Crustless Rhubarb Custard Pie

The Crustless Rhubarb Custard Pie offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, thanks to the rhubarb’s natural tanginess and the smooth custard. The absence of a crust allows the custard to shine in all its glory, offering a velvety texture that contrasts wonderfully with the tender rhubarb. This dessert is a simple yet elegant way to enjoy the season’s freshest produce. Its custardy filling pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Whether served at a family gathering or enjoyed on a quiet afternoon, it’s sure to be a favorite.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups rhubarb, chopped

• 1 1/2 cups sugar

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 1/2 cups milk

• 3 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, flour, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

3. In another bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract together until smooth.

4. Add the sugar mixture to the egg mixture, stirring until well combined.

5. Grease a 9-inch pie dish with butter, then layer the chopped rhubarb evenly in the bottom.

6. Pour the custard mixture over the rhubarb.

7. Drizzle the melted butter over the top.

8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.

9. Allow the pie to cool before serving, and enjoy!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour

Kcal: 240 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

Background

Rhubarb is often considered a quintessential spring ingredient, with its vibrant, tart flavor that adds a delightful twist to many desserts. This Crustless Rhubarb Custard Pie is a perfect showcase for this seasonal produce. While traditional pies can often be labor-intensive, requiring a delicate pie crust and careful preparation, this version simplifies the process by eliminating the crust. This makes the recipe not only easier but also lighter, letting the rhubarb and custard flavors take center stage. The history of rhubarb dates back centuries, with its use in cooking dating back to ancient China. In the West, it was initially used for medicinal purposes due to its powerful detoxifying properties. As it gained popularity in the 18th century, it became a favorite in sweet dishes, including pies and tarts, where its tartness balances beautifully with sweetness in desserts. The Crustless Rhubarb Custard Pie draws inspiration from these classic rhubarb pies but