Rhubarb Rose Crumble Squares

Highlighted under: Sweet Dessert Recipes

Delightful squares combining tart rhubarb with a hint of floral rose, topped with a buttery crumble.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-29T18:46:28.113Z

These Rhubarb Rose Crumble Squares are a delightful twist on a classic dessert. The vibrant rhubarb brings a tangy flavor, while the hint of rose adds an elegant touch that makes this dessert truly special.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A harmonious blend of tart rhubarb and fragrant rose
  • Irresistibly crunchy crumble topping
  • Perfect for tea time or as a sweet dessert

The Perfect Balance of Flavors

Rhubarb Rose Crumble Squares are a delightful treat that epitomizes the balance of sweet and tart. The rhubarb provides a sharp tanginess that contrasts beautifully with the aromatic sweetness of rose water. This unique combination creates an intriguing flavor profile that makes every bite a culinary adventure. The addition of lemon juice enhances the natural brightness of the rhubarb, making the filling vibrant and refreshing.

This recipe allows you to enjoy the flavors of spring in every square. The fragrant notes of rose infuse warmth and a subtle floral essence, making these squares a perfect choice for special occasions or a casual afternoon tea. Each layer plays a vital role, from the buttery crumble to the luscious filling, ensuring that you savor a symphony of flavors with each square.

A Versatile Dessert Option

These Rhubarb Rose Crumble Squares are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for various occasions. Whether you're hosting a tea party, celebrating a birthday, or simply treating yourself after a long day, these squares are sure to impress. They can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or at room temperature with a dusting of powdered sugar for a more refined presentation.

Additionally, this recipe can be adapted to include other fruits or flavors. Feel free to mix in strawberries or raspberries for a delightful twist, or substitute the rose water with orange blossom for a different aromatic experience. This adaptability allows you to tailor the recipe to your taste preferences while maintaining the original charm of the dish.

Tips for Success

To achieve the best results, ensure that your rhubarb is fresh and properly chopped. This will not only improve the texture of the filling but also enhance the overall flavor. It’s essential to balance the sugar with the tartness of the rhubarb, so don’t hesitate to adjust the sugar levels according to your taste.

When preparing the crumble topping, mix the ingredients until they resemble coarse crumbs. Overmixing can lead to a dense topping rather than a light, crunchy crumble. Lastly, allowing the squares to cool before cutting is crucial; this helps them set properly and makes portioning easier, ensuring you serve perfectly shaped squares.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the crust and crumble

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the filling

  • 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rose water
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and prepare for baking.

Instructions

Instructions

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.

Prepare the crust

In a bowl, mix together flour, oats, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt until crumbly. Press half of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Make the filling

In another bowl, combine chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, rose water, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir well to coat the rhubarb.

Assemble the squares

Spread the rhubarb filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Cool and serve

Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then cut into squares and serve.

Enjoy your Rhubarb Rose Crumble Squares warm or at room temperature!

Serving Suggestions

Rhubarb Rose Crumble Squares can be enjoyed in various ways, making them a flexible dessert choice. Serve them warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting treat. For a lighter option, try them with a dusting of powdered sugar and a side of fresh berries. Adding a sprig of mint can also elevate the presentation, making it visually appealing for gatherings.

Pair these squares with a cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or rose, to enhance the floral notes of the dessert. The warmth of the tea complements the tartness of the rhubarb, creating a harmonious tasting experience that’s perfect for afternoon tea or dessert after dinner.

Storage and Reheating

To store your Rhubarb Rose Crumble Squares, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for up to a week. If you prefer to enjoy them warm later, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

For longer storage, consider freezing the squares. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen rhubarb?

Yes, you can use frozen rhubarb. Just thaw and drain excess moisture before using.

→ Is rose water necessary?

Rose water adds a unique flavor, but you can omit it if you prefer.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I substitute the oats?

Yes, you can use crushed nuts or more flour if you prefer a different texture.

Rhubarb Rose Crumble Squares

Delightful squares combining tart rhubarb with a hint of floral rose, topped with a buttery crumble.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration40 minutes
Overall Time60 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Sweet Dessert Recipes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12 squares

What You'll Need

For the crust and crumble

  1. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  2. 1/2 cup rolled oats
  3. 1/2 cup brown sugar
  4. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  5. 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the filling

  1. 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
  2. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  3. 1 tablespoon rose water
  4. 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  5. 1 tablespoon lemon juice

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.

Step 02

In a bowl, mix together flour, oats, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt until crumbly. Press half of this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Step 03

In another bowl, combine chopped rhubarb, granulated sugar, rose water, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Stir well to coat the rhubarb.

Step 04

Spread the rhubarb filling evenly over the crust. Sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture on top.

Step 05

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

Step 06

Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then cut into squares and serve.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
  • Sodium: 125mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 18g
  • Protein: 3g