Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Recipe
Strawberry rhubarb crumble is a delightful dessert that combines sweet strawberries with tart rhubarb, topped with a buttery, crumbly mixture. You’ll start by mixing fresh strawberries and rhubarb with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. The crumb topping consists of flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, with cold butter worked in. Pour the fruit into a baking dish, cover with the crumb mixture, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until golden and bubbly. For best results, choose firm, bright red strawberries and thaw frozen rhubarb if necessary. This versatile recipe offers numerous variations and tips to enhance your culinary experience.
The Perfect Strawberry Rhubarb Combination
This classic summer dessert marries the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of rhubarb, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that has delighted palates for generations. The vibrant red hue and balanced taste make it a favorite for pies, crumbles, and other baked goods. This recipe showcases the fruits in a delicious crumble, perfect for warm evenings or as a crowd-pleasing dessert at gatherings.
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 2 cups rhubarb, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine strawberries, rhubarb, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Mix well and set aside.
- In another bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add cold butter cubes to the dry mixture and use your fingers to work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour the fruit mixture into a 9-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the fruit.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.
- Allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Top Tips
- Choose firm, bright red strawberries for the best flavor.
- If using frozen rhubarb, thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
- For a finer crumb topping, pulse the mixture in a food processor.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
- To prevent a soggy bottom, sprinkle some flour on the baking dish before adding the fruit mixture.
Variations
- Add 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as almonds or pecans) to the crumb topping for extra crunch.
- Incorporate 1 teaspoon of grated orange zest to the fruit mixture for a citrusy twist.
- Replace half of the strawberries with blueberries for a mixed berry version.
- Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger to the crumb topping for a subtle spice kick.
Nutritional Guide
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Servings | 8 |
| Calories | 285 |
| Fat | 11g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fiber | 4g |
This strawberry rhubarb crumble is a relatively high-carb dessert due to the fruit and sugar content. However, it also provides a good amount of fiber from the fruits and oats. The fat content is moderate, primarily coming from the butter in the crumb topping. While this dessert should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, it does offer some nutritional benefits, including vitamins and antioxidants from the strawberries and rhubarb.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Frozen Strawberries for Fresh Ones in This Recipe?
You can substitute frozen strawberries for fresh ones in your recipe. While fresh strawberries offer better texture, frozen ones work well when thawed and drained. For rhubarb substitutes, consider using tart apples, cranberries, or green gooseberries if needed.
How Long Does Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Stay Fresh After Baking?
Your crumble’s shelf life depends on storage options. At room temperature, it’ll last 1-2 days. Refrigerated, it’s good for 3-5 days. For longer preservation, consider freezing leftovers. They’ll maintain quality for up to 3 months when properly stored.
Is It Possible to Make This Dessert Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make this dessert gluten-free. Use gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or oat flour for the crumble topping. Adjust baking techniques by reducing oven temperature slightly and monitoring closely to prevent over-browning of gluten-free ingredients.
Can I Prepare the Crumble Topping in Advance?
Yes, you can make the crumble topping ahead. Mix dry ingredients, cut in cold butter, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
What Other Fruits Pair Well With Rhubarb in a Crumble?
You’ll find the best fruit combinations with rhubarb by considering its tart flavor profile. Apples, pears, raspberries, and blackberries complement rhubarb well. These pairings balance acidity and sweetness, enhancing the overall depth of your crumble.
Before You Go
You’ve mastered the art of balancing tart rhubarb with sweet strawberries in this classic crumble.
The ideal 2:1 strawberry-to-rhubarb ratio guarantees a harmonious flavor profile.
Your precise measurements and controlled baking temperature have resulted in a perfectly set filling with a crisp, golden topping.
By allowing the crumble to rest for 15 minutes post-baking, you’ve achieved perfect consistency.
This technique-driven approach yields a dessert that’s texturally superior and flavor-optimized.
