The Sweet-Tart Magic of Homemade Rhubarb Crumble Recipe

Sweet summer memories spark to life with this classic rhubarb crumble that captures garden-fresh flavors in every delightful bite.

Stalks of ruby-red rhubarb promise a perfect balance between tart and sugary notes.

Grandmothers across countryside kitchens have perfected this simple dessert through generations of loving preparation.

Crunchy golden oat topping adds irresistible texture to the soft, bubbling fruit beneath.

Seasonal ingredients come together effortlessly in this comforting recipe that feels like a warm embrace.

Baking this dessert fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma that draws everyone close.

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and watch faces light up with pure joy.

Why Delia Smith Rhubarb Crumble Feels Like Home

• Quick and Simple Preparation: Crafting this rhubarb crumble requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners or those wanting a stress-free dessert experience.
• Seasonal Ingredient Delight: Celebrate spring and early summer with fresh, tangy rhubarb transformed into a comforting sweet treat that captures the essence of the season.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: This dessert works beautifully for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, appealing to both kids and adults with its classic combination of tart fruit and crispy topping.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Using just a few basic pantry staples, this recipe proves you can create an impressive dessert without complicated shopping or complex techniques.

Everything You Need For Delia Smith Rhubarb Crumble

• Rhubarb: A tart and vibrant spring vegetable that provides a tangy flavor foundation for this classic dessert.
• Caster Sugar: A fine sugar that helps sweeten and balance the rhubarb's natural tartness.
• Water: Adds moisture to help the rhubarb soften during roasting.
• Ginger: Brings a warm, spicy note that complements the rhubarb's sharp flavor.

• Butter: Creates a rich, golden, and crumbly texture in the topping.
• Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the crumble ingredients together.
• Demerara Sugar: Adds a crunchy, caramel-like sweetness to the topping.

• Custard, Cream, or Ice Cream: Offers a creamy and cool contrast to the warm, tangy rhubarb crumble.

How To Make Delia Smith Rhubarb Crumble At Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn on the oven and set it to 180°C (or 160°C for a fan-assisted oven). This will ensure the perfect temperature for baking your delightful rhubarb crumble.

Step 2: Prepare the Rhubarb Base

• Caster sugar
• Water
• Ground ginger

Roast the mixture for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the rhubarb to soften slightly.

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the roasted rhubarb mixture into a baking dish that’s about 1½ inches deep. The dish should comfortably hold the fruit and provide space for the crumble topping.

Step 4: Create the Crumble Topping

• Flour
• Butter

Gently rub the ingredients together until they resemble coarse breadcrumbs. Then mix in demerara sugar to add a delightful crunch.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Scatter the crumble mixture evenly over the rhubarb base, ensuring complete coverage. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes.

Step 6: Check for Perfection

The crumble is ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the fruit beneath starts bubbling around the edges. This indicates the perfect caramelization and cooking of both the topping and fruit.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the crumble from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the filling to set and makes serving easier. Enjoy warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips For Better Delia Smith Rhubarb Crumble

• Perfectly Roast Rhubarb: Chop rhubarb into equal-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Control Sweetness Levels: Adjust sugar quantity based on rhubarb's natural tartness, tasting fruit before roasting to determine ideal sweetness.
• Achieve Crumbly Topping: Use cold butter and work quickly with fingertips to create light, crispy crumble texture that doesn't become dense.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Place baking dish on middle oven rack and avoid overmixing crumble topping to maintain a crisp, golden crust.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or custard to balance rhubarb's tangy flavor and enhance overall dessert experience.

Twists To Try On Delia Smith Rhubarb Crumble

• Gluten-Free Rhubarb Crumble: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free oat flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use coconut sugar instead of regular sugar for added nutrition.
• Vegan Rhubarb Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine. Use maple syrup or agave nectar as a natural sweetener. Add chopped nuts like almonds for extra crunch.
• Low-Sugar Rhubarb Option: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Incorporate strawberries to balance tartness without adding excess sugar. Sprinkle cinnamon for enhanced flavor.
• Seasonal Berry Adaptation: Mix rhubarb with seasonal berries like blackberries or raspberries. Use brown sugar for deeper caramel notes.

What Goes Well With Delia Smith Rhubarb Crumble

• Pair Zesty Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy, smooth vanilla ice cream cuts through the tangy rhubarb's sharpness, creating a perfect temperature and flavor balance.
• Complement Rich Custard: Warm, silky custard adds luxurious depth and softens the crumble's crisp texture, enhancing the dessert's comforting warmth.
• Match Sweet Moscato Wine: Light, slightly sparkling Moscato brings delicate sweetness that harmonizes with the rhubarb's tartness and complements the sugary crumble topping.
• Serve Whipped Lavender Cream: Delicate lavender-infused whipped cream introduces a subtle floral note that elevates the dessert's rustic charm and adds an elegant twist.

How To Store Delia Smith Rhubarb Crumble Properly

• Store leftover rhubarb crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss.
• Wrap the crumble tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove from refrigerator, place in oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Heat individual portions for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and add additional 10-second intervals if needed. Serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra deliciousness.

FAQs About Delia Smith Rhubarb Crumble

• What is rhubarb and where does it grow?

Rhubarb is a tart, pink-red vegetable that looks like red celery and grows best in cool climates like England, Scotland, and parts of North America. It’s technically a vegetable but often used like a fruit in desserts.

• Is rhubarb healthy to eat?

Yes, rhubarb is low in calories and packed with vitamins K and C, calcium, and antioxidants. It supports digestive health and can help reduce inflammation in the body.

• Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen rhubarb works perfectly. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before using. The texture and flavor remain similar to fresh rhubarb.

Zingy Rhubarb Crumble Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

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

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Description

Rhubarb crumble brings sweet-tart nostalgia to dessert tables with its rustic charm and comforting layers. Crisp oat topping and tender rhubarb create a perfect balance that delivers pure comfort in each warm, golden-edged spoonful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

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

Sweeteners:

• 8 tablespoons caster sugar
• 110g (4 ounces) demerara sugar

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C, adjusting to 160°C for fan-assisted ovens.
2. Chop rhubarb and combine with caster sugar and water in a roasting pan, cooking for 10 minutes until softened. Incorporate finely chopped ginger for an aromatic twist.
3. Transfer the roasted rhubarb mixture into a baking dish approximately 1½ inches deep, ensuring even distribution.
4. Create the crumble topping by gently working cold butter into flour using fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
5. Fold demerara sugar into the crumble mixture, providing a delightful caramelized texture.
6. Generously sprinkle the crumble topping over the rhubarb, covering the entire surface evenly.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling fruit underneath.
8. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5-7 minutes, allowing the filling to set slightly before serving warm.

Notes

• Swap rhubarb with seasonal fruits like strawberries or apples for variety and different flavor profiles.
• Reduce sugar content by using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a healthier version.
• Add ground nuts like almonds or pecans to the crumble topping for extra crunch and nutritional value.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or custard to elevate the dessert’s richness and create a more indulgent experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 396 kcal
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 3 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 33 mg