Rhubarb & Ginger Crumble Recipe

Tangy Rhubarb & Ginger Crumble Recipe: A Comforting Treat

Summers burst with unexpected magic when a rhubarb & ginger crumble lands on your dessert plate.

Sweet tartness dances through each warm, golden-edged bite.

Crimson stalks peek beneath a buttery, crumbly blanket of oats and brown sugar.

Ginger’s subtle warmth adds a delightful kick to this classic comfort treat.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen emerge with every spoonful of this nostalgic dessert.

Fresh ingredients transform simple moments into delectable celebrations.

Let this recipe spark your culinary adventure and bring joy to your table.

Why People Crave Rhubarb & Ginger Crumble

  • Craft a Comforting Dessert: This rhubarb and ginger crumble offers a heartwarming experience with its perfect blend of tangy rhubarb and warming ginger.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap out nuts or adjust sugar levels to match personal taste preferences, making it a versatile and adaptable recipe.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Crowd Treat: Ideal for gatherings, dinner parties, or family meals, this dessert impresses with its rustic charm and delightful flavor combination.
  • Simple Seasonal Celebration: Showcases fresh seasonal rhubarb while delivering a classic British-style dessert that connects you to traditional cooking methods.

What Goes Into a Great Rhubarb & Ginger Crumble

Fruit Filling:
  • Rhubarb: A tart and vibrant seasonal vegetable that adds a tangy flavor to the dessert.
  • Apples: Sweet and soft fruit that creates a smooth base for the filling.
  • Ginger: Spicy root that provides a warm and zesty kick to the fruity mixture.
Crumble Topping:
  • Flour, Butter: Essential ingredients that create the classic crumbly texture of the dessert.
  • Oats: Hearty grain that adds a nutty and rustic element to the topping.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the crumble and helps in caramelization.
  • Nuts: Provide a crunchy and rich texture to the topping.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla: Adds a smooth and aromatic sweetness to the filling.
  • Butter: Helps to create a rich and smooth consistency in the fruit mixture.
  • Sugar: Balances the tartness of the rhubarb and enhances overall sweetness.
Serving Options:
  • Clotted Cream, Custard, Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy accompaniments that complement the warm crumble.

Easy Steps to Make Rhubarb & Ginger Crumble

Step 1: Prepare Crumble Topping

Grab a mixing bowl and combine flour and softened butter. Use your fingertips to gently blend the ingredients until they transform into delicate, sandy breadcrumb-like texture.

Sprinkle in:
  • Rolled oats
  • Granulated sugar

Mix everything with a wooden spoon, creating a wonderfully rustic, coarse crumble consistency.

Spread the mixture onto a baking tray and send it into a preheated oven at 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F.

Bake for 15 minutes until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and starts forming delightful clusters. Let it cool slightly, then fold in chopped nuts for extra crunch.

Step 2: Craft Fruity Filling

Select a heavy-based saucepan and melt butter over medium heat. Stir in sugar and vanilla, creating a rich, aromatic base.

Add apples and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly until they transform into a luscious, thick purée.

Introduce rhubarb and freshly chopped ginger to the apple mixture.

Let everything simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the rhubarb to soften slightly while maintaining its vibrant character.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake Crumble

Divide the warm, fragrant filling into 6 individual pie dishes or one large baking dish.

Generously crown each portion with the golden, nutty crumble topping.

Slide the dishes into the oven and bake for 15 minutes.

Watch for the topping to turn a beautiful golden shade and the filling to bubble enticingly.

Step 4: Serve Immediately

Pull out your masterpiece and serve warm.

Accompany with a dollop of clotted cream, a pool of custard, or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert experience.

Tips to Make Your Rhubarb & Ginger Crumble Even Better

  • Toast the nuts carefully to enhance their flavor and prevent burning, ensuring a delightful crunch in the crumble topping.
  • Choose fresh, firm rhubarb stalks with vibrant color for the best taste and texture in the filling.
  • Adjust sugar levels based on the tartness of rhubarb and personal preference, balancing sweetness with the fruit's natural tang.
  • Allow the crumble topping to cool completely before mixing with nuts to maintain a crisp texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Consider using gluten-free flour and oats for a celiac-friendly version of this comforting dessert.

Swaps and Spins on Rhubarb & Ginger Crumble

  • Tropical Paradise Crumble: Replace rhubarb with mango and pineapple, add coconut flakes to the crumble topping, and serve with passion fruit sorbet for a vibrant summer dessert.
  • Autumn Spice Crumble: Swap apples for pears, incorporate cinnamon and nutmeg into the filling, mix crushed pecans into the crumble, and pair with caramel sauce.
  • Berry Bliss Crumble: Use mixed berries instead of rhubarb, sprinkle almond slivers in the topping, and serve with lavender-infused whipped cream for an elegant touch.

