Rhubarb Custard Pie

Table of Contents

1. Rhubarb Custard Pie Ingredients
2. How to Make This Rhubarb Custard Pie Recipe
3. Rhubarb Custard Pie Recipe Substitutions and Additions
4. How to Serve This Recipe for Rhubarb Custard Pie
5. When to Serve Custard Rhubarb Pie
6. Old-Fashioned Rhubarb Custard Pie Storage Tips
7. Why Rhubarb Custard Pie is the Best
8. Rhubarb Custard Pie
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. More Rhubarb Recipes You’ll Love
11. JUMP TO RECIPE

If you’re searching for a tried-and-true dessert that marries tangy and sweet flavors, look no further than our rhubarb custard pie recipe. At Spaceships and Laser Beams, we’re passionate about bringing you recipes that have been perfected in our kitchens. Our extensive testing and experience ensure that each recipe we share, including this delicious pie, is reliable and easy to follow, even for novice bakers.

Rhubarb custard pie holds a special place in our hearts. It comes straight from my grandma’s recipe box, combining rhubarb’s unique tartness with the custard’s creamy richness. This pie has been a family favorite for generations, and we’re excited to pass it along to you. We understand the importance of using fresh, quality ingredients and providing clear, step-by-step instructions to help you achieve the perfect bake every time.

Our dedication to culinary excellence and our commitment to helping you succeed in your kitchen set us apart. We value your trust and strive to provide delicious recipes, helpful tips, and insights. With our rhubarb custard pie, you’re not just baking a dessert but creating a memorable experience that will delight your loved ones.

Rhubarb Custard Pie Ingredients

How to Make This Rhubarb Custard Pie Recipe

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 375°F. 

STEP TWO: In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, and nutmeg. Stir to mix evenly.

STEP THREE: Rinse the rhubarb and pat dry. It does not need to be peeled. Dice into small ½-inch pieces. Measure out three cups of diced rhubarb and add to the sugar and flour mixture. Set aside.

PRO TIP: Rhubarb should be cut into bite-sized pieces. Mix it with the flour and sugar to help it stay suspended in the custard filling.  

STEP FOUR: Whisk together orange zest, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and eggs. Whisk to beat the eggs into the mixture thoroughly.

STEP FIVE: Pour the cream mixture into the rhubarb mixture and stir to combine.

STEP SIX: Pour the filling into the unbaked pie shell.

STEP SEVEN: Dot small pieces of the butter over the top of the filled pie.

STEP EIGHT: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, covering the crust loosely with aluminum foil after the first 20 minutes once the crust has browned.

STEP NINE: Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.

Rhubarb Custard Pie Recipe Substitutions and Additions

RHUBARB: If fresh rhubarb isn’t available, you can use frozen rhubarb instead. Just be sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid to avoid a soggy pie.

Alternatively, you can use strawberries or a combination of strawberries and rhubarb for a sweeter twist on the traditional flavor.

SUGAR: For a different flavor, consider using brown sugar in place of granulated sugar. Brown sugar will give the custard a slightly caramelized taste.

HEAVY CREAM: You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter custard.

NUTMEG: If you don’t have nutmeg, use an equal amount of ground cinnamon or allspice. Each of these spices will provide a warm, comforting flavor, though the taste will slightly differ from the original recipe.

VANILLA EXTRACT: Try using almond extract or a mixture of vanilla and almond extract for a different flavor twist. The almond extract will add a subtle, nutty undertone to the custard that pairs wonderfully with the tart rhubarb.

PIE CRUST: You can purchase a frozen pie crust, a refrigerated pie crust, or make your own pie crust from scratch for this custard pie recipe.

How to Serve This Recipe for Rhubarb Custard Pie

Take this simple rhubarb dessert to the next level with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and whipped cream on top. This dessert is so beautiful that you will impress anyone you share it with.

PRO TIP: You can dust the top of the pie with powdered sugar just before serving if desired.

When to Serve Custard Rhubarb Pie

Rhubarb custard pie is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on a variety of occasions. Its tangy and sweet flavor profile makes it a delightful choice for spring and summer gatherings when rhubarb is in season.

Here are some specific occasions when you might consider serving this pie:

Family Gatherings and Holidays: Rhubarb custard pie is a fantastic choice for family get-togethers, such as Easter, Mother’s Day, or Fourth of July celebrations. Its vibrant color and refreshing taste make it a standout dessert that adds a touch of homemade charm to any festive table.

Potlucks and Picnics: This pie travels well and can be served at room temperature, making it an ideal dessert for potlucks and picnics. Its unique flavor is sure to be a conversation starter, and it pairs nicely with various other dishes typically found at these events.

Dinner Parties and Get-Togethers: Impress your guests with a slice of this beautifully balanced dessert. It provides a lovely contrast to richer main courses and is light enough to enjoy even after a hearty meal.

Whether you’re hosting a formal event or enjoying a casual afternoon with friends and family, rhubarb custard pie is sure to be a hit. Its blend of tart rhubarb and creamy custard creates a dessert that is both memorable and satisfying.

Old-Fashioned Rhubarb Custard Pie Storage Tips

IN THE FRIDGE: Cover this delicious pie with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for three to four days.

IN THE FREEZER: This dreamy custard rhubarb pie is ridiculously silky and creamy when it is freshly baked, but unfortunately, it is not one of those desserts you can freeze, defrost, and enjoy later.

Why Rhubarb Custard Pie is the Best

Rhubarb custard pie is beloved for several reasons, each contributing to its enduring popularity:

Unique Flavor Combination: The tartness of the rhubarb paired with the rich, creamy custard creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is both refreshing and comforting. This contrast between sweet and tangy makes each bite intriguing and delightful, appealing to a wide range of taste preferences.

Seasonal Freshness: Rhubarb is a seasonal ingredient, often associated with spring and early summer. This pie captures the essence of these seasons, offering a taste of freshness and a reminder of warmer days. The seasonal aspect also adds a sense of anticipation and specialness, as it’s a treat that isn’t available year-round.

Nostalgic Appeal: For many, rhubarb custard pie is a dessert that evokes fond memories of family gatherings, holidays, and home baking. It’s a recipe that has been passed down through generations, creating a sense of tradition and nostalgia. This emotional connection enhances its appeal, making it more than just a dessert but a cherished part of family history.

Versatility and Simplicity: Despite its complex flavor profile, rhubarb custard pie is relatively simple to make. Its straightforward ingredients and easy-to-follow steps make it accessible to both novice and experienced bakers. Additionally, its versatility means it can be served on various occasions, from casual picnics to elegant dinner parties.

Visual Appeal: The vibrant pink and red hues of rhubarb create a visually stunning dessert. The pie’s striking appearance makes it a beautiful centerpiece for any dessert table, adding to its charm and making it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Overall, rhubarb custard pie is loved for its delightful taste, nostalgic value, seasonal freshness, simplicity, and visual appeal, making it a timeless favorite among dessert enthusiasts.

Combine a buttery pie crust, tangy rhubarb, and sweet custard for a great way to enjoy a special treat during rhubarb season.

We love how all the ingredients work together to balance each other out and create the perfect spring and summer dessert.

More Rhubarb Recipes You’ll Love

• Rhubarb Crisp
• Rhubarb Bread
• Rhubarb Dump Cake
• Rhubarb Upside Down Cake
• Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
• Strawberry Rhubarb Bread