Introduction
This delightful rhubarb and apple crumble is the perfect dessert for any occasion. With the tartness of rhubarb combined with the sweetness of Granny Smith apples, this dish strikes a delicious balance. The crunchy crumble topping made of oats and brown sugar adds a wonderful texture, making it a comforting treat that is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of custard.
Ingredients
For the Rhubarb Filling:
– 500g (4½ cups) rhubarb stems, cut into 4cm (1.5″) pieces (approximately 10–12 stems; discard leaves)
– 1/3 cup white sugar
– 3 Granny Smith apples (~600g/1.2lb whole), peeled and cut into 1.5cm (3/5″) cubes (~3 cups/450g once cut)
– Zest of 1 orange (optional but recommended)
For the Crumble Topping:
– 1 cup rolled oats (not quick or steel-cut)
– 1 cup plain/all-purpose flour
– 3/4 cup (tightly packed) brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
– 90g (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
– Pinch of salt
For Serving:
– Vanilla ice cream or pouring custard
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Yield
Serves 6-8
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 200°C/375°F (or 180°C for fan oven).
Prepare the Fruit Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rhubarb pieces, apple cubes, white sugar, and orange zest. Toss well to ensure the fruit is evenly coated.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Transfer the fruit mixture into a 30 x 20cm (12 x 8″) baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Make the Crumble Topping
In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assemble the Crumble
Take handfuls of the crumble mixture, press them together to form clumps, and then break them apart over the fruit filling, ensuring an even distribution.
Bake the Crumble
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the rhubarb is tender.
Let it Rest
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Serve
Serve warm, accompanied by vanilla ice cream or pouring custard.
Notes
Ingredient Measurement
Ensure that the rhubarb is fresh and the leaves are discarded as they are poisonous.
Orange Zest
Using orange zest is optional but adds a delightful citrus flavor that complements the fruit.
Butter
Make sure the butter is unsalted to manage the overall salt content in the recipe.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and should be consumed within 3-4 days.
Serving Suggestions
This crumble pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or pouring custard for an indulgent dessert experience.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Ensure that the oven is preheated to the specified temperature (200°C/375°F) before placing the dish inside for even baking.
Tossing Ingredients
Mix the rhubarb, apple, sugar, and orange zest in a bowl to ensure that each piece is thoroughly coated for optimal flavor distribution.
Layering the Filling
Spread the fruit mixture evenly in the baking dish to ensure even cooking and caramelization of the ingredients.
Creating the Crumble Topping
Combine the dry ingredients with melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs; this ensures a crumbly texture once baked.
Forming Clumps
Press handfuls of the crumble mixture together before breaking them apart to create varied clumps, contributing to a more appealing topping texture.
Baking
Place the dish in the oven and allow it to bake until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is tender, which combines flavors effectively.
Resting
Let the baked dish rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven to help the filling set slightly before serving.
FAQ
Can I use frozen rhubarb for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb, but make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before combining with other ingredients.
What desserts can I serve this crumble with?
This crumble pairs well with vanilla ice cream or pouring custard for added richness.
Can I substitute other fruits for rhubarb and apples?
Yes, you can experiment with other fruits, but keep in mind that the texture and sweetness will vary.
How do I know when the crumble is perfectly baked?
The crumble topping should be golden brown, and the fruit filling should be bubbling around the edges.
Can I make the crumble ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and crumble topping separately and store them in the refrigerator; bake just before serving for optimal texture.
Conclusion
This delightful rhubarb and apple crumble is a perfect blend of tartness from the rhubarb and sweetness from the apples and brown sugar. The oat topping adds a wonderful texture, making it a comforting dessert, especially when served warm with vanilla ice cream or custard. This recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients, creating a delicious treat perfect for any occasion.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Mixed Berry Crumble
Combine blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries with a similar crumble topping for a summer delight.
Peach and Almond Crisp
Use diced peaches with almond extract in the filling and top with a mixture of oats, almond flour, and sliced almonds for added crunch.
Classic Apple and Cinnamon Crumble
Stick to a traditional apple crumble by using only apples, enhanced with extra cinnamon for a cozy flavor.
Cherry and Coconut Crumble
Replace the apple with cherries and add shredded coconut to the crumble topping for a tropical twist.
Mixed Fruit Crumble
Use a combination of fruits like pears, plums, and apricots for a varied texture and flavor profile, keeping the topping the same.
