Pies & Tarts

The Ultimate Rhubarb Custard Pie Recipe: My 5-Step Secret to Irresistible Flavour

A rhubarb custard pie recipe has always held a special place in my heart, a sweet echo of springtime in my mother’s garden. She taught me that the secret to the most comforting desserts is baking with love, a lesson I pour into every recipe here at Let Them Cook.

In this post, I’ll share not just the steps, but the heart behind this cherished rhubarb custard pie recipe, from a perfectly flaky crust to a silky, non-runny filling. I’ll guide you through making the best old fashioned rhubarb custard pie, ensuring your custard sets beautifully every single time. This isn’t just about baking a pie; it’s about crafting a memory and sharing a piece of heartwarming nostalgia with those you love.

Key Takeaways

  • Use cold butter and ice water for the flakiest, most tender pastry.
  • Let the pie cool completely before slicing for a perfect, clean cut.
  • Balance the sharp rhubarb with a sweet, creamy vanilla custard for the best flavour.

Baker’s Quotes

Every slice of this pie is a spoonful of memories, a taste of my mother’s love.

In my kitchen, we don’t just follow recipes; we recreate moments of joy and comfort.

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The Ultimate Rhubarb Custard Pie Recipe: My 5-Step Secret to Irresistible Flavour Story Image
rhubarb custard pie recipe

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My mother always said the secret to a flaky crust is keeping everything as cold as possible. Don’t be afraid to pop your bowl and flour in the fridge for a bit!

For a lovely finish, you can sprinkle a little demerara sugar over the custard before baking for a crunchy top.

This pie is wonderful served on its own, or with a dollop of clotted cream.

“} –>
 

Rhubarb Custard Pie

A comforting and nostalgic rhubarb custard pie with a flaky crust and silky filling, perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert, Pie
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed Use cold for the flakiest pastry.
  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup ice water Ensure the water is icy.
For the filling
  • 3 cups chopped rhubarb Fresh rhubarb works best.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar To balance the tartness of the rhubarb.
  • 3 large eggs Ensure they are at room temperature.
  • 1 cup heavy cream For a rich custard.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Method
 

Prepare the crust
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add the cold butter pieces and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Stir in the ice water gradually until the dough comes together.
  4. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Make the filling
  1. In another bowl, combine rhubarb and sugar, then set aside.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, vanilla extract, and salt.
  3. Add the rhubarb mixture to the egg mixture and stir to combine.
Assemble and bake
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Roll out the chilled dough and fit it into a pie pan.
  3. Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
  4. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 45 minutes or until the custard is set.
  5. Let the pie cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts.

Notes

For the flakiest crust, ensure your butter and water are cold. Allow the pie to cool completely to avoid a runny filling.

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