Apple and rhubarb crumble

55 min Dessert
Apple and rhubarb crumble

Enjoy our apple and rhubarb crumble, where sweet apples meet tangy rhubarb beneath a golden, crunchy topping. Oats and almonds give the top layer a lovely nutty texture that pairs perfectly with the soft fruit underneath. It is a fantastic choice for a relaxed gathering, especially when served with a little cream.

New recipe

Ingredients

3 Apples (about 300 g)
300 g Rhubarb
3 tbsp Sugar
1 tsp Vanilla extract
1 tbsp Corn flour or plain flour
1 tbsp Lemon juice (optional)
Butter (for greasing the dish)

Crumble

125 g Cold butter, diced
100 g Plain flour
100 g Sugar
60 g Oats
1 pinch Salt
50 g Almonds

To serve

100 ml Cream

Instructions

Apple and rhubarb crumble
Watch the recipe🍽️
  • Preheat the oven to 180 °C (fan-assisted oven).
  • Cut apples into cubes and rhubarb into 2-3 cm pieces. Mix with sugar, vanilla sugar, cornflour, and, optionally, lemon juice.
  • Grease the base of an ovenproof dish, about 24-26 cm, with a little butter.
  • Roughly chop the almonds.
  • Rub butter, flour, sugar, oats, and salt together to make a crumble. Stir in the almonds.
  • Spread the crumble over the rhubarb and apples and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
  • Serve with cream.

Recipe tips

It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes

The apples you pick will shape the result of your apple and rhubarb crumble. Varieties like Braeburn, Cox, Elstar, or Pink Lady work well, as they keep their structure and offer a sweet-tart flavour. They soften in the oven without turning mushy and keep the filling nicely balanced alongside the rhubarb.

Prepare the rhubarb properly to keep the filling consistent and pleasant to eat. Trim the ends, remove any leaves, and rinse the stalks well before cutting them into 2-3 cm pieces. If the rhubarb is thick or a bit stringy, peel away the outer fibres with a small knife.

FAQ: Questions about apple and rhubarb crumble

If apple and rhubarb crumble is on the menu, our answers to common questions are here to help. Read everything you need to know below.

Why is my apple and rhubarb crumble watery?

A watery apple and rhubarb crumble usually comes down to the apples and rhubarb releasing too much liquid during baking. Rhubarb in particular holds a lot of moisture, so make sure you add enough cornflour and flour to thicken it. Also, cut the pieces evenly and give the crumble enough time in the oven for the juices to bubble and thicken.

Do I have to pre-cook rhubarb and apple for crumble?

No, you do not need to pre-cook rhubarb and apple for crumble. They soften in the oven as they bake, and evenly sized pieces help everything cook through at the same pace.

How do I know when the apple and rhubarb crumble is done?

Apple and rhubarb crumble is done baking when the topping turns golden and the fruit underneath bubbles around the edges. The juices should look thick rather than watery, and you can check by gently dipping a spoon into the filling to see if it feels soft and cooked through.

Can I prepare the apple and rhubarb crumble in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the apple and rhubarb crumble in advance. Assemble the filling and topping in the dish, then refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also bake it ahead of time, refrigerate it for 2-3 days, then reheat it in the oven at 170 °C for 15-20 minutes.

Nutritional values per serving

Energy:

396 Kcal

Energy distribution % Nutritional values per serving
Fibre - 5.9 g
Protein 2.7 % 2.6 g
Fat 57.9 % 25.9 g
Carbohydrates 39.4 % 38.4 g

Make an easy apple and rhubarb crumble

Try your hand at our easy apple and rhubarb crumble recipe, where a quick bit of chopping and mixing is all it takes before the oven takes over and does the rest. As it bakes, the rhubarb and apples break down into a juicy filling that hides under a crisp, nutty crumble. This duo is a natural match in the kitchen because the intense tartness of the rhubarb is mellowed by the sweetness of the apples. One spoonful in, and you have something that fully satisfies your sweet tooth.

With notes of warm vanilla and fresh lemon

Adding vanilla and lemon juice is a simple way to intensify the fruity flavours. The warm vanilla fragrance highlights the sweetness of the apples, while the acidity of the lemon brings out the tartness of the rhubarb. It is an exceptional combination for the eyes too, as the lemon juice keeps the pink and green colours looking fresh and vivid.

Crunchy crumble topping with oats and almonds

We have crowned this recipe with a traditional crumble topping, enriched with oats and almonds. While in the oven, the almonds release their sweet aroma, the oats take on a rich nuttiness, and the entire layer turns irresistibly crisp and deeply golden. It is the definitive textural counterpoint to the soft, bubbling filling hidden beneath.

If this apple and rhubarb crumble leaves you craving more, explore our rhubarb and strawberry crumble, revisit the classic rhubarb crumble, or switch things up with a rhubarb crumble traybake.

Delicious ways to serve this classic fruity dessert

This apple and rhubarb crumble is best enjoyed warm, paired with cooling, velvety sides. A generous dollop of crème fraiche is a popular choice, as its tangy richness cuts through the sweetness, melting into the nooks and crannies of the crisp topping. For a thicker finish, Greek yoghurt or plain skyr are both great options that hold their shape well.

For extra indulgence, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and enjoy the contrast of hot and cold. Alternatively, go the traditional route with a serving of silky smooth vanilla custard, wrapping every spoonful of tart filling and crisp crumble in a comforting embrace.

Learn new ways to perfect your crumble

Experimenting with spices is one of the best ways to make this apple and rhubarb crumble recipe your own. Add them to either the crumble topping or the filling. Cinnamon is a classic for a reason, providing a warm sweetness, but nutmeg offers a more subtle, woody warmth. For a different twist, try cardamom, which contributes a fresh, citrusy note.

The filling is also very versatile if you want to add a bit more variety. Pears and strawberries provide a softer texture and a mellow, floral sweetness. If you want it a bit sharper, try adding blackberries or raspberries for a tangy hit.

You do not have to stick strictly to almonds for the topping, either. Add walnuts for a firmer crunch with a hint of bitterness. Pistachios offer a more earthy flavour and a bit of extra colour, while cashews provide a nice bite with an almost creamy texture in the middle.

If this apple and rhubarb crumble has you in the mood for more, you will find plenty of ideas in our rhubarb crumble recipes and our rhubarb desserts.

https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/apple-and-rhubarb-crumble/