The Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Crumble is a comforting and traditional British dessert that brings together the tartness of rhubarb with a buttery, golden crumble topping. It’s simple, nostalgic, and perfect for chilly evenings or as a dessert for a Sunday roast. With its balance of tangy rhubarb and sweet crumble, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser for any family gathering.
What are Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Crumble?
Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Crumble is a delicious dessert featuring tender, slightly tangy stewed rhubarb topped with a buttery, crumbly topping. When baked, the crumble becomes crisp and golden, providing the perfect contrast to the soft rhubarb underneath. It’s a classic dessert that’s easy to make and full of comforting flavors.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Simple to Make: With just a few basic ingredients, this crumble is easy to whip up.
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart: The rhubarb brings a tartness that pairs perfectly with the sweet crumble.
- Comfort Food: Ideal for those who love warm, hearty desserts.
- Great for Sharing: Perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties.
- Versatile: You can easily swap the fruit or add other seasonal options.
- Traditional British Dessert: A classic recipe that’s a must-try for lovers of British cuisine.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Crumble
For the Rhubarb Filling:
- Rhubarb: 600g of fresh rhubarb, cut into 2-inch pieces.
- Sugar: 100g caster sugar (adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your rhubarb).
- Orange zest: Adds a subtle citrus note that complements the rhubarb.
- Vanilla extract: For added depth of flavor.
For the Crumble Topping:
- Plain flour: 175g to create the base of the crumble.
- Butter: 100g unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes.
- Light brown sugar: 75g for a rich, sweet flavor.
- Rolled oats: 50g for extra crunch and texture in the topping.
- Ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm, spiced flavor to the crumble.
Equipment
- Baking dish: A 9×9-inch or similar size dish for baking the crumble.
- Mixing bowls: These are used to prepare the rhubarb filling and crumble topping.
- Knife and chopping board: To cut the rhubarb.
- Pastry blender or hands: To rub the butter into the flour for the crumble.
Instructions to Prepare Hairy Bikers, Rhubarb Crumble
1. Prepare the Rhubarb Filling
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook the Rhubarb: In a large saucepan, combine the rhubarb, sugar, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the rhubarb begins to soften but still holds its shape. Transfer the mixture to your baking dish.
2. Make the Crumble Topping
- Mix the Flour and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and cubed butter. Rub the butter into the flour using your fingers or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add Sugar and Oats: Stir in the brown sugar and oats (and cinnamon if using) to create the crumble topping.
3. Assemble and Bake the Crumble
- Top the Rhubarb: Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the rhubarb mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake the Crumble: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden and the rhubarb is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool Slightly Before Serving: Allow the crumble to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the filling set.
What Goes Well With Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Crumble
- Custard: A warm, creamy custard is the perfect traditional accompaniment.
- Vanilla ice cream: The cold, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the hot crumble.
- Whipped cream: Adds a light and airy touch to the rich dessert.
- Greek yogurt: For a tangy twist, pair the crumble with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Caramel sauce: Drizzle a bit of caramel over the crumble for extra indulgence.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Crumble
- Use chilled butter: Cold butter helps create a crisp and crumbly texture in the topping.
- Cook the rhubarb slightly before baking: This prevents the rhubarb from releasing too much liquid while baking, ensuring a perfect filling consistency.
- Adjust sweetness: If your rhubarb is particularly tart, add a little extra sugar to taste.
- Don’t overwork the crumble: Mix the topping just until it resembles breadcrumbs for the best texture.
- Add oats for texture: The oats in the crumble add a delightful crunch and extra texture.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Crumble
- Apple and rhubarb crumble: Mix rhubarb with apple slices for a sweeter, more balanced filling.
- Add ginger: Freshly grated ginger pairs beautifully with rhubarb and adds a spicy kick.
- Berry crumble: Add some raspberries or strawberries to the rhubarb for a fruity twist.
- Nut topping: Mix chopped almonds or pecans into the crumble for added crunch and flavor.
- Gluten-free version: Substitute the plain flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free dessert.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Crumble
- Room temperature: If serving within a few hours, cover the crumble with foil and keep it at room temperature.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Freezing: Freeze the fully baked crumble by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Crumble
- Oven: Reheat the crumble in a preheated oven at 150°C (300°F) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: For individual portions, microwave for 30-60 seconds until heated to your liking.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Crumble Healthier?
- Use less sugar: Reduce the amount of sugar in both the filling and the crumble topping to lower the sweetness.
- Whole wheat flour: Swap some or all of the plain flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Add more fruit: Mix the rhubarb with apples or berries to reduce the need for added sugar.
- Skip the oats: For a lighter topping, omit the oats and stick to a simple flour and butter mixture.
- Greek yogurt topping: Serve with Greek yogurt instead of custard or cream for a healthier option.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
FAQs
Should I cook the rhubarb before making the crumble?
Yes, cooking the rhubarb slightly before baking ensures it softens without releasing too much liquid during baking. This helps the filling stay thick and prevents the crumble from becoming soggy.
Can I use frozen rhubarb for rhubarb crumble?
Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb for this crumble. Thaw the rhubarb first and drain any excess water before cooking it to avoid excess liquid in the crumble.
How do you keep crumble topping crunchy?
To keep the crumble topping crunchy, use cold butter when making the topping and avoid over-mixing. Baking the crumble in the oven until it’s golden brown also ensures a crisp, crunchy topping.
Can rhubarb crumble be made in advance?
Yes, you can prepare rhubarb crumble in advance. Assemble the crumble and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also bake it ahead and reheat it when ready to serve.
Final Words
The Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Crumble is a comforting, classic dessert that combines the sharp flavor of rhubarb with a buttery, crunchy topping. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, whether it’s after a Sunday roast or on a chilly evening. Serve it with custard, cream, or ice cream for the ultimate cozy dessert experience!
More By British Baking Recipes
- Mary Berry Lemon Courgette Cake
- Hairy Bikers Boiled Fruit Cake
- Mary Berry Boiled Fruit Cake
- Mary Berry Pineapple Fruit Cake
Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Crumble
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Crumble is a delicious dessert featuring tender, slightly tangy stewed rhubarb topped with a buttery, crumbly topping. When baked, the crumble becomes crisp and golden, providing the perfect contrast to the soft rhubarb underneath. It’s a classic dessert that’s easy to make and full of comforting flavors.
Ingredients
For the Rhubarb Filling:
- Rhubarb: 600g of fresh rhubarb, cut into 2-inch pieces.
- Sugar: 100g caster sugar (adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your rhubarb).
- Orange zest: Adds a subtle citrus note that complements the rhubarb.
- Vanilla extract: For added depth of flavor.
For the Crumble Topping:
- Plain flour: 175g to create the base of the crumble.
- Butter: 100g unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes.
- Light brown sugar: 75g for a rich, sweet flavor.
- Rolled oats: 50g for extra crunch and texture in the topping.
- Ground cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm, spiced flavor to the crumble.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Rhubarb Filling
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook the Rhubarb: In a large saucepan, combine the rhubarb, sugar, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the rhubarb begins to soften but still holds its shape. Transfer the mixture to your baking dish.
2. Make the Crumble Topping
- Mix the Flour and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, add the flour and cubed butter. Rub the butter into the flour using your fingers or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add Sugar and Oats: Stir in the brown sugar and oats (and cinnamon if using) to create the crumble topping.
3. Assemble and Bake the Crumble
- Top the Rhubarb: Evenly sprinkle the crumble topping over the rhubarb mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake the Crumble: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden and the rhubarb is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool Slightly Before Serving: Allow the crumble to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the filling set.
