Individual Rhubarb Crumble with Oats (French-Style)

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Individual rhubarb crumble gets a French twist in these chilled layered desserts. Instead of serving crumble warm from the oven, I layer rhubarb compote with crunchy toasted oat crumble and a fluffy white chocolate mousse.

They're easy to make ahead for dinner parties, picnics or summer entertaining - and each part can be prepared in advance.

Last night I gave it a go, (...) and I even did the magic with the red tea which added a wonderful flavour too. The compote, the white chocolate mousse as well as the oat topping - this dessert is a perfect composition of sweet and sour, thank you, Jill! - Danni

Modern Individual Rhubarb Crumble - layered with compote, white chocolate mousse and topped with crunchy oat crumble in a glass bowl

Why Make Individual Rhubarb Crumbles?

If you're feeding guests, these mini rhubarb crumble desserts make life easier. I prepare the three parts ahead:

The crumble and compote freeze well too, making this an easy make-ahead dessert for spring and summer entertaining.

What Makes This Rhubarb Crumble Different?

Traditional British rhubarb crumble is served warm with custard. Mine wanders off in a slightly more French direction.

Instead of baking fruit under a topping, I layer chilled rhubarb compote, crunchy toasted oat crumble and light white chocolate mousse in individual glasses.

Think of it as a modern rhubarb crumble dessert: lighter, make-ahead friendly and ideal for spring or summer entertaining.

What Can you Make with Lots of Rhubarb?

Whenever rhubarb arrives at French markets in spring, I always buy far too much. Judging by the puzzled looks at the market, I suspect I'm not supposed to leave carrying half a field of it.

My first answer is always rhubarb compote (stewed rhubarb). I spoon it onto granola, rice pudding, yogurt with a rhubarb ginger fool or ice cream - and it's also the base for these individual rhubarb crumbles.

Better still, compote freezes beautifully, so rhubarb season lasts long after spring disappears.

For more facts & rhubarb recipes,
see the market rhubarb guide.

What Fruit Goes Best With Rhubarb?

Strawberries are my favourite pairing here. They soften rhubarb's sharpness naturally and mean you need less sugar. I've tested:

rhubarb only
rhubarb and strawberries
strawberries only

As strawberries are naturally sweeter than rhubarb, my ratio of rhubarb to sugar is 4:1, so the ratio for strawberry compote is 5:1.

Do You Need to Pre-Cook Rhubarb for Crumble?

For this recipe: yes.

Traditional baked crumbles sometimes cook the fruit directly under the topping. However, these individual rhubarb crumbles are assembled in layers and served chilled, so I first make a lighter rhubarb compote.

Should You Peel Rhubarb for Crumble?

I usually don't peel rhubarb unless the stalks are thick and stringy. Simply trim the ends, remove the leaves and slice.

The pink skin adds lovely colour to the compote too. All is shown in this video demonstration for preparing rhubarb.

Where Did This French Rhubarb Crumble Idea Come From?

I developed this recipe after being inspired by a beautiful dessert from Anne-Sophie Pic's Recettes pour Recevoir. Her rhubarb dessert layers compote, shortbread and white chocolate espuma in elegant verrines.

I took the idea in another direction and gave it my own twist: crunchy toasted oats instead of shortbread, less sugar, and a touch of rose and orange blossom in the mousse.

Texture matters to me in desserts, and I wanted that comforting crumble crunch while keeping it lighter and fresh.

melting white chocolate then whisking cream, milk and rosewater to make a mousse — White chocolate mousse with rose and orange blossom - whisk until smooth for a light mousse layer to top these chilled rhubarb desserts.

Can I make this Mousse without a Siphon?

Don't worry if you don't have a siphon: just follow my easy recipe for White Chocolate, Rose and Orange Blossom Mousse.

rubbing butter into oats and flour then toasting to make a crunchy crumble — Crunchy oat crumble topping for individual rhubarb crumble - rub together the butter, oats and flour, then toast until golden for extra crunch.

Crunchy Rhubarb Oat Crumble - the Topping

I love a crunchy Scottish apple crumble with oats, so rather than baking it over the fruit, I toast the crumble separately and sprinkle it over the top just before serving.

The toasted oats add crunch against the chilled mousse and soft rhubarb compote.

Serve in mini glasses or verrines for a more modern rhubarb dessert. If you like a toasted oat crumble topping like this, try this French Apple Crumble Cake.

rhubarb rose crumbles — Layer rhubarb compote, mousse and toasted oat crumble in individual glasses or verrines for an easy make-ahead dessert.

Can I use frozen rhubarb for this dessert?

Yes. Defrost first and drain excess liquid before making the compote. Rhubarb compote also freezes well, so you can enjoy these individual rhubarb desserts outside rhubarb season.

Can I make individual rhubarb crumbles in advance?

Yes. Prepare the compote, mousse and crunchy oat crumble separately up to a day ahead and assemble shortly before serving.

Ideas How to Serve

These individual rhubarb desserts can be assembled at the last minute. For extra colour and crunch, try:

Topping with pink raspberry macaron shells (also handy to keep in the freezer)
Serve with almond tuiles
Top with a strawberry or rose petal (brush with egg white, coat in sugar and dry for an hour)
Serve with dried rhubarb chips (crisps).

glass dish of stewed rhubarb topped with oat crumble and white chocolate mousse

For more recipes like this, see the collection of healthy French chocolate recipes.