Strawberry Rhubarb Custard Dessert

Introduction

If you’re craving a dessert that combines tangy, sweet, and creamy flavors, this Strawberry Rhubarb Custard Dessert is the perfect recipe for you. This delightful dish offers a burst of fruity goodness from the classic combination of strawberries and rhubarb, paired with the smooth richness of velvety custard. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this dessert is an irresistible option that everyone will adore.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

For the crust:

Flour – 1 cup
Powdered sugar – 2 tablespoons
Butter – 1/2 cup, softened

For the custard layer:

Rhubarb – 3 cups, diced
Strawberries – 2 cups, chopped
Sugar – 1 1/4 cups
Flour – 1/3 cup
Salt – 1/4 teaspoon
Eggs – 3, beaten

For the topping:

Whipped cream – for garnish (optional)

Prep Time

Preparing this Strawberry Rhubarb Custard Dessert is a simple yet rewarding process. The total prep time to arrange your crust, custard filling, and toppings requires approximately 20-30 minutes. This includes washing and chopping the fresh fruits, mixing the custard ingredients, and assembling the layers.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook time for this dessert is about 50-60 minutes in the oven, which ensures the custard sets perfectly and the crust has a golden finish. With a total time of approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, this recipe provides a generous yield of 6-8 servings, making it ideal for sharing with family or friends. Once cooled, the dessert is ready to be enjoyed, offering sweet, tangy, and creamy layers in every bite.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the dessert.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to combine the butter until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Custard Base

In another mixing bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Stir in 1 cup of sour cream until smooth and well combined. Set aside.

Step 4: Layer with Rhubarb and Strawberries

Evenly spread 2 cups of chopped rhubarb and 2 cups of diced strawberries over the pre-baked crust. Pour the prepared custard mixture over the top of the fruit, covering it completely.

Step 5: Bake the Dessert

Place the pan back into the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes or until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Topping

In a small mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1/4 cup of cold unsalted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle the mixture evenly on top of the cooled dessert.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the dessert for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow it to fully set. Cut into squares and enjoy.

Notes

Note 1: Make-Ahead Tip

This dessert can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It serves well chilled.

Note 2: Use Fresh or Frozen Ingredients

Fresh rhubarb and strawberries are best for this recipe, but frozen can also work. Be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from frozen fruit.

Note 3: Adjust Sweetness

If your rhubarb is particularly tart, consider increasing the sugar slightly in the custard layer to balance the flavors.

Note 4: Cutting the Dessert

For clean slices, use a sharp knife and clean the blade between each cut.

Note 5: Storage

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is not recommended to freeze this dessert as the custard may not thaw well.
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Cook techniques

Preparing the Rhubarb and Strawberries

For this dessert, the fresh rhubarb and strawberries need to be cleaned, trimmed, and diced into smaller pieces to ensure even distribution and cooking.

Creating the Custard Base

A creamy custard mixture is prepared by whisking together specific ingredients to create the smooth, luxurious filling for the dessert.

Layering the Dessert

The recipe requires layering the strawberries, rhubarb, custard, and a crust in a specific order to ensure proper baking and flavor integration.

Baking the Dessert

The dessert is baked in an oven at the specified temperature until the custard sets and the topping turns golden brown.

Cooling and Serving

Once baked, the dessert needs to cool on the countertop or in the fridge to allow the custard to finish setting. This step ensures the flavors meld perfectly before serving.

FAQ

Can I use frozen strawberries and rhubarb instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries or rhubarb, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid to avoid making the dessert watery.

How do I know when the custard is fully set?

You will know the custard is set when the center jiggles slightly but is no longer liquid. It will firm up further as it cools.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dessert can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The flavor often develops better with time.

Can I substitute the crust with a different type?

While the recommended crust complements the dessert well, you can substitute it with your preferred crust type, such as a graham cracker or shortbread crust.

What other fruits can I use instead of strawberries and rhubarb?

You can experiment with other fruits like blueberries, peaches, or raspberries, but keep in mind that the flavor balance and sweetness may vary. Adjust sugar levels as needed.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Rhubarb Custard Dessert is the perfect combination of sweet and tart, making it an irresistible treat for family gatherings or an indulgent dessert for any occasion. The creamy custard, fresh strawberries, and rhubarb create a balanced flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying. With its beautiful presentation and delightful taste, it’s sure to become one of your favorite recipes!

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