Sharing the Love: Tips & Tricks to Elevate Our Rhubarb Crumble Recipe

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or looking to explore the wonders of the kitchen, our easy rhubarb crumble recipe will help you transform simple ingredients into a show-stopping pudding.

Keep reading to discover a selection of tips and tricks to help you elevate our classic rhubarb crumble recipe and make something truly extraordinary!

Creating a show-stopping crumble starts by selecting the ideal rhubarb. Look for rhubarb that feels firm to the touch and boasts a vibrant red or candy pink colour – a sure sign they’re ripe and bursting with flavour.

Steer clear of stalks that appear too pale or yellow, as they may lack the ripeness needed to deliver that punch in flavour essential for a memorable crumble.

Now it’s time to prepare your rhubarb. Start by washing the stalks thoroughly. Then cut off the top where the leaves attach – remember, rhubarb leaves are toxic and shouldn’t be eaten.

Next, tackle the bottom of the stalks. These parts can have a woody and fibrous texture, so cut about an inch away from the bottom of the stalk to ensure the most tender and flavourful parts make it to your crumble.

Rhubarb’s natural tartness is a challenge for every baker. To create a rhubarb crumble that sings with flavour, you must find the right balance of sweet and sour. Too much sugar and you’ll mask the rhubarb’s unique, zesty charm; too little, and its acidity might overpower your dessert.

Let’s explore some tips to strike this harmonious balance:

1) Every batch of rhubarb has a unique level of tartness. Before adding sweeteners, taste the raw rhubarb to get an idea of its natural flavour profile.

2) Start gradually adding caster sugar and Lyle’s Golden Syrup to your rhubarb. Stir and taste as you go, allowing the sweet flavours to mingle with the rhubarb’s acidity.

3) The beauty of crumble lies in its versatility, there’s no right or wrong answer! Whether you prefer a tangier or sweeter dessert, adjust the caster sugar and golden syrup quantities to cater to your preference.

The crowning glory of a rhubarb crumble is undeniably its crumbly layer – the golden brown topping that makes every bite a delight. Achieving this perfection might seem daunting, but with a few simple tips, you can create a topping that’s the talk of the table.

The secret to the perfect crumbly topping is using cold butter. Cube the butter and keep it refrigerated until the moment you need it. This ensures that the butter doesn’t melt too quickly, which is key to achieving that desirable crumbly texture.

Gently rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. If you don’t want to use your fingers, you can use a food processor to pulse the ingredients together and create a consistent crumble mixture.

Customise your crumble to your heart’s content! For an extra crunch, mix in rolled oats or sprinkle demerara sugar on top of your crumble mixture before baking. You can also introduce spices like cinnamon or mixed spice for a warm, aromatic flavour.

The right topping can transform a good rhubarb crumble into a great one. Traditional options like a smooth, rich vanilla custard or a dollop of freshly whipped cream complement the tartness of the rhubarb beautifully. Alternatively, a scoop of ice cream can offer a delightful contrast to the warm crumble, creating a dance of hot and cold sensations on your palate.

For a contemporary twist, consider a tangy raspberry coulis that adds a burst of fruitiness, or a sprig of fresh mint to add a refreshing note to your dessert.

Now you have everything you need to perfect our easy rhubarb crumble recipe. Don’t forget to add Lyle’s Golden Syrup for amazing, caramelised flavours that perfectly complement the tartness of rhubarb. Check out our range to add a golden touch to your bakes!