Sweet Strawberry Rhubarb Custard Dessert Recipe

Heavenly Strawberry Rhubarb Custard Dessert Recipe for Summer

Summer’s sweetest delight bursts with vibrant strawberry rhubarb custard that dances between tart and creamy.

Ripe strawberries and tangy rhubarb mingle in a silky smooth base that promises pure indulgence.

Fresh seasonal ingredients bring this classic dessert to life with stunning simplicity.

Rich custard creates a luscious backdrop for the bright fruit flavors.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and subtle tartness that lingers delicately on the palate.

Smooth, velvety, and utterly irresistible, this dessert transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat.

Prepare to savor a dessert that celebrates summer’s most beloved flavors.

Tips To Make Rhubarb Custard Smooth

  • Baking Brilliance: Ensure your crust is perfectly golden by watching closely during the initial baking – it should look light and delicate, not dark or burnt.
  • Fruit Freshness Hack: Choose ripe, vibrant strawberries and crisp rhubarb for the most intense flavor profile and beautiful color in your dessert.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend in both crust and custard to make this dessert celiac-friendly without compromising taste or texture.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: This dessert can be prepared a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and making party planning easier.
  • Serving Suggestions: Enhance the dessert with a dollop of whipped cream, sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the presentation and taste.

Serve Rhubarb Custard Cold And Creamy

  • Sweet Summer Picnic Partner: Pack slices in individual containers for a delightful outdoor dessert that captures fresh seasonal flavors perfectly.
  • Elegant Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange beautifully on a vintage cake stand and garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers to create a stunning presentation.
  • Creamy Companion Pairing: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or dollop of whipped cream to enhance the dessert's rich, tangy profile and add delightful temperature contrast.
  • Afternoon Tea Delight: Cut into small bite-sized squares and serve with hot Earl Grey tea, creating a classic sweet and sophisticated treat that feels luxurious and comforting.

Store Rhubarb Custard For Later Enjoyment

  • Quick Chill Strategy: Refrigerate the dessert in a covered container for up to 3 days, maintaining its delightful texture and fresh flavor profile.
  • Freezing Technique: Slice the dessert into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in freezer for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Serving Temperature Tip: Best enjoyed within 24 hours when fruit remains vibrant and custard keeps its silky smooth consistency. Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor depth.
  • Smart Storage Hack: Use an airtight glass container with a secure lid to prevent moisture absorption and maintain the crisp crust's delicate crunch. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve visual appeal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal

Servings: 9

Dessert Ingredients For Rhubarb Custard Treat

For Crust Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides the base structure and tender texture for the buttery crust.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds delicate sweetness and helps create a crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
  • Butter: Brings rich flavor and creates a flaky, golden base that complements the fruity filling.
For Fruit Filling Ingredients:
  • Rhubarb: Offers a tart, vibrant tang that balances the dessert's sweetness; choose firm, bright red stalks for maximum flavor.
  • Strawberries: Adds natural sweetness and beautiful color; select ripe, deeply red berries for the most intense taste.
For Custard Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind the custard and create a silky, smooth texture that holds the dessert together.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides overall sweetness and helps create a golden, caramelized top.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the custard and create a stable, creamy consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the depth of flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
  • Salt: Balances and brightens all the flavors in the dessert.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a luxuriously smooth custard texture.

Tools To Make Rhubarb Custard Layers

  • 8-inch or 9-inch baking dish: Essential for creating the perfect base and holding all layers.
  • Mixing bowl: Needed for combining crust ingredients and preparing smooth custard.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending custard ingredients until silky and lump-free.
  • Fork or pastry cutter: Great for cutting butter into flour mixture for a crumbly crust.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Sharp knife: Useful for chopping rhubarb and strawberries evenly.
  • Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for fruit preparation.

Steps To Bake Rhubarb Custard Dessert

  • Craft the Base

Press a buttery, crumbly mixture into a baking dish. Bake until it turns a delicate golden shade, creating a crisp foundation for your luscious dessert.

  • Layer Fruity Goodness

Generously scatter vibrant rhubarb and strawberry pieces across the warm crust, creating a colorful landscape of sweet and tart flavors.

  • Whip Up the Creamy Custard

Blend eggs, sugar, and cream into a silky smooth mixture that will transform your fruit-laden base into a dreamy, luxurious treat.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and let magic happen. Watch as the custard sets and develops a beautiful golden-kissed surface, promising a delectable dessert that’ll make taste buds dance.

  • Chill and Savor

Allow your creation to cool completely, letting flavors meld and intensify. Slice and serve this heavenly dessert that balances tangy fruit with creamy, sweet custard – a true crowd-pleaser perfect for any gathering.

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Sweet Strawberry Rhubarb Custard Dessert Recipe

Sweet Strawberry Rhubarb Custard Dessert


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4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Classic strawberry rhubarb custard dessert blends sweet berries with tangy rhubarb in a creamy, luscious treat. Fresh seasonal ingredients and simple techniques help home cooks craft this delightful summer dessert you’ll savor with pure pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups rhubarb (chopped)
  • 1 ½ cups strawberries (chopped)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup heavy cream (236 ml / 8 fl oz)
  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Blend flour, powdered sugar, and cold butter until the mixture transforms into coarse, sandy crumbs that will form the foundation of the dessert.
  2. Base Formation: Press the crumbly mixture firmly into a greased baking pan, creating an even layer. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until the crust turns a delicate golden shade, approximately 15-20 minutes.
  3. Fruit Arrangement: Distribute a vibrant medley of chopped rhubarb and strawberries across the golden crust, creating a colorful and tantalizing fruit landscape.
  4. Custard Creation: Whisk eggs, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, and cream until the mixture develops a smooth, silky texture that promises a luxurious filling.
  5. Assembly and Baking: Pour the velvety custard evenly over the fruit-laden crust, ensuring complete coverage. Return to the oven and bake at 325°F for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard sets with a subtle golden sheen and a gentle wobble at the center.
  6. Cooling and Serving: Allow the dessert to cool completely at room temperature, permitting the flavors to meld and the layers to stabilize. Slice into elegant portions and serve chilled or at room temperature, revealing the harmonious layers of crisp crust, vibrant fruit, and creamy custard.

Notes

  • Butter Temperature Matters: Use cold, cubed butter for the crust to ensure a flaky, crumbly texture that doesn’t become greasy or dense.
  • Fruit Preparation Technique: Chop rhubarb and strawberries into uniform sizes to guarantee even cooking and balanced flavor distribution throughout the dessert.
  • Custard Whisking Secret: Whisk ingredients thoroughly but gently to prevent incorporating too much air, which could cause the custard to become puffy or crack during baking.
  • Cooling Strategy: Allow the dessert to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent condensation and maintain the crust’s crisp texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 23 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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