added almonds to mine. I received two letters in the mail the same day. One said I had been chosen for the $50 Pennsylvania prize and the other said I had won the grand prize as well!”

Imagine the excitement of receiving two such letters on the same day! It’s a testament to the sheer brilliance and unique balance of flavors in her creation. This rich history makes every bite of this crumble even more special.

Cobbler, Crisp, or Crumble? Settling the Debate

Now, a quick note on the name. Pat’s original recipe was titled “Very Berry Rhubarb Cobbler,” but I’ve chosen to call it “Prize Winning Rhubarb Crumble.” There’s a friendly, yet sometimes passionate, debate among bakers about the precise definitions of desserts like cobblers, crisps, crumbles, grunts, and buckles. For the sake of clarity and to keep the peace in “Internetland,” here’s a common breakdown:

• Crisp: Typically features a topping that includes rolled oats, which bake up to be, well, crispy!
• Cobbler: Characterized by a topping made of biscuit-like dough dropped onto the fruit filling. When baked, these dough mounds often resemble a cobbled road.
• Crumble: Similar to a crisp but usually omits oats. Instead, its streusel-like topping primarily consists of flour, sugar, butter, and can include nuts, creating a rich, crumbly texture.

Given that Pat’s incredible topping includes almonds and no oats, classifying it as a “crumble” aligns best with these traditional definitions. Regardless of what you call it, the delightful combination of fruit and sweet, nutty topping remains irresistible!

RELATED: For another fantastic rhubarb treat, be sure to try our Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bars too!

Ingredient Information and Smart Substitution Suggestions

Crafting the perfect dessert starts with understanding your ingredients. All specific measurements, quantities, and detailed instructions are available in the printable recipe card at the very end of this post. Here’s a closer look at the key components and how to make the most of them:

• RHUBARB – The star of the show! For the best flavor and texture, I highly recommend using fresh rhubarb. Look for crisp, firm stalks at your local farmers market or grocery store. While the color can vary from green to deep red, the stalks should be blemish-free. Remember, only the stalks are edible; the leaves are poisonous and must be discarded.
• BERRIES – This recipe shines with a vibrant mix of fresh strawberries and blueberries. If possible, opt for ripe, in-season berries to maximize their natural sweetness and flavor. If fresh berries aren’t available, frozen berries can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid to prevent a watery filling. You might also consider increasing the amount of cornstarch slightly (by about ½ to 1 teaspoon) to account for the extra moisture from frozen fruit.
• ALMONDS – Pat’s original recipe calls for sliced almonds, which add a lovely delicate crunch and nutty flavor to the topping. This is my preferred choice. However, feel free to experiment with other nuts based on your preference. Chopped pecans or walnuts would also be fantastic, providing a richer, more robust nutty note that pairs wonderfully with the fruit. For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast your nuts before adding them to the topping mixture.
• CORNSTARCH – This essential ingredient acts as a thickening agent for the fruit filling, ensuring it’s beautifully jammy and not watery. Don’t skip it!
• BALSAMIC VINEGAR – A secret weapon! Just a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar might seem unusual in a dessert, but it works wonders. It enhances the natural sweetness of the berries and adds a subtle depth and brightness, balancing the richness of the crumble. You won’t taste a vinegar flavor, but rather a more complex and rounded fruit profile.

How to Make This Prize-Winning Rhubarb Crumble: Step-by-Step Guide

These step-by-step photos and instructions are designed to help you visualize each stage of making this recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with precise measurements and instructions, you can Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.

1. Prepare Your Pan and Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375º F (190º C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature when the crumble goes in, promoting even baking. Lightly grease the bottom and sides of a 13×9 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. Greasing prevents the fruit mixture from sticking and makes for easier serving.
2. Prep the Fruit: Wash your rhubarb stalks thoroughly, then chop them into uniform 1-inch pieces. This size ensures they cook evenly and integrate well with the other berries. Slice the fresh strawberries into bite-sized pieces. There’s no need to chop the blueberries; they’re perfect as they are!
   
3. Combine Fruit: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the chopped rhubarb, sliced strawberries, and fresh blueberries.
4. Sweeten and Thicken the Fruit Filling: Add the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and balsamic vinegar to the fruit mixture. Stir thoroughly, ensuring that you reach the bottom of the bowl to coat all the fruit evenly. Continue mixing until every piece of fruit glistens with a beautiful sugary coating. This coating is crucial for both flavor and to help the cornstarch activate and thicken during baking.
   
5. Transfer to Pan: Pour the sugared fruit mixture into your prepared 13×9 inch baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Set the pan aside while you prepare the irresistible topping.
   
6. Prepare the Crumble Topping: In a separate medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and sliced almonds. Stir these dry ingredients together. Next, crack in the large egg and stir until the mixture begins to form delightful crumbles. Use your fingertips to gently toss and combine everything thoroughly, ensuring you achieve that perfect crumbly texture. The egg helps bind the topping just enough to create those distinct crumbs.
   
7. Assemble the Crumble: Evenly sprinkle the crumbly topping over the sugared fruit in the baking pan. Once the topping is distributed, drizzle the melted unsalted butter generously over the entire surface. This butter will help the topping achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and a crisp, irresistible texture during baking.
   
8. Bake to Perfection: Carefully place the pan into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping turns a beautiful golden brown, and the fruit mixture beneath is visibly vibrant, bubbly, and fragrant. The bubbling indicates that the cornstarch is activating and thickening the fruit juices.
   
9. Cool and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the pan from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack. Allow the crumble to cool for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s just slightly warm. Serving it warm is key to enjoying its full comforting flavor and texture. Top with a generous, chilly scoop of premium vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience. The contrast of warm fruit and cold ice cream is simply heavenly!

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success

Serving Suggestions for Your Perfect Crumble

If you’ve been searching for that one standout rhubarb recipe to master, this is undoubtedly it. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors, and you’ll be endlessly grateful to Pat for sharing her winning creation. Once you’ve tried it, please do head over to my Facebook group, join the community, and let Pat know how much you enjoyed it!

This crumble is best served warm, allowing the fruit filling to remain soft and gooey, and the topping to retain its delicate crunch. While it’s utterly delicious on its own, it truly shines with a complementary topping. Our absolute favorite way to enjoy it is with a generous scoop of cold, creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast in temperature and texture is simply divine. Other fantastic options include a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a drizzle of crème fraîche for a slight tang, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar. We’re not here to judge – enjoy it however your heart desires!

This dessert is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or even a special occasion. It’s a crowd-pleaser that always leaves a lasting impression.

More Delightful Cobblers and Crisps Recipes to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting charm of crumbles and cobblers, you’re in luck! We have a treasure trove of similar recipes that bring warmth and sweetness to any table. Here are a few more favorites from our collection:

• Easy Crockpot Apple Cobbler: A set-it-and-forget-it dessert that delivers tender apples and a warm, cake-like topping.
• Simplistic 3-Ingredient Peach Cobbler: Proof that amazing desserts don’t need a long ingredient list. Perfect for a quick, comforting treat.
• Classic Rhubarb Crisp: For the purists who love rhubarb, this crisp features a hearty oat topping.
• Cozy Pumpkin Cobbler: A seasonal delight that brings all the warm spices of autumn to your dessert table.

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