Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble: A Delightful Dessert You Must Try

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry rhubarb crumble is a timeless dessert that harmoniously blends the sweet juiciness of strawberries with the tartness of rhubarb, all enveloped in a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumble topping. This classic treat offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you're hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening, this crumble is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the fruit filling:

• 2 cups strawberries, quartered

• 2 cups rhubarb, cleaned, ends trimmed, and cut into ½-inch pieces

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch

• ⅛ teaspoon coarse salt

For the crumble topping:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ⅛ teaspoon coarse salt

• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For serving:

• Ice cream or whipped cream

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Fruit Filling
   In a large bowl, combine the quartered strawberries and chopped rhubarb with granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Toss until the fruit is evenly coated. Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish.

3. Make the Crumble Topping
   In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and work them into the dry ingredients using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture forms large, moist clumps. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the fruit filling.

4. Bake the Crumble
   Place the baking dish on a foil-lined baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling beneath.

5. Cool and Serve
   Allow the crumble to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the filling to set. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes

• Cooking Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Add Oats: Incorporate ½ cup of rolled oats into the crumble topping for added texture.

• Nuts: Add ¼ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for a nutty flavor.

• Spices: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg in the crumble topping.

• Sweeteners: Substitute granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

How do I prevent the crumble topping from becoming too hard?

Ensure that the butter is cold and that you don't overwork the topping mixture. This will help achieve a crumbly texture rather than a dense one.

Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries and rhubarb. There's no need to thaw them; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Is it necessary to let the crumble cool before serving?

Allowing the crumble to cool for 10-15 minutes helps the filling to set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavor.

Can I make this crumble ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the crumble up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed before serving.

What can I serve with strawberry rhubarb crumble?

This dessert pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of custard sauce.

Can I use other fruits in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute or combine other fruits like blueberries, peaches, or blackberries with the strawberries and rhubarb.

How do I adjust the sweetness if my fruit is very tart?

Increase the amount of sugar in the fruit filling by 1-2 tablespoons to balance the tartness.

Can I make individual servings?

Yes, divide the fruit and topping evenly among ramekins and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the fruit is bubbling.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure that the oats are certified gluten-free.

Can I freeze the crumble?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled, unbaked crumble for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

Strawberry rhubarb crumble is a delightful dessert that combines the best of both sweet and tart flavors, topped with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced crumble. It's easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're enjoying it on a warm spring evening or as a comforting treat during colder months, this crumble is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.

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