I absolutely love this Roasted Strawberry Rhubarb Pie with Crumble Topping Recipe because it brings together the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness that feels like summer on a plate. When I first tried roasting the fruit before baking the pie, it transformed the filling into this deeply flavorful, jam-like concoction that makes every bite incredible. You’ll find that roasting also reduces the baking time later, making the whole process smoother.
This pie works beautifully during strawberry and rhubarb season—in spring or early summer—but honestly, once you make this Roasted Strawberry Rhubarb Pie with Crumble Topping Recipe, you’ll want to make it anytime you can get your hands on fresh berries and rhubarb. The crumble topping adds an irresistible texture contrast that makes the pie feel indulgent yet approachable, perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Flavor Boost: Roasting the strawberries and rhubarb concentrates their flavors and creates a luscious, jam-like filling.
- Perfect Texture Combo: The crumble topping adds a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the tender filling.
- Easy to Prep Ahead: You can make the filling and crumble in advance, saving time on pie day.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weekend or a special celebration, this pie impresses every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in such a naturally delicious way. Fresh, ripe strawberries paired with tart rhubarb make the filling sing, while the crumble topping brings just the right amount of sweetness and texture.
- Pie dough: Homemade or store-bought works; just make sure it’s well-chilled for easy rolling and flakiness.
- Strawberries: Fresh and hulled, quartered for even roasting and juicy filling.
- Rhubarb: Chopped into bite-sized pieces; its tartness balances the strawberries beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Helps sweeten and soften the tart rhubarb and strawberries during roasting.
- Fresh lemon juice: Enhances the fruit’s brightness and balances sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: For the crumble topping, providing structure and a satisfying bite.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses flavor and moisture to the crumble.
- Rolled oats: Gives the crumble a rustic, hearty texture.
- Kosher salt: A tiny pinch to enhance all the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Cut into cubes and worked into the crumble for richness and crispness.
Variations
I love to switch things up depending on the occasion and what I have on hand. Experimenting with different toppings or adding spices keeps this pie exciting, and you should definitely feel empowered to personalize it too!
- Spiced Crumble: Once, I added cinnamon and nutmeg to the crumble, and it gave the pie a cozy, autumnal vibe that my family adored.
- Nutty Twist: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for extra crunch and flavor—it’s a game changer!
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend in the crumble and pie dough if you want a gluten-free treat without sacrificing texture.
- Raspberry Substitute: If you can’t find rhubarb, try using raspberries or a mix of berries — though the tartness won’t be quite the same.
How to Make Roasted Strawberry Rhubarb Pie with Crumble Topping Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Strawberries and Rhubarb
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss your quartered strawberries and chopped rhubarb in granulated sugar and fresh lemon juice, then spread them in an even layer on the sheet. Roast for about 2 to 2 ½ hours until the mixture condenses into a thick, jam-like filling. Stir occasionally, especially if you notice the edges getting too dark—this roasting step is crucial for deepening the fruit’s flavor and reducing excess moisture.
Step 2: Prepare and Blind Bake the Pie Crust
While the filling roasts, roll your pie dough into a 14-inch round and carefully fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim any uneven edges, fold under the excess dough, and crimp to create a nice, sturdy crust edge. Dock the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling, then chill the crust in the fridge for 20 minutes. Line it with parchment and fill it with pie weights or dried beans, then bake at 400°F for 20 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment, reduce the oven to 375°F, and bake for another 15-20 minutes until the crust is dry and golden. If the edges brown too fast, cover them with foil or use a pie shield.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
Mix together flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, and salt in a small bowl. Add the cubed unsalted butter and work it in with your fingers until the mixture looks crumbly but moist enough to hold together when pressed. This crumbly topping is what adds so much character to the pie, so make sure the butter is cold to get those perfect, crunchy bits.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Pie
Once your crust is baked and cooled slightly, spoon in the roasted fruit filling and smooth it out evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the filling and bake the pie until the crumble turns golden brown and crisp, about 18-22 minutes. Let the pie cool completely before slicing—it really helps the filling set up beautifully.
Pro Tips for Making Roasted Strawberry Rhubarb Pie with Crumble Topping Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Fruits: Let your strawberries and rhubarb come to room temperature before roasting for even cooking.
- Chill Dough Well: A well-chilled crust helps create a flaky base that won’t shrink during baking.
- Cover Pie Edges Early: Protect the crust edges with foil halfway through baking to avoid over-browning.
- Don’t Skip Cooling: Allow the pie to cool completely to let the filling set—cutting too soon makes a mess!
How to Serve Roasted Strawberry Rhubarb Pie with Crumble Topping Recipe
Garnishes
I love to serve this pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream—both options mellow out the tangy filling and add a creamy richness. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little coarse sugar or fresh mint leaves on top for a pretty garnish that makes the dessert look extra special.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or herbal tea. If it’s a brunch occasion, I like pairing it with a fresh fruit salad or a light green salad to balance the sweetness. My family especially enjoys it alongside lemony cocktails or sparkling water with fresh berries.
Creative Ways to Present
For celebrations, I’ve served this pie in mini tart shells topped with individual crumble portions—it’s adorable and perfect for parties. Another fun twist is layering the filling and crumble in clear glass jars to showcase the vibrant colors, making a rustic yet elegant dessert display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover pie airtight in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually cover the pie loosely with foil or plastic wrap to keep the crumble topping crisp. It tastes fantastic chilled or at room temperature, so plan to enjoy it within a few days for the best experience.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the pie, I recommend freezing it before the final bake—once assembled with the filling and crumble topping. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then bake directly from frozen, adding extra time. This trick saved me last summer when I prepped dessert ahead of time for a big family gathering.
Reheating
To reheat, warm slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to revive the crisp crumble and soften the filling nicely. Avoid microwaving because it tends to make the crust soggy and the topping lose its signature crunch.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen strawberries or rhubarb for this pie?
You can use frozen fruit if fresh isn’t available, but thaw and drain it well before roasting to prevent excess water from making the filling too runny. The roasting step still helps concentrate the flavor, so don’t skip it.
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Why do you roast the fruit before adding it to the pie?
Roasting the strawberries and rhubarb caramelizes their natural sugars and turns the mixture into a thick, jam-like consistency that ensures the filling isn’t watery. It’s a simple trick to intensify flavors and help the pie bake more evenly.
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Can I make this pie without the crumble topping?
Absolutely! While the crumble adds lovely texture and sweetness, you can opt for a classic pie crust top or a lattice crust if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust baking times accordingly.
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How do I prevent the crust edges from burning?
Cover the edges with aluminum foil or use a pie shield once they start browning to protect them from overcooking. This keeps the crust perfectly golden without any burnt spots.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Strawberry Rhubarb Pie with Crumble Topping Recipe is one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Every time I make it, I’m reminded why simple ingredients and a little roasting can turn into something extraordinary. I hope you’ll try making this pie soon—it’s a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to come back to season after season. Trust me, once you experience how wonderfully the flavors meld and how the crumble adds that perfect crunch, this pie will become your new favorite too.
PrintRoasted Strawberry Rhubarb Pie with Crumble Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 32 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 2 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Roasted Strawberry Rhubarb Pie combines the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of roasted strawberries, topped with a buttery oat crumble. The filling is slow roasted until jam-like, then baked in a flaky homemade pie crust with a golden crumble topping. Perfect for a delicious dessert that balances sweet and tart flavors with a crunchy topping.
Ingredients
Pie Dough
- 1 recipe pie dough
Filling
- 4 cups quartered, hulled strawberries (1 1/2 lbs)
- 6 cups chopped rhubarb (2 lbs)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Crumble
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/8 tsp kosher salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
- Prepare the pie dough: Make your pie dough according to your favorite recipe and chill it until you’re ready to roll out.
- Roast the filling: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the quartered strawberries, chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon juice. Spread the mixture evenly on the prepared sheet pan. Roast the fruit for 2 to 2 ½ hours until the mixture is condensed and jam-like, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Remove from oven and set aside to cool; you should have about 2 cups of filling.
- Preheat the oven for baking the crust: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Roll and fit the pie crust: Roll the chilled dough into a 14-inch round and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim any excess dough to create an even edge, then roll under the excess dough to form a crust and crimp the edges. Dock the pie shell with a fork and refrigerate for 20 minutes to prevent shrinking during baking.
- Blind bake the crust: Line the chilled crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes. Remove parchment and weights, then reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes until the crust is dried out and beginning to brown. Cover edges with foil or a pie shield if they brown too quickly.
- Prepare the crumble topping: In a small bowl, mix together the flour, light brown sugar, rolled oats, and kosher salt. Add the cubed unsalted butter and work it into the dry ingredients using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Assemble and bake the pie: Fill the pre-baked crust with the roasted strawberry rhubarb filling, smoothing it to an even layer. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the filling. Return the pie to the oven and bake at 375°F for 18-22 minutes until the crumble is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to let the filling set for clean slices. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Roasting the filling concentrates the flavors and reduces excess liquid, making the pie less soggy.
- Chilling the crust before baking helps to prevent shrinking during blind baking.
- Use pie weights or dried beans to keep the crust flat and prevent bubbles when blind baking.
- If the edges of the crust brown too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield to prevent burning.
- This pie is best served at room temperature or slightly warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 474 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 67 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg