Easy Rhubarb Crumble: A Simple & Delicious Dessert Recipe

Craving a comforting and delicious dessert that’s also incredibly easy to make? Look no further than this classic rhubarb crumble! Tart rhubarb, softened and sweetened, topped with a buttery, golden crumble – it’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. This recipe is foolproof, even for beginner bakers, and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Get ready to enjoy a warm, satisfying crumble that’s perfect for a weeknight treat or a weekend gathering.

## Why You’ll Love This Rhubarb Crumble

* **Simple Ingredients:** No fancy ingredients required! This recipe relies on pantry staples like flour, butter, sugar, and oats.
* **Easy to Make:** The crumble topping is mixed by hand (or in a food processor, if you prefer), and the rhubarb filling requires minimal prep.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The tartness of the rhubarb is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the crumble, creating a delightful flavor combination.
* **Versatile:** Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or custard for an extra special treat.
* **Perfect for Using Up Rhubarb:** If you have rhubarb growing in your garden or find it at your local farmers market, this is a fantastic way to use it.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Rhubarb Filling:

* **Rhubarb:** Fresh or frozen rhubarb will work. If using frozen, thaw it slightly and drain any excess liquid.
* **Granulated Sugar:** Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the rhubarb.
* **Cornstarch:** Helps to thicken the filling and prevent it from becoming too watery.
* **Orange Zest (Optional):** Adds a bright, citrusy note to complement the rhubarb.
* **Ground Ginger (Optional):** Provides a warm, subtle spice that enhances the overall flavor.
* **Vanilla Extract (Optional):** A touch of vanilla extract adds a subtle sweetness and aroma.

### For the Crumble Topping:

* **All-Purpose Flour:** The base of the crumble topping.
* **Rolled Oats:** Adds texture and a slightly nutty flavor to the crumble.
* **Brown Sugar:** Adds sweetness and a caramel-like flavor to the crumble.
* **Granulated Sugar:** Balances the flavors in the crumble topping.
* **Cold Butter:** Use unsalted butter, cut into small cubes. The cold butter is key to creating a crumbly texture.
* **Ground Cinnamon (Optional):** Adds warmth and spice to the crumble topping.
* **Pinch of Salt:** Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** A standard baking dish works perfectly.
* **Mixing Bowls:** For preparing the filling and the crumble topping.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measuring of ingredients.
* **Pastry Blender or Fork (Optional):** To cut the butter into the flour for the crumble topping. You can also use your fingers or a food processor.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For chopping the rhubarb.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Rhubarb Filling

1. **Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).**
2. **Wash and chop the rhubarb.** If using fresh rhubarb, wash it thoroughly and trim off the ends. Cut the stalks into ½-inch to 1-inch pieces. If using frozen rhubarb, thaw it slightly and drain any excess liquid.
3. **Combine the rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, orange zest (if using), ground ginger (if using), and vanilla extract (if using) in a large bowl.** Gently toss the ingredients together until the rhubarb is evenly coated.
4. **Pour the rhubarb mixture into the prepared baking dish.** Spread it out evenly.

### Step 2: Make the Crumble Topping

1. **In a separate bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon (if using), and salt.** Whisk together to combine.
2. **Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients.** Use a pastry blender, fork, or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The mixture should be slightly clumpy, with small pieces of butter visible. Alternatively, pulse the dry ingredients and butter in a food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to over-process.
3. **Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the rhubarb filling.** Make sure to cover the entire surface of the rhubarb.

### Step 3: Bake the Crumble

1. **Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the rhubarb filling is bubbling.** The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
2. **Let the crumble cool slightly before serving.** This will allow the filling to thicken slightly and prevent it from being too runny. Cooling for at least 15-20 minutes is recommended.

### Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the rhubarb crumble warm, on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or custard. It’s also delicious with a sprinkle of powdered sugar.

## Tips for the Perfect Rhubarb Crumble

* **Use Cold Butter:** Cold butter is crucial for creating a crumbly texture. Make sure the butter is very cold before you start making the topping. You can even chill it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes beforehand.
* **Don’t Overmix the Crumble Topping:** Overmixing will result in a tough topping. Mix just until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** Rhubarb can be very tart, so adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter crumble, add more sugar to the filling or the topping.
* **Add Nuts:** For extra crunch and flavor, add some chopped nuts (like almonds, pecans, or walnuts) to the crumble topping.
* **Use Different Spices:** Experiment with different spices in the filling or the topping. Nutmeg, cardamom, or allspice would all be delicious.
* **Thaw Frozen Rhubarb Properly:** If using frozen rhubarb, thaw it slightly and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the filling. This will prevent the crumble from becoming too watery.
* **Protect the Crumble Topping (If Needed):** If the crumble topping is browning too quickly, cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
* **Let it Cool Slightly:** Allowing the crumble to cool for at least 15-20 minutes after baking helps the filling to thicken and prevents it from being too runny when serving.

## Variations on This Recipe

* **Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble:** Add sliced strawberries to the rhubarb filling for a sweeter and more complex flavor. Use about half rhubarb and half strawberries.
* **Apple Rhubarb Crumble:** Combine chopped apples with the rhubarb for a delicious autumn-inspired crumble. A mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweeter apples like Honeycrisp works well.
* **Ginger Rhubarb Crumble:** Increase the amount of ground ginger in the filling for a more pronounced ginger flavor. You can also add a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger.
* **Vegan Rhubarb Crumble:** Use vegan butter (or coconut oil) for the crumble topping and make sure your sugar is vegan-friendly.
* **Gluten-Free Rhubarb Crumble:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the crumble topping. You may also want to add a little almond flour for extra flavor and texture.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Warm with Ice Cream:** A classic pairing! Vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement to the tart rhubarb and sweet crumble.
* **With Whipped Cream:** A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch.
* **With Custard:** A creamy custard sauce is a decadent addition to rhubarb crumble.
* **As a Topping for Yogurt or Oatmeal:** Crumble leftovers can be used as a delicious topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
* **Plain:** Honestly, it’s delicious all on its own!

## Make-Ahead Tips

* **Rhubarb Filling:** The rhubarb filling can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Crumble Topping:** The crumble topping can also be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the topping for up to 2 months. If frozen, break it up with a fork before sprinkling it over the filling.
* **Unbaked Crumble:** You can assemble the entire crumble (filling and topping) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

## Storage Instructions

* **Leftover rhubarb crumble can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.**
* **To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.** You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the topping may not be as crispy.
* **You can also freeze leftover rhubarb crumble for up to 2 months.** Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 8 servings): Calories: Approximately 350-450, depending on ingredient quantities and serving size. This is an estimate and will vary.

## Rhubarb Crumble Recipe

**Yields:** 8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 35-45 minutes

**Ingredients:**

**Rhubarb Filling:**

* 4 cups chopped rhubarb (fresh or frozen)
* ¾ cup granulated sugar
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
* ½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

**Crumble Topping:**

* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* ½ cup rolled oats
* ½ cup brown sugar
* ¼ cup granulated sugar
* ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
* ¼ teaspoon salt

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, orange zest (if using), ginger (if using), and vanilla (if using). Toss to coat.
3. Pour rhubarb mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon (if using), and salt.
5. Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender, fork, or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6. Sprinkle crumble topping evenly over the rhubarb filling.
7. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
8. Let cool slightly before serving.
9. Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or custard, if desired.

Enjoy your easy and delicious rhubarb crumble! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Feel free to experiment with variations and customize it to your own taste preferences. Happy baking!