There’s something undeniably comforting about a homemade custard, especially when it’s paired with the vibrant flavors of fresh strawberries and tart rhubarb. This strawberry rhubarb custard recipe is a delightful blend of creamy, sweet, and tangy that will satisfy your dessert cravings and impress your guests.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy treat after dinner or a charming addition to your brunch table, this recipe is easy to follow and yields a luscious custard bursting with seasonal goodness.
Using fresh ingredients and simple methods, you can whip up this delicious dessert in no time. The balance between the smooth custard and the slightly tart strawberry rhubarb filling is simply irresistible.
Plus, it’s a perfect way to celebrate spring and summer when these fruits are at their peak freshness. Ready to create something magical in your kitchen?
Let’s dive into this strawberry rhubarb custard recipe that will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This strawberry rhubarb custard recipe is a wonderful combination of creamy texture and fruity brightness. The custard is rich without being heavy, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
The natural tartness of the rhubarb complements the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
Not only is this dish a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also versatile. You can serve it warm, straight from the oven, or chilled for a refreshing treat on a hot day.
It’s also gluten-free if you opt for gluten-free pie crust or serve it as a standalone custard with fruit topping.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up seasonal produce, and it pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. If you love desserts that feel homemade and wholesome, this recipe will quickly become a go-to.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- 2 cups rhubarb stalks, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Pinch of salt
- Butter, for greasing the baking dish
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Medium saucepan
- Baking dish (8×8 inch or similar)
- Oven
- Knife and cutting board
- Strainer (optional, for smoother custard)
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped rhubarb, strawberries, and 1/2 cup of the sugar. Toss well and set aside for 15-20 minutes to macerate, which helps soften the fruit and release their juices.
- Preheat your oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your baking dish with butter to prevent sticking.
- Make the custard base: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth and slightly frothy.
- Heat the milk and cream: In a saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Warm over medium heat until it’s just about to simmer — do not boil.
- Temper the eggs: Slowly pour a small amount of the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
- Combine mixtures: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk and cream. Cook over low-medium heat, stirring constantly until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Assemble the custard: Pour the macerated fruit evenly into the greased baking dish. Carefully pour the warm custard mixture over the fruit.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the custard is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
- Cool and serve: Allow the custard to cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or chilled for a firmer texture.
Tips & Variations
For a smoother custard, strain the custard mixture through a fine sieve before pouring it over the fruit.
You can swap out strawberries for raspberries or blueberries if you prefer a different berry flavor. Rhubarb can also be combined with other fruits like apples or peaches for a seasonal twist.
For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk and cream with coconut milk or almond milk, but note that the custard texture might be slightly different.
If you want an extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted almonds or a crumble topping over the custard before baking.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 220 kcal |
Fat | 10 g |
Saturated Fat | 6 g |
Carbohydrates | 28 g |
Sugars | 24 g |
Protein | 6 g |
Fiber | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
This strawberry rhubarb custard is lovely on its own or paired with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. For a lighter option, serve with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or crushed pistachios.
It also pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a refreshing iced tea. For brunch, consider serving it alongside some light savory dishes like a spinach salad or a vegetable quiche.
If you enjoy exploring more vegetarian and vegan recipes, you might want to check out these delicious ideas:
- Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas
- Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food
- Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide
Conclusion
The strawberry rhubarb custard recipe is a perfect marriage of creamy custard and vibrant, fresh fruit flavors. It’s easy to make, wonderfully satisfying, and versatile enough to serve at any season, especially when strawberries and rhubarb are in season.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this recipe invites you to create a dessert that’s both elegant and comforting.
With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a classic dessert that feels special yet homemade. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fruits or toppings to make it your own.
This custard is sure to become a beloved staple in your dessert repertoire, perfect for sharing with family and friends on any occasion.
📖 Recipe Card: Strawberry Rhubarb Custard
Description: A delightful custard dessert combining the tartness of rhubarb and sweetness of strawberries. Perfectly creamy with a fresh fruit twist.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT1H
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine rhubarb, strawberries, and 1/2 cup sugar in a saucepan; cook until soft, about 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, remaining sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
- Heat milk and cream in a separate pan until just simmering.
- Slowly pour hot milk mixture into eggs while whisking constantly.
- Return custard to saucepan; cook over low heat until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in vanilla extract and butter until melted.
- Spread cooked fruit evenly in a baking dish; pour custard over the fruit.
- Bake for 30 minutes until custard is set.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 35 g
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