Drinks and Sweets That Pair with Rhubarb & Ginger Crumble

  • Pair Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Smooth, rich vanilla ice cream provides a cool contrast to the warm, tangy rhubarb crumble, balancing the dessert's intense flavors perfectly.
  • Sip Ginger-Infused Tea: A steaming cup of ginger tea complements the dessert's spicy notes, enhancing the ginger in the recipe and offering a warming accompaniment.
  • Match Sweet Moscato Wine: A light, sweet white wine with floral undertones cuts through the dessert's tartness, creating a delightful flavor harmony that elevates the entire tasting experience.
  • Enjoy Clotted Cream Dollop: Traditional thick, luxurious clotted cream adds richness and smoothness, melting beautifully into the warm crumble and providing a classic British dessert pairing.

How to Store Rhubarb & Ginger Crumble Without Losing Texture

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
  • Freeze: Transfer cooled crumble to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. Place a layer of parchment paper between portions for easy separation.
  • Reheat Oven Method: Preheat oven to 160°C. Place crumble in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to restore crispness.
  • Microwave Quick Option: Heat individual portions for 30-45 seconds on medium power.

Rhubarb & Ginger Crumble Questions, Answered

  • What makes the rhubarb and ginger combination unique?

The tartness of rhubarb perfectly balances the spicy warmth of ginger, creating a vibrant and complex flavor profile that adds depth to the classic crumble dessert.

  • Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?

Yes, frozen rhubarb works well. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before adding to the apple mixture to prevent the filling from becoming too watery.

  • Is this dessert suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely! This rhubarb and ginger crumble is vegetarian-friendly and can be easily adapted to be dairy-free by using plant-based butter and serving with non-dairy ice cream or custard.

  • How do I know when the crumble topping is perfectly baked?

The crumble is ready when it turns golden brown and forms crispy clusters.

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Rhubarb & Ginger Crumble Recipe

Rhubarb & Ginger Crumble Recipe


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4.6 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Rhubarb & ginger crumble delivers a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors, dancing with rustic charm. Warm spices and buttery crumble topping invite dessert enthusiasts to savor this classic British comfort treat that you’ll want to enjoy again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruits and Vegetables:

  • 400 grams (14.11 ounces) rhubarb, chopped
  • 3 apples, peeled and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons stem ginger in syrup, finely chopped

Dairy and Fats:

  • 250 grams (8.82 ounces) unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients and Sweeteners:

  • 200 grams (7.05 ounces) plain flour
  • 100 grams (3.53 ounces) rolled oats
  • 100 grams (3.53 ounces) light brown sugar
  • 50 grams (1.76 ounces) chopped mixed nuts (hazelnuts, almonds)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) / 350°F / gas 4, preparing for a delightful dessert creation.
  2. Create the crumble topping by gently rubbing flour and butter between fingertips until the mixture resembles fine, delicate breadcrumbs.
  3. Incorporate oats and sugar into the breadcrumb mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon to develop a rustic, coarse texture.
  4. Spread the crumble mixture evenly on a baking tray and roast for 15 minutes until achieving a golden, clustered appearance. Allow to cool slightly, then fold in chopped nuts for added crunch.
  5. Prepare the fruit filling by melting butter in a heavy-based saucepan over medium heat, then introducing sugar and vanilla for a rich, aromatic base.
  6. Add apples and cook for 5 minutes, continuously stirring until transforming into a thick, luscious purée.
  7. Introduce rhubarb and finely chopped ginger to the apple mixture, simmering for 5 minutes to slightly soften the rhubarb while melding the flavors.
  8. Distribute the warm fruit filling among 6 individual pie dishes or a single large baking dish, ensuring even coverage.
  9. Generously top the fruit with the prepared crumble mixture, creating an enticing golden layer.
  10. Bake for 15 minutes until the topping turns golden and the filling bubbles with intense fruit flavors.
  11. Serve immediately while warm, accompanied by a dollop of clotted cream, smooth custard, or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.

Notes

  • Toast the nuts before chopping for a deeper, richer flavor that enhances the crumble’s overall taste profile.
  • Control rhubarb’s tartness by adjusting sugar levels, using less for a more tangy dessert or more for sweeter preferences.
  • Prevent soggy crumble by ensuring the topping remains crisp through pre-baking the crumble mixture separately before adding to the fruit base.
  • Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond or oat flour, maintaining the delicious texture and taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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