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Spelt Rhubarb and Custard Crumble

Spelt Rhubarb and Custard Crumble in a ceramic baking dish

A Classic Dessert Made Healthier

Spelt Rhubarb and Custard Crumble combines tart rhubarb with a gently sweet custard and a crunchy spelt topping. The nutty spelt flour adds texture and depth while keeping the crumble light. It’s comforting, easy to make, and perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love It

This dessert balances sweet and tart flavours beautifully. It’s easy to assemble, bakes quickly, and can be served warm with custard or cream. Using spelt flour makes the topping heartier and gives it a subtle nutty flavour that pairs perfectly with rhubarb.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 35 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 55 mins
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 6
Estimated Cost: 6
Calories: 320
Best Season: Spring, Summer
Dietary: Vegetarian
Description

Tender rhubarb stewed with a hint of sweetness, topped with a crunchy spelt crumble and baked to golden perfection. Serve with warm custard for a classic dessert. Simple, comforting, and ideal for spring or autumn evenings.

Ingredients
    Filling
  • 400 g rhubarb (chopped)
  • 50 g caster sugar (adjust for tartness)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
    • Spelt Crumble Topping
  • 100 g spelt flour
  • 50 g rolled oats
  • 75 g cold butter or vegan butter (cubed)
  • 50 g light brown sugar
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
    • Custard
  • 400 ml milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 25 g caster sugar
  • 1 tsp cornflour
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
    Preheat Oven.
  1. 1
    Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a small baking dish.
    2. Prepare Rhubarb Filling.
  2. 2
    Place chopped rhubarb, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla in a saucepan. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes until slightly softened. Pour into baking dish.
    3. Make Crumble Topping.
  3. 3
    In a bowl, rub cold butter into spelt flour, oats, sugar, and cinnamon until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
    4. Assemble Crumble.
  4. 4
    Evenly sprinkle crumble topping over rhubarb.
    5. Bake.
  5. 5
    Bake for 25–30 minutes until topping is golden and rhubarb is bubbling.
    6. Prepare Custard.
  6. 6
    Heat milk in a saucepan until warm. Whisk egg yolks, sugar, and cornflour in a bowl. Slowly pour warm milk into yolks while whisking. Return to pan and cook on low until thickened. Stir in vanilla.
    7. Serve.
  7. 7
    Spoon warm rhubarb crumble into bowls and pour over custard. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 320kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12g19%
Saturated Fat 7g35%
Cholesterol 70mg24%
Sodium 60mg3%
Potassium 250mg8%
Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
Dietary Fiber 5g20%
Sugars 25g
Protein 6g12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Additional Notes

  • Adjust sugar depending on the tartness of your rhubarb.
  • Use plant-based butter and milk for a vegan version.
  • Cool slightly before serving to allow custard to thicken.

Optional Substitutions / Variations

  • Add chopped almonds or hazelnuts to the topping for extra crunch.
  • Mix in some strawberries with rhubarb for a sweeter filling.
  • Replace custard with vanilla ice cream for a chilled dessert.

Storage, Make-Ahead & Serving Suggestions

  • Storage: Keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Make-ahead: Assemble crumble without baking, refrigerate, and bake before serving.
  • Serving: Serve with warm custard, cream, or ice cream.
Keywords: rhubarb crumble, spelt crumble, custard dessert, healthy dessert, British dessert

Tips & Variations

Crispier Topping

Use cold butter and don’t overmix to keep a light, crumbly texture.

Extra Flavour

Sprinkle a little nutmeg or zest of orange into the crumble for added depth.

Conclusion

Spelt Rhubarb and Custard Crumble is a simple, classic British dessert with a healthier twist. The nutty crumble topping complements tart rhubarb perfectly. Try it warm with custard and enjoy a comforting, seasonal treat.

Read it online: https://greatbritishspeltrecipes.com/recipe/spelt-rhubarb-and-custard-crumble/
Valentina - Spelt Recipes
Valentina
A dietitian with a passion for spelt cooking. After trying different diets, I found spelt works best in my kitchen. Join me for simple, delicious recipes that bring out the best in this ancient grain!