The Perfect Sweet-Tart Rhubarb Crumble Recipe for Spring

Sweet summer memories flood back when I make this classic rhubarb crumble that sparkles with tangy goodness.

Stalks of ruby-red fruit peek through a golden, buttery topping waiting to surprise you.

Countryside kitchens have perfected this dessert over generations.

Crisp oats and brown sugar create a delightful contrast against soft, tart fruit underneath.

Seasonal baking brings comfort and joy to any afternoon gathering.

Simple ingredients combine into something magical that makes everyone smile.

You’ll want to savor every warm, crumbly bite of this nostalgic treat.

Why Rhubarb Crumble Deserves the Spotlight

• Craft a Comforting Classic: This rhubarb crumble brings nostalgic home-style baking that warms hearts and delights taste buds with its simple, rustic charm.
• Master Easy Baking Skills: Perfect for beginners, the recipe requires minimal technical skills and basic kitchen tools, making it an excellent introduction to homemade desserts.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend treats, this dessert appeals to both kids and adults with its sweet-tart flavor profile and crunchy topping.
• Seasonal Ingredient Celebration: Highlights fresh rhubarb's vibrant taste, transforming a humble vegetable into a spectacular dessert that captures the essence of spring and early summer produce.

What’s in That Tangy-Sweet Rhubarb Crumble

• Rhubarb: A tart and vibrant vegetable with a beautiful pink color that adds a tangy flavor to the dessert.
• Caster Sugar: A fine sugar that helps balance the rhubarb's tartness and creates a sweet base.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, rich undertone that complements the rhubarb's natural flavor.

• Flour, Oats: Create a hearty and textured base for the crumble that adds a satisfying crunch.
• Butter: Brings richness and helps bind the crumble ingredients together.
• Demerara Sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps create a golden brown topping.
• Cinnamon: Offers a warm, aromatic spice that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Cream, Ice Cream: Provides a cool, smooth contrast to the warm and tangy rhubarb crumble.

How to Bake Rhubarb Crumble That Wows

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 180°C (350°F), getting it perfectly ready for our delightful rhubarb adventure.

Step 2: Prepare Rhubarb Base

Grab a large bowl and toss in fresh rhubarb with caster sugar and vanilla extract.

Mix everything until the rhubarb is beautifully coated. Spread this vibrant mixture evenly into a baking dish, creating a delicious foundation.

Step 3: Create Crumbly Topping

• Flour
• Demerara sugar
• Oats
• Cinnamon

Add cold butter and use your fingertips to gently massage and blend the ingredients. Work the mixture until it transforms into a delicate, sandy texture resembling breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Layer the Crumble

Sprinkle the crumbly mixture generously and evenly over the rhubarb base, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Watch for a golden-brown topping and bubbling rhubarb beneath.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the crumble to cool slightly.

Serve warm with a dollop of cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly dessert experience.

Crumble-Worthy Tips for Maximum Flavor

• Choose fresh, bright red rhubarb stalks for the most vibrant color and sweetest flavor in your crumble.
• Adjust sugar levels based on rhubarb's natural tartness; taste the fruit before adding sugar to balance sweetness.
• Ensure butter is cold and cut into small cubes for the perfect crumbly texture when mixing the topping.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or custard for a classic British-style dessert that enhances the rhubarb's tangy notes.

Sweet and Tart Takes on Rhubarb Crumble

• Berry Bliss Crumble: Replace rhubarb with a mix of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a colorful, fruity version packed with summer flavors.
• Nutty Autumn Crumble: Add chopped almonds and pecans to the crumble topping, and swap cinnamon for ground nutmeg to create a warm, rich dessert perfect for cooler months.
• Ginger Spice Crumble: Incorporate fresh grated ginger into the rhubarb mixture and sprinkle ground ginger into the crumble topping for a zesty, aromatic experience.
• Tropical Escape Crumble: Mix rhubarb with chunks of mango and passion fruit, then add shredded coconut to the crumble topping for a refreshing, exotic spin.

Pairing Treats for Rhubarb Crumble Moments

• Pair Perfectly with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Rich, cold vanilla ice cream complements the warm, tangy rhubarb crumble, creating a heavenly temperature and flavor contrast that melts beautifully together.
• Elevate with Sweet Dessert Wine: Choose a late-harvest Riesling or Gewürztraminer to match the dessert's tartness, enhancing the rhubarb's natural sweetness with its delicate fruity notes.
• Complement with Fresh Whipped Cream: Light, airy whipped cream softens the crumble's intense flavors, adding a smooth texture that balances the dessert's rustic crunch and bright rhubarb tang.

Storing Rhubarb Crumble Without the Sog

• Refrigerate: Store leftover rhubarb crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to maintain freshness.
• Freeze: Wrap the cooled crumble tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 160°C (325°F). Remove from refrigerator, place in an oven-safe dish, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.
• Microwave Quick Warm: Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish.

All the Rhubarb Crumble Answers You Crave

• Is rhubarb safe to eat raw?

No, rhubarb leaves are toxic and should never be consumed. Only the stalks are edible and safe for cooking.

• How can I tell if rhubarb is ripe and ready to use?

Look for firm, bright pink or red stalks without blemishes. Avoid stalks that are soft, discolored, or have brown spots.

• Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb. Thaw and drain excess liquid before mixing with sugar to prevent a watery crumble.

• Why do I need to rub butter into the dry ingredients with my fingertips?

This technique helps create a crumbly, sandy texture for the topping, which results in a crisp and delicious crumble.

Rhubarb Crumble Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sweet rhubarb crumble brings spring’s tangy essence to dessert lovers’ tables. Crisp buttery topping embraces tart fruit beneath, creating a classic comfort dish perfect for sharing with cherished friends and family.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 500 grams (17.6 ounces) rhubarb, chopped into 3 centimeters pieces
• 200 grams (7 ounces) plain flour
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) butter, cold and cubed
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) demerara sugar

Sweet Enhancers:

• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Spice and Texture:

• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle for even baking.
2. Slice rhubarb into uniform chunks and transfer to a mixing bowl, gently folding in caster sugar and vanilla extract until the fruit is evenly coated.
3. Transfer the sugared rhubarb mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out to create an even layer that will cook consistently.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, combine flour, demerara sugar, rolled oats, and ground cinnamon to create the crumble base.
5. Add chilled butter to the dry ingredients, using fingertips to gently rub and blend until the mixture transforms into a textured, crumbly consistency resembling coarse breadcrumbs.
6. Carefully distribute the crumble topping across the rhubarb, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
7. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and bubbling fruit underneath.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the crumble to rest for 10-15 minutes, which helps the filling set and makes serving easier.
9. Serve warm alongside a dollop of cold cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures.

Notes

• Select rhubarb stalks that are firm, glossy, and bright red for the best flavor and vibrant color in your crumble.
• When cutting rhubarb, use a sharp knife and slice into even 1-inch pieces to ensure consistent cooking and texture.
• Adjust sugar levels depending on rhubarb’s tartness – taste the raw rhubarb first and increase sugar if extremely sour.
• For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free oat flour in the crumble topping to maintain a similar crunchy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 335
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg