Rhubarb Crumble Tart

The Rhubarb Crumble Tart is a rustic yet elegant dessert that beautifully balances the tartness of rhubarb with a sweet, buttery crust and a golden oat topping. It’s the perfect spring or summer bake for when rhubarb is in season, and it’s just as lovely served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream as it is chilled with a cup of coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Highlights the tangy, bright flavor of rhubarb
• Combines a buttery shortbread-style crust with a crunchy oat crumble
• Simple to make, yet impressive in presentation
• Can be made ahead for easy entertaining
• Perfect for brunch, dessert, or afternoon tea

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust:

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Salt
• All-purpose flour

For the rhubarb filling:

• Fresh rhubarb, sliced
• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch
• Vanilla extract

For the crumble topping:

• Reserved crust mixture
• Rolled oats
• Optional: chopped nuts (e.g., almonds or pecans)

directions

this recipe

1. Preheat the oven:
   Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
2. Make the crust:
   Cream butter and sugar in a bowl until fluffy. Add vanilla and salt. Mix in flour until dough forms. Reserve ½ cup of this dough for the topping. Press the remaining dough into the tart pan, evenly covering the base and sides. Chill for 10 minutes while preparing the filling.
3. Prepare the filling:
   In a bowl, toss sliced rhubarb with sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla. Mix well to coat evenly.
4. Assemble the tart:
   Pour the rhubarb filling over the crust. Mix oats into the reserved dough and crumble it evenly over the rhubarb layer. Add chopped nuts if using.
5. Bake:
   Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the crumble is golden and the filling is bubbling. Let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before removing the tart ring.
6. Serve:
   Enjoy warm, room temperature, or chilled. It pairs beautifully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Add berries: Mix in strawberries or raspberries for extra color and sweetness
• Nutty version: Add ground almonds to the crust or chopped pecans to the crumble
• Citrus twist: Add orange or lemon zest to the filling for a bright contrast
• Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats

storage/reheating

Store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days.
Reheat slices in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes or enjoy cold.
This tart also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.

FAQs

Can I use frozen rhubarb?

Yes, just thaw and drain well to prevent excess moisture in the tart.

What does rhubarb taste like?

Rhubarb is tangy and slightly sour, which pairs beautifully with sweet toppings and buttery crusts.

Do I need to peel rhubarb?

No, just wash and trim the ends. If the stalks are very thick, you can slice them in half lengthwise.

Can I make this tart ahead of time?

Absolutely. It keeps well and the flavor improves after a day.

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

You can, but the homemade crust adds extra flavor and richness.

Is this tart very sweet?

No—it’s well balanced with the tart rhubarb and lightly sweet crumble. You can adjust sugar to your preference.

Can I use brown sugar in the crumble?

Yes, brown sugar adds a lovely caramel note to the topping.

What can I substitute for cornstarch?

Arrowroot powder or all-purpose flour can be used as a thickener.

Can I serve this warm?

Yes, it’s delicious warm with a scoop of ice cream or chilled straight from the fridge.

What’s the best pan to use?

A tart pan with a removable bottom makes slicing and serving easier, but a pie dish works too.

Conclusion

The Rhubarb Crumble Tart is a celebration of simple ingredients and seasonal flavors. With its flaky crust, juicy rhubarb filling, and golden oat topping, this dessert is both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re baking for brunch, a picnic, or a dinner party, this tart is sure to impress and satisfy every sweet tooth.

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