Let’s make a simple and tasty dessert called Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Crumble. It’s a mix of sour rhubarb and sweet, crunchy topping that tastes great. It’s a popular British dessert because it’s easy to make and very satisfying.
This recipe is for 6-8 people and takes about 45 minutes to an hour to make. It’s a great choice for the end of a family meal, a sweet snack for get-togethers, or just for fun when you feel like baking.
I’ll show you how to make this famous Rhubarb Crumble step by step, including some tips and different ways to make it, so it comes out great every time.
What is Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Crumble?
The Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Crumble is a quintessential British dessert, featuring a base of tender, slightly tart rhubarb topped with a golden, crunchy crumble. It’s a perfect harmony of textures and flavors, marrying the freshness of rhubarb with the comforting richness of the topping.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes readily available ingredients, making it easy to whip up on a whim.
- Comforting and Cozy: Perfect for those evenings when you need a warm, comforting dessert.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with different fruits or toppings according to season or preference.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its balance of tartness and sweetness makes it a hit with both adults and children alike.
Ingredients Needed for Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Crumble
For the Filling:
- 500g rhubarb, trimmed and cut into 2cm pieces
- 100g granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 orange (optional)
For the Crumble Topping:
- 200g all-purpose flour
- 100g cold butter, cubed
- 150g brown sugar
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: 50g rolled oats or chopped nuts for texture
Instructions for Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Crumble
Step 1. Preparing the Rhubarb Filling
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F, gas mark 4). This ensures the oven is at the perfect temperature for baking your crumble.
- Cook the Rhubarb: Place the rhubarb pieces into a large saucepan. Add the golden caster sugar and water. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until the rhubarb is soft and slightly syrupy. If you like, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Once the rhubarb has softened, transfer it to a suitable baking dish. Spread it evenly across the bottom, creating a uniform layer that will be covered by the crumble topping.
Step 2. Making the Crumble Topping
- Mix Flour and Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the plain flour with the chilled, diced butter. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. This step is therapeutic, reminiscent of the gentle, patient strokes we share with our pets.
- Add Sugar, Oats, and Almonds: Stir in the demerara sugar, rolled oats, and chopped almonds into the breadcrumb mixture. The oats add a lovely texture, while the almonds offer a nutty crunch, each bite a reminder of the diversity of experiences we share with our pets.
- Top the Rhubarb: Evenly sprinkle the crumble mixture over the cooked rhubarb in the baking dish. Make sure the rhubarb is completely covered, and gently press down with a fork for an even top.
Step 3. Baking the Crumble
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden and crisp, and the rhubarb filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cooling: Allow the crumble to cool slightly before serving. This waiting period is a good moment to reflect on the day’s end, perhaps shared with a furry companion at your feet, eager for a taste of your time and perhaps a little treat of their own.
What Do I Serve With Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Crumble?
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that offers a cold, creamy contrast to the warm crumble.
- Custard: Pour warm custard over the top for a truly British experience.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream complements the tanginess of the rhubarb.
- Fresh Berries: For a lighter option, serve with a side of fresh berries for added freshness and color.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Crumble
- Chill Your Butter: Keep the butter cold to ensure a crumbly topping. Warm butter can lead to a dense crumble.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the crumble ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overworking the mixture can affect the texture.
- Adjust Sugar: Taste your rhubarb and adjust the sugar in the filling accordingly. Some rhubarb is more tart than others.
- Add Texture: Consider adding rolled oats or chopped nuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch and flavor.
Variations of Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Crumble
- Mixed Berry Rhubarb Crumble: Add a cup of mixed berries to the rhubarb for a burst of color and flavor.
- Ginger Rhubarb Crumble: Incorporate a teaspoon of ground ginger into the crumble mixture for a warm, spicy twist.
- Nutty Topping: Mix in chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans with the topping for added texture and nuttiness.
- Oat Crumble: Substitute half of the flour with rolled oats for a more rustic topping.
Storing Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Crumble Leftovers
Keeping your Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Crumble fresh for later enjoyment is easy with the right storage techniques.
Here’s how to preserve the deliciousness:
In the Refrigerator:
- Cool the crumble completely before storing.
- Transfer to an airtight container or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For Freezing:
- Allow the crumble to cool down completely.
- Place portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap them securely in foil.
- Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality.
Reheating Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Crumble Leftovers
To recapture the warmth and texture of freshly baked rhubarb crumble, follow these reheating guidelines:
Using the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F/Gas 4).
- Transfer the crumble to an oven-safe dish if it’s not already in one.
- Cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Heat for 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed.
Microwave Method:
- Place a serving of the crumble in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel to retain moisture.
- Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway to ensure even warming.
Nutrition Values (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
- Fat: 14g (Saturated Fat: 8g)
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 33g (this might vary depending on the amount of sugar adjusted for the rhubarb’s tartness)
- Sodium: 150mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen rhubarb for the crumble?
Yes, frozen rhubarb can be used without thawing. It might release more water, so you could add an extra tablespoon of flour to the fruit mixture to help absorb the excess liquid.
What’s the best way to get a crunchy crumble topping?
For a crunchy topping, make sure your butter is cold and work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Adding a handful of oats or nuts can also enhance the texture.
Can the rhubarb crumble be made gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Ensure any additional ingredients, like oats, are certified gluten-free.
Final Words
The Hairy Bikers Rhubarb Crumble recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a journey back to the simple joys of cooking and sharing. Whether you stick to the classic or experiment with variations, it’s sure to bring warmth and happiness to your table. Happy baking!
More By British Recipes Book:
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- Mary Berry Yule Log
- Mary Berry Birthday Cake Sponge
- Mary Berry Sticky Toffee Pudding
- Mary Berry Apple And Blackberry Crumble
- Mary Berry Malt Loaf
- Delia Smith Black Forest Gateau
- Delia Smith Coffee and Walnut Cake
- Delia Smith Apple And Blackberry Crumble
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