Irresistibly Sweet & Tangy Rhubarb Crumble Recipe

Crafting a delightful rhubarb crumble brings memories of springtime sweetness dancing across my grandmother’s kitchen counters.

Stalks of ruby-red rhubarb promise a tangy adventure waiting to unfold.

Tart fruit mingles with buttery crumble topping, creating a dessert that whispers comfort and nostalgia.

Seasonal ingredients transform into a simple yet magical treat that delights every palate.

Home bakers will find joy in this straightforward recipe that celebrates fresh, vibrant produce.

Warm from the oven, each spoonful offers a perfect balance of crisp topping and soft, caramelized fruit.

You’ll want to savor every delectable bite of this classic dessert.

How To Make James Martin Rhubarb Crumble

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Rhubarb

Warm up your oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Chop the rhubarb into neat 3-inch pieces. Place the rhubarb in a baking pan and sprinkle with sugar. Add a splash of water to help create a delicious sauce while roasting. Pop the pan into the oven and let it cook for 10 minutes until the rhubarb becomes soft and slightly caramelized.

Step 2: Enhance the Rhubarb Flavor

Carefully remove the roasted rhubarb from the oven. Grate some fresh ginger and sprinkle it over the rhubarb pieces. Transfer the rhubarb into a clean baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Step 3: Create the Crumbly Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine flour and cold butter. Use your fingertips to gently rub the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs. Stir in sugar to add sweetness to the crumble topping.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Generously scatter the crumble topping over the rhubarb, ensuring it covers the fruit completely. Place the dish back in the oven and bake for 35-45 minutes. The topping should turn golden brown and crispy, and the rhubarb underneath will become bubbling and fragrant.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the rhubarb crumble from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with a generous dollop of fresh cream or vanilla ice cream for a truly delightful dessert.

Top Tips For James Martin Rhubarb Crumble

• Roast Rhubarb Carefully: Use fresh, firm rhubarb stalks and cut them uniformly to ensure even cooking and balanced texture.
• Control Sugar Sweetness: Adjust sugar quantity based on rhubarb's natural tartness; taste the roasted rhubarb before adding crumble topping.
• Master Crumble Texture: Rub cold butter into flour using fingertips for light, crispy topping that creates delightful crumbly consistency.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Drain excess liquid from roasted rhubarb before adding crumble to maintain a crisp, golden base.
• Serving Temperature Matters: Serve warm with cold cream for perfect temperature contrast and enhanced flavor experience.

New Ideas For James Martin Rhubarb Crumble

• Berry Blast Crumble: Replace rhubarb with mixed berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a sweeter, fruitier version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour in the crumble topping for a celiac-friendly alternative.
• Vegan Harvest Treat: Use coconut oil instead of butter and add maple syrup for a plant-based crumble that's rich and satisfying.
• Spiced Autumn Remix: Incorporate cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom into the crumble topping for a warm, seasonal flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings With James Martin Rhubarb Crumble

• Pair Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Smooth, cold vanilla ice cream melts perfectly over warm rhubarb crumble, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
• Match Crisp White Wine: Select a sweet Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the tangy rhubarb and balance the dessert's rich, buttery crumble topping.
• Enhance with Earl Grey Tea: Brew a hot cup of Earl Grey tea with its bergamot notes, which beautifully echoes the ginger's subtle warmth and cuts through the dessert's sweetness.
• Recommend Fresh Whipped Cream: Traditional lightly sweetened whipped cream adds cloudlike softness and mild creaminess that softens the rhubarb's sharp acidic edge.

How To Store James Martin Rhubarb Crumble Right

• Store cooled rhubarb crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping its delightful texture and flavor intact.
• Wrap the crumble tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring no air touches the dessert to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm the crumble in a preheated 160C oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning and maintain moisture.
• Reheat individual portions for 30-45 seconds, adding a splash of water to prevent dryness and restore the crumble's original warmth and softness.

James Martin Rhubarb Crumble FAQs

• Is rhubarb a fruit or vegetable?

Rhubarb is technically a vegetable, but it’s often used like a fruit in desserts due to its sweet and tart flavor.

• Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?

Yes, frozen rhubarb works well. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before using to prevent a soggy crumble.

• How do I know if my rhubarb is ripe and good to use?

Look for firm, bright-colored stalks without blemishes. Avoid limp or overly soft rhubarb, which indicates it’s past its prime.

• Why do I need to roast the rhubarb before making the crumble?

Roasting helps release moisture, concentrates the flavor, and ensures the rhubarb doesn’t become too watery in the final dessert.

Why James Martin Rhubarb Crumble Is So Tasty

• Craft Simple Comfort: This rhubarb crumble brings pure homestyle cooking magic with minimal kitchen skills required, perfect for beginners wanting delicious results.
• Seasonal Celebration: Rhubarb's vibrant tartness transforms into a warm, inviting dessert that captures the essence of spring and early summer harvests, making every bite a nostalgic experience.
• Quick Kitchen Adventure: From chopping rhubarb to pulling a golden-topped crumble from the oven, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal preparation, allowing even busy home cooks to create something spectacular.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend treats, this dessert appeals to all ages with its classic combination of tangy fruit and buttery, sweet crumble topping.

What You Need For James Martin Rhubarb Crumble

• Rhubarb: Fresh, tart stalks that provide the tangy foundation of the dessert.
• Sugar: Helps balance the rhubarb's tartness and creates a sweet syrup during roasting.
• Water: Assists in creating a moist cooking environment for the rhubarb.
• Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the rhubarb's flavor.

• Flour: Creates a light, crispy base for the crumble mixture.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps bind the crumble ingredients together.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden-brown crispy top.

• Cream: Offers a rich, smooth contrast to the tangy rhubarb and crunchy topping.

Rhubarb Crumble Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 45-55 mins
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rhubarb crumble brings rustic charm to classic desserts, celebrating spring’s tangy harvest. Sweet oat topping and tart rhubarb create a perfect balance for warm comfort you’ll savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 10 sticks rhubarb
• 200g (7 ounces) plain flour
• 110g (4 ounces) butter, softened

Sugar and Spices:

• 8 tablespoons caster sugar
• 110g (4 ounces) demerara sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

Serving:

• Double cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 180°C, creating an ideal baking environment for the dessert.
2. Slice rhubarb into uniform 3-inch segments, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture.
3. Roast rhubarb with sugar and water for 10 minutes, allowing the fruit to soften and release its natural sweetness.
4. Incorporate finely chopped ginger into the roasted rhubarb, enhancing the flavor profile with a subtle warmth.
5. Transfer the aromatic rhubarb mixture into a suitable baking dish, spreading it evenly across the base.
6. Create the crumble topping by combining flour and butter, using fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
7. Integrate sugar into the crumble mixture, ensuring a balanced sweetness throughout the topping.
8. Generously distribute the crumble mixture over the rhubarb, covering the entire surface with a layer of textured goodness.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and bubbling fruit underneath.
10. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly, letting the flavors meld and the texture settle.
11. Serve warm, accompanied by a generous dollop of cream to complement the tangy rhubarb and crisp topping.

Notes

• Swap traditional sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness and complex flavor profile.
• Enhance the crumble’s texture by adding rolled oats or chopped nuts like almonds to the topping for extra crunch.
• Experiment with spices like cinnamon or cardamom to complement the tangy rhubarb and create depth in the dessert.
• For a gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour in the crumble topping, maintaining a similar rich and crispy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 35-45 mins
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 295 kcal
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 20 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg