If you’re looking for a dessert that’s equal parts tangy, sweet, and indulgent, this Chocolate Rhubarb Crumble is the perfect choice. The sharpness of rhubarb pairs beautifully with rich dark chocolate and a buttery crumble topping. Whether you’re a fan of fruity desserts or a chocolate lover looking for a new twist, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
This recipe is perfect for those who love comforting desserts with a touch of elegance. It’s easy enough for weeknight baking yet impressive enough for dinner parties. Plus, with a few simple swaps, you can easily customize it to your taste. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making the best chocolate rhubarb crumble.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of flavors: The tartness of the rhubarb pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the chocolate and the richness of the crumble. Which makes this a beautiful way to pair rhubarb and chocolate into one delicious crumble.
- Easy to make: No complicated techniques. You can make this crumble in just a few simple steps. Making it perfect for those looking for an easy to make recipe.
- Great for any occasion: Whether for a cozy family dessert or an elegant dinner party, crumble is always a great dessert! It can be paired beautifully with wine or indulged with a cup of tea!
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your own preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients You Need For Chocolate Rhubarb Crumble
For the Rhubarb Base:
- 2 lb (1kg) rhubarb, washed, trimmed, and cut into 1-inch (2.5cm) pieces
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
For the Crumble Topping:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 pack (100g / 3.5oz) dark chocolate, finely grated
To Serve:
- Double cream or vanilla ice cream
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Baking dish (8×8 inches or similar)
- Sharp knife
- Small Grater (for the chocolate)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven mitts
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Rhubarb
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready by the time you’re done prepping.
- Combine the rhubarb ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the rhubarb pieces, sugar, vanilla essence, and orange zest. Stir everything together so that the rhubarb is evenly coated.
- Let it sit: Allow the mixture to rest for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the sugar dissolve and draws out the natural juices from the rhubarb, creating a slight syrupy texture.
- Check the texture: The rhubarb should look glossy and slightly softened. Transfer it to a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
Make the Crumble Topping
- Prepare the crumble mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and sugar.
- Incorporate the butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour mixture. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting. You should end up with a crumbly, sandy texture with pea-sized chunks of butter.
- Add the chocolate: Gently fold in the grated dark chocolate, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Chill if necessary: If your kitchen is warm, pop the crumble mixture into the fridge for 5-10 minutes before using. This helps maintain a crisp texture when baking.
Assemble and Bake
- Evenly distribute the crumble topping over the rhubarb mixture, making sure to cover as much surface area as possible.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the rhubarb mixture is bubbling at the edges.
- Check doneness: The crumble should be crisp and slightly firm to the touch, while the rhubarb should be soft and tender when poked with a fork.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the juices to thicken slightly.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve warm with a generous drizzle of double cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Enjoy every bite of this heavenly mix of tangy fruit, rich chocolate, and buttery crumble.
Variations and Substitutions For This Chocolate Rhubarb Crumble
Gluten-Free Version
- Replace flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour (1:1 ratio).
- Ensure the chocolate is gluten-free by checking the ingredient label.
Dairy-Free Version
- Swap butter with vegan butter or solid coconut oil (same amount).
- Use dairy-free dark chocolate to keep it completely plant-based.
- Serve with coconut whipped cream or dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
Nutty Twist
- Add 1/2 cup chopped almonds or walnuts to the crumble mixture for extra crunch.
- Sprinkle toasted hazelnuts over the top before serving.
Adding More Fruit
- Mix in 1 cup of strawberries or raspberries with the rhubarb for a slightly sweeter variation.
- Apple-Rhubarb Crumble: Replace half the rhubarb with peeled, diced apples for a more mellow flavor.
Sweeter Option
- If you prefer a less tart dessert, increase the sugar in the rhubarb mixture to 3/4 cup.
- Use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter taste.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a well-sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 30-45 seconds.
Best Pairings
This Chocolate Rhubarb Crumble pairs beautifully with:
- Beverages: A cup of earl grey tea, a glass of dessert wine, or a creamy hot chocolate.
- Other Desserts: Serve alongside shortbread cookies or a dollop of whipped mascarpone for an extra indulgent treat.
This Chocolate Rhubarb Crumble is an irresistible mix of flavors and textures that will delight any dessert lover. Whether you enjoy it on a cozy evening or serve it as a special treat for guests, this recipe is bound to be a hit.
