Rhubarb Custard Dessert (Old-Fashioned Rhubarb Dessert)

ByAmy
This article may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Pan of rhubarb custard dessert

I. Love. Rhubarb. And without a doubt this recipe is an all time favorite of mine. This old fashioned rhubarb dessert combines sweet tart rhubarb with a creamy baked custard layered over a buttery shortbread crust. It’s simple, nostalgic, and absolutely irresistible.

This recipe comes straight from my grandma’s kitchen. I can still picture sitting at her table waiting for this rhubarb dessert to cool enough to slice. The balance of tangy rhubarb and smooth custard makes this one of the best rhubarb dessert recipes for spring and summer.

If you’re looking for more ways to use fresh rhubarb, this recipe pairs perfectly with favorites like our rhubarb muffins, strawberry rhubarb freezer jam, and is one of our featured best rhubarb recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Rhubarb Custard Dessert

  • Classic, grandma’s kitchen style dessert
  • Perfect balance of sweet and tart
  • Creamy baked custard filling
  • Buttery shortbread style crust
  • Great way to use fresh rhubarb
  • Perfect spring and summer dessert

Ingredients

Crust

  • 1 cup Flour
  • 5 tbsp Powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup Butter

Filling

  • 4 cups Fresh rhubarb, chopped
  • 1 tbsp Strawberry Jello powder (optional but recommended)
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 1/4 cup Flour
  • 3/4 tsp Baking powder

How to Make Rhubarb Custard Dessert

Step 1: Prepare the Rhubarb

Start by washing and trimming the rhubarb stalks, then chop them into small bite sized pieces. I make my pieces about ¼ inch long.

For extra sweetness and color, sprinkle about 1 tablespoon dry strawberry Jell-O powder over the rhubarb and toss to coat. Set aside. This step enhances the flavor and helps balance the natural tartness of rhubarb.

If you love rhubarb desserts with that sweet tart balance, you’ll also love our strawberry rhubarb freezer jam and rhubarb muffins.

Step 2: Make the Buttery Crust

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Mix together:

  • Flour
  • Powdered sugar
  • Room temperature butter

Use wet hands to press the mixture into a greased 9×13 pan.

Bake for 10–15 minutes, until just lightly set.

This creates a soft shortbread style crust that holds up perfectly under the custard layer.

Step 3: Make the Custard Filling

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

  • Eggs
  • Sugar
  • Flour
  • Baking powder

Whisk until smooth. This mixture creates the creamy custard layer that bakes around the rhubarb.

Step 4: Assemble the Dessert

Spread the chopped rhubarb evenly over the warm crust. Carefully pour the custard mixture over the rhubarb, making sure it covers the fruit completely.

As it bakes, the custard sets while the rhubarb softens and releases its juices.

Step 5: Bake

Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes, until the custard is set and lightly golden.

The center should no longer jiggle.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Let the dessert cool to room temperature, before slicing for the cleanest cuts, or dig in while it’s still warm if you’d like!

Serve with:

  • with whipped cream
  • vanilla ice cream
  • dusted with powdered sugar

Can I Use Frozen Rhubarb?

Yes! If using frozen rhubarb:

  • Do not thaw first
  • Add directly to crust
  • Increase bake time by 5 minutes

Frozen rhubarb releases more moisture, so the custard may take slightly longer to set.

Why Add Strawberry Jell-o?

The strawberry Jello powder:

  • Adds sweetness
  • Enhances color
  • Balances tart rhubarb
  • Boosts flavor

It’s optional, but highly recommended for the best flavor.

How to Store

Store covered in refrigerator up to 4 days – if it lasts that long!

More Rhubarb Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re in rhubarb season mode, try these next:

Old Fashioned Rhubarb Custard Dessert

This Rhubarb Custard Dessert is the perfect blend of tart rhubarb, creamy custard, and buttery crust. It’s nostalgic, easy to make, and one of the best rhubarb desserts for spring. Whether you’re making this for a family gathering, spring dessert, or just because rhubarb is in season, this classic recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite. Once you try it, you’ll understand why this old fashioned rhubarb custard dessert has been passed down for generations.

Pan of rhubarb custard dessert
Print Recipe

Rhubarb Custard Dessert

Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time50 minutes
Course: Dessert

Ingredients

For the Crust

  • 1 cup flour
  • 5 tbsp powdered sugar
  • ½ cup butter

For the Filling

  • 4 cups chopped rhubarb
  • 1 tbsp dry strawberry jello powder optional
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ¼ cup flour
  • ¾ tsp baking powder
  • 2 eggs beaten

Instructions

For the Crust

  • Preheat oven to 350℉
  • Mix together flour, powdered sugar, and butter.
  • Wet hands and pat crust mixture into greased 9 x 13 pan.
  • Bake 10-15 minutes until crust is slightly golden.

For the Filling

  • If desired, add 1 tbsp dry jello powder to chopped rhubarb and mix.
  • Cover cooked crust with rhubarb, set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, combine sugar, flour, baking powder, and 2 beaten eggs.
  • Pour this mixture over the rhubarb.
  • Bake 30-35 minutes until custard looks golden brown.

Similar Posts