Rhubarb & Apple Cobbler

Rhubarb and apple cobbler is a classic dessert that combines the tartness of rhubarb with the sweetness of apples, creating a delightful balance of flavors. This recipe yields a warm and comforting cobbler that serves 6 people. The rhubarb and apple mixture is sweetened with sugar and flavored with ginger and orange zest, then topped with a fluffy and slightly sweetened dough. The cobbler is baked until golden brown and the fruit is tender, creating a delicious dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or with a dollop of cream.

To prepare the cobbler, the rhubarb is cut into 2cm/1in lengths, while the apples are peeled, cored, quartered, and sliced. The fruit is then combined with sugar, flour, cornflour, ginger, butter, and orange zest. This mixture is placed in a shallow ovenproof dish.

For the dough, flour, baking powder, salt, softened butter, caster sugar, and buttermilk are combined to form a slightly sticky dough. The dough is spooned onto the fruit mixture in small mounds, allowing some of the fruit to peek through. A mixture of cream and Demerara sugar is drizzled on top to add a touch of sweetness and caramelization.

The dish is then baked in the oven until the cobbler is puffed, golden brown, and the fruit is just soft. After removing from the oven, the cobbler is allowed to stand for a few minutes before serving warm. The creamy, fruity, and slightly tangy cobbler is best enjoyed with a generous serving of cream.

INGREDIENTS:

For the filling:

• 900g/2lb rhubarb
• 450g/1lb cooking apples
• 6 tablespoons caster sugar
• 4 tablespoons plain flour
• 1 tablespoon cornflour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Grated zest of 1 orange

For the dough:

• 150g/5oz plain flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 50g/2oz butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons caster sugar
• 125ml/4fl oz buttermilk

For topping:

• 2 tablespoons double cream
• 1 teaspoon Demerara sugar

PREPARATION:

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C/425°F/Gas mark 7.
2. Cut the rhubarb into 2cm/1in lengths.
3. Peel, core, quarter, and slice the apples.
4. In a bowl, mix together the rhubarb, apples, caster sugar, flour, cornflour, ground ginger, butter, and grated orange zest.
5. Put the fruit mixture in a 25cm/10in shallow ovenproof dish and set aside.
6. In a separate bowl, sift the plain flour, baking powder, and salt.
7. Add the softened butter to the flour mixture and rub it in using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
8. Stir in the caster sugar and buttermilk to form a slightly sticky dough.
9. Spoon the dough onto the rhubarb and apple mixture in small mounds, making sure to leave some fruit exposed.
10. In a small bowl, mix the double cream with the Demerara sugar, then drizzle this mixture over the top of the dough.
11. Place the dish on a baking tray and bake for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to 190°C/375°F/Gas mark 5 and bake for a further 20–30 minutes until the cobbler is puffed, golden brown, and the fruit is just soft.
12. Remove from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes before serving warm.
13. Serve the rhubarb and apple cobbler with cream.

YIELD: Serves 6

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Adjust the amount of sugar according to the sweetness of the fruit and your personal preference.
• Feel free to add additional spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
• Serve the cobbler warm for the best taste and texture.
• Customize the dessert by adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzling caramel sauce over the top.
• Leftover cobbler can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated before serving.

Rhubarb and apple cobbler is a delightful dessert that showcases the natural tartness of rhubarb and the sweetness of apples. This recipe presents a simple and delicious way to enjoy these fruits in a comforting and satisfying dessert. With its tender and juicy fruit filling and fluffy, slightly sweetened dough topping, this cobbler is a treat for the senses.

With its combination of tart and sweet flavors, tender fruit, and fluffy dough, this rhubarb and apple cobbler is a delightful dessert that will impress your guests or make a comforting treat for yourself. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of the season and indulge in a delicious dessert.