Jamie Oliver’s Apple and Rhubarb Crumble is a modern twist on the classic British dessert. The tangy rhubarb pairs beautifully with the sweet apples, creating a comforting balance of flavors. The crumble topping itself is buttery, crisp and perfectly golden, making it the ideal contrast to the soft, fruit-filled filling. It’s the kind of dessert that fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma and becomes a crowd-pleaser no matter the occasion. Think of it as a cozy hug in a bowl, perfect for a family dinner or a special treat during the colder months.
Jamie Oliver Apple And Rhubarb Crumble Recipe
Ingredients Needed
For Jamie Oliver’s Apple and Rhubarb Crumble, you’ll need a few simple but key ingredients:
For The Filling
- Rhubarb – Fresh, tart and tangy. It’s what adds that burst of flavor to balance the sweetness of the apples.
- Apples – A good, firm apple variety (like Bramley or Granny Smith) works best. These give structure to the filling and a nice, subtle sweetness.
- Sugar – Caster sugar or granulated, depending on your preference. You’ll use it to sweeten the fruit and help create a juicy base.
- Lemon juice – Adds a touch of acidity, helping to highlight the flavors of the fruit.
- Cornstarch – To thicken the filling just enough so it’s not too runny but still juicy.
For The Crumble Topping
- Butter – Use cold, unsalted butter. It helps achieve that rich, crumbly texture.
- Flour – Plain flour works perfectly here. It’s the base that binds the crumble together.
- Sugar – A little more sugar (typically brown sugar) for added flavor and sweetness.
- Oats – Optional but they add a lovely texture and make the crumble topping extra crunchy.
- Salt – A pinch of salt balances out the sweetness and brings everything together.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe, just the basics:
- A baking dish – A standard oven-safe dish (about 20cm x 20cm) works best. You want the crumble to spread evenly and bake through.
- A saucepan – To cook the fruit filling before transferring it to the oven.
- A mixing bowl – To combine the ingredients for the crumble topping.
- A pastry cutter or your fingers. For rubbing the butter into the flour (you can use a food processor if you prefer).
- A spoon – To serve up that delicious crumble when it’s done.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Apple And Rhubarb Crumble
This is where the magic happens! Follow these steps and you’ll have a delicious crumble in no time.
-
Prepare The Fruit Filling
- Start by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- Peel, core and chop the apples into chunks. Chop the rhubarb into similar-sized pieces.
- Put both fruits into a saucepan, along with the sugar, lemon juice and cornstarch.
- Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruit starts to soften and release its juices. The cornstarch should thicken it slightly. Once ready, pour it into your prepared baking dish.
-
Make The Crumble Topping
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar and oats (if using).
- Add the cold butter, cut into small cubes and rub it into the dry ingredients using your fingers or a pastry cutter. You’re aiming for a breadcrumb-like texture.
- Once the butter is fully incorporated, sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the fruit.
-
Bake
- Pop the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
-
Serve
- Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. This dessert is fantastic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
What I Learnt
Making Jamie Oliver’s Apple and Rhubarb Crumble was a lesson in simplicity and balance. The key to getting that perfect crumble topping lies in using cold butter and not overworking it. this is how you achieve that crisp, crumbly texture. Also, the fruit filling is all about timing. don’t cook it for too long before it hits the oven. The fruit should be tender but not mushy, allowing it to hold up during the baking process.
Using rhubarb in a crumble was a revelation. It adds such a bright, tangy contrast to the sweet apples and together they create a dessert that’s just the right level of indulgent without being overly sweet.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Apple And Rhubarb Crumble
Jamie Oliver’s Apple and Rhubarb Crumble is already pretty perfect but there’s always room for a few personal twists. Let’s dive into some fun tweaks you can try!
1. Spice It Up
Want to bring a bit more warmth to your crumble? Add a pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon to the fruit mix. The aromatic spices will elevate the tangy rhubarb and sweet apples. You could even throw in a dash of nutmeg if you’re feeling fancy.
2. Swap the Fruit
While apples and rhubarb make a classic combo, feel free to mix it up! Pears work wonderfully with rhubarb. think of it as a sweeter, softer alternative. Or, use blackberries for a more tart flavor profile. You can also play with a mix of stone fruits like peaches and plums. The key is balancing the sweetness of the fruit with the sharpness of the rhubarb.
3. Oaty Topping
Jamie’s crumble topping is great but adding oats to the mixture creates a crunchy texture that takes it to the next level. Use a combination of butter, flour, sugar and rolled oats for a heartier topping that’s still beautifully crisp. You can even use coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
4. Sweeten the Deal
Depending on your taste, you might want to adjust the sweetness. If you prefer a more decadent version, add a bit more sugar to the topping or drizzle the finished crumble with caramel sauce. If you want a slightly less sweet crumble, reduce the sugar in both the filling and the topping.
5. Add a Nutty Element
Nuts can give your crumble an interesting crunch. Walnuts or almonds are great options. just chop them up and mix them into the crumble topping for added texture. If you’re using oats in the topping, you can even replace some of the flour with ground almonds for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Nobody wants to waste a good crumble, so here’s how to store those leftovers and keep them tasting fresh!
1. Keep It in the Fridge
Once the crumble has cooled down, store it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll last about 3-4 days which is plenty of time to enjoy a second (or third) helping.
2. Freezing for Later
Crumble freezes beautifully and you can even freeze it before baking. To do this, assemble the crumble, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it straight from the freezer into the oven, adding an extra 10-15 minutes of baking time. If you’re freezing leftovers after baking, let them cool, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
3. Reheating Tips
When reheating, you can either microwave individual portions (about 30 seconds to a minute) or use the oven to get that crispy topping back. If using the oven, cover the crumble with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the topping.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Apple And Rhubarb Crumble?
A good crumble is comforting on its own but there are plenty of delicious pairings to elevate the experience.
1. Cream
Classic and simple. Pour a generous amount of double cream over your crumble for an extra layer of richness. It balances out the tartness of the rhubarb beautifully.
2. Ice Cream
If you’re craving something cold, vanilla ice cream is the obvious choice. The creamy, smooth texture contrasts perfectly with the warm, fruity crumble. For something a little more indulgent, try cinnamon or caramel-flavored ice cream for an added kick.
3. Custard
A traditional British pairing! Pour a nice warm custard over your crumble to make it feel like a real treat. You can make custard from scratch or use store-bought; either way, it’s going to be heavenly.
4. Greek Yogurt
For a lighter option, a dollop of thick Greek yogurt is perfect. Its tanginess complements the sweetness of the crumble, creating a beautiful contrast.
5. A Hot Drink
Pair your dessert with a nice cup of tea or coffee. A rich, dark roast coffee works really well as it helps balance the sweetness. If you’re more of a tea person, opt for something like Earl Grey or a mild green tea for a refreshing finish.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Apple And Rhubarb Crumble Recipe Unique?
Jamie’s recipe blends tart rhubarb with sweet apples and adds a crunchy, buttery crumble topping that gives the perfect balance of flavors.
Can I Use Frozen Rhubarb For Jamie Oliver’s Crumble Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess water before using it in the filling.
How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Apple And Rhubarb Crumble?
The prep time is about 20 minutes, and it bakes for 40 minutes, so it’s a pretty quick dessert overall!
