A timeless British dessert celebrating seasonal forced rhubarb
There are few desserts more comforting than a classic rhubarb crumble. When made with beautifully pink forced rhubarb, it becomes something truly special. Grown in darkness to encourage tenderness and natural sweetness, forced rhubarb has long been a staple of British kitchens. It is prized for its delicate flavour and vibrant colour. Paired with juicy strawberries and topped with a golden, buttery oat crumble, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of sharp, sweet, and crunchy in every spoonful. For anyone seeking a Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble Recipe | Classic British Dessert – Nicol Retailer, this dish captures everything you love about a traditional pudding.
This Rhubarb and Strawberry Crumble with Vanilla Custard is an ideal dessert for family dinners, Sunday lunches, or relaxed entertaining. Simple to prepare yet deeply satisfying, it showcases how quality seasonal ingredients can elevate even the most familiar recipes. Fans of the Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble Recipe | Classic British Dessert – Nicol Retailer will appreciate its versatility and classic taste.
Why Forced Rhubarb Makes the Difference
Forced rhubarb cooks more quickly than outdoor-grown varieties and retains its shape beautifully when baked. Its naturally sweet-tart flavour pairs perfectly with strawberries. This reduces the need for excessive sugar while delivering a bright, fresh taste. According to BBC Good Food, forced rhubarb is ideal for desserts thanks to its tenderness and colour. Therefore, it is perfect for crumbles and puddings
Using premium forced rhubarb sourced from Nicol Retailer ensures consistent quality, flavour, and performance every time you bake. Notably, the Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble Recipe | Classic British Dessert – Nicol Retailer benefits from choosing premium ingredients.
Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble with Vanilla Custard
Ingredients
- 800 g forced rhubarb, trimmed and chopped
- 400 g strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 100 g caster sugar
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 200 g plain flour
- 100 g rolled oats
- 150 g light brown sugar
- 150 g cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 600 ml whole milk or oat milk
- 1 vanilla pod, split (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
- 4 egg yolks
- 50 caster sugar
- 20 cornflour
Instructions
Prepare the Fruit Filling
- Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, orange zest and juice, and vanilla.
- Stir in cornflour if you prefer a thicker filling.
- Transfer to a baking dish.
Make the Crumble Topping
- In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Add cold butter cubes and rub with fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Scatter evenly over the fruit filling.
Bake
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, until the fruit is bubbling and the crumble is golden brown.
Make the Vanilla Custard (Optional)
- Heat milk and vanilla pod (seeds scraped) until just below boiling, then remove from heat.
- Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornflour in a bowl.
- Gradually pour hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return to the pan and simmer gently until thickened.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly (remove vanilla pod if used).
To Serve
- Spoon warm crumble into bowls and pour over a generous serving of vanilla custard. For extra flair, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten free, simply replace the plain flour and oats in the crumble topping with certified gluten-free flour and gluten-free oats. Ensure all other ingredients, including custard, are gluten-free. Vegan variation:
For a vegan version, use plant-based butter or margarine in the crumble topping and serve with dairy-free custard, coconut yoghurt, or vegan vanilla ice cream. Swap caster sugar for a vegan-friendly sugar if required. This flexible dessert makes an ideal make-ahead pudding, reheating well and delivering comforting flavour with minimal effort.
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
This Rhubarb and Strawberry Crumble is best served warm, straight from the oven, when the fruit is gently bubbling and the crumble topping is perfectly crisp. For a classic British finish, pour over hot vanilla custard. This allows it to seep into the crumble and soften the topping slightly for a comforting, nostalgic pudding experience.
For a more indulgent dessert, serve with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream, clotted cream, or lightly whipped double cream. The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm, sharp-sweet rhubarb. If you prefer a lighter option, try Greek-style yoghurt or crème fraîche. This adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the fruit.
This dessert also adapts well to different occasions. Serve it as a relaxed family pudding or a comforting Sunday lunch dessert. Alternatively, dress it up for entertaining by portioning it into individual ramekins and garnishing with a sprig of mint or a dusting of icing sugar. Leftovers reheat well and can even be enjoyed cold the next day with tea or coffee. Indeed, the Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble Recipe | Classic British Dessert – Nicol Retailer is suitable for any event. It works for casual evenings and for special celebrations.
For dietary flexibility, pair the crumble with plant-based custard or dairy-free ice cream for a vegan-friendly serving. You can also use gluten-free accompaniments to keep the dish suitable for gluten-free guests. However you serve it, using high-quality forced rhubarb sourced from Nicol Retailer ensures vibrant colour, balanced flavour, and consistently delicious results.
This Rhubarb and Strawberry Crumble is a celebration of classic British baking. It combines the sharp sweetness of forced rhubarb with juicy strawberries and a crisp, buttery crumble topping. Simple to prepare and endlessly comforting, it’s the kind of dessert that never goes out of style. Whether served with warm vanilla custard, ice cream, or a dairy-free alternative, this recipe delivers reliable flavour and seasonal charm every time. To sum up, if you want a Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble Recipe | Classic British Dessert – Nicol Retailer, this is the one to try.
For the best results, start with premium ingredients. Using high-quality forced rhubarb ensures vibrant colour, balanced flavour, and perfect texture, making all the difference in a baked dessert. You can source fresh forced rhubarb and other quality baking ingredients from Nicol Retailer, trusted by home cooks and professionals alike. With the right ingredients and a simple method, this timeless pudding becomes a standout dessert you’ll return to again and again.