Rhubarb and Custard Recipe

Janette Fuschi | Culinary Ginger

Rhubarb and Custard has freshly roasted rhubarb topped with a creamy delicious English custard. A bowl of this will make your day!

Rhubarb and Custard Photo

Rhubarb took England by storm in the 1800’s. The plant had been around a while, but it was the crowning of Queen Victoria that thrust it into the limelight. It is somewhat of an acquired taste, but mostly used in sweet applications because of its tart nature, like pies, tarts, jams, jellies and puddings.

If you’re not familiar with rhubarb, it is tempting to try the rhubarb raw (because it looks like celery). This I do not recommend, as I know first hand trying it as a child, and I’ve never done it since. Being a member of the buckwheat family, interestingly the leaves are said to be poisonous.

Makes you wonder how it ever became a food, but prepared with sugar and spices it is delicious.

Rhubarb and Custard Picture

Rhubarb is a seasonal plant and it is difficult to obtain in cooler climates, but do very well when grown in greenhouses, which is how we grew them in England - usually in mid- to late spring in the Northern Hemisphere, autumn in the Southern Hemisphere.

Rhubarb and custard is not only classic English dessert, but there was also a classic British cartoon short in the 1970’s named Roobarb and Custard. Funny rivalry between Roobarb the green dog and Custard the pink cat who lived next door, it was one of my favorites.

The English custard part of this dessert is my favorite. It was, and still is the ultimate comfort dessert that can be served with literally any dessert. Depending on the recipe, I make the custard in two consistencies. Runny, like in this rhubarb and custard, or thicker for tarts.

Rhubarb and Custard Image

I’ve used this custard in a few of my desserts like sticky toffee pudding berry custard tart as well as being enjoyed warm or cold. I even eat it on its own. A nice bowl of piping hot custard in the cooler months to warm me up.

Check out more British recipes on Food Fanatic.

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Rhubarb and Custard Recipe

    4 Servings

Ingredients

For the Rhubarb:
  • 1 pound Rhubarb, Rinsed, dried and cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar
  • Grated Nutmeg
For the Custard:
  • 2 1/2 cups Whole Milk
  • 2/3 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Egg Yolks
  • 1 Egg
  • 1/4 cup Cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Add the rhubarb to a shallow baking dish and toss with the sugar and nutmeg to coat. Arrange in a single layer.
  3. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
  4. While the rhubarb is cooking, in a medium saucepan, stir together the milk and sugar over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
  5. While the milk is coming to a simmer, add the eggs to a mixing bowl and whisk in the cornstarch until smooth.
  6. Slowly whisk 1/3 cup of the hot milk into the egg mixture until smooth. This will temper the eggs and stop them from curdling or cooking.
  7. Pour the egg and milk mix back into the pan with the milk and whisk over low heat until thickened.
  8. Once the custard has thickened, remove from the heat.
  9. Stir in the vanilla and mix until well incorporated.
  10. Divide the rhubarb between 4 shallow bowls. Pour over the custard and serve immediately.

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Published:
Modified:
Author:
Cooking Method:
Baked
Cuisine:
British
Category:
Desserts
Tags:
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Related Recipes:
British Recipes, Dessert Recipes, Easy Recipes, Rhubarb Recipes, Baked Recipes, Baking Recipes
Recipe Yields:
4 servings
Prep Time:
Cook Time:
Total Time:
Related Post:
Published:
Author: Janette Fuschi
Recipe Yields: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition Facts

Servings Per Recipe 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories from Fat 61
Calories 386

% Daily Value*
12%
Total Fat 8g
15%
  Saturated Fat 3g
3%
Sodium 66mg
23%
Total Carbohydrate 68g
0%
  Dietary Fiber 0g
  Sugars 57g
14%
Protein 7g

* Percent Daily Value are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrition Facts are estimated based on ingredients and data provided by Fat Secret. Please consult a doctor if you have special dietary needs.
Janette Fuschi

About Janette

Janette is a British ex-pat living in Southern California. On her blog, Culinary Ginger, you'll learn all about it. On Food Fanatic, you'll see her favorite British classics, and ours too!

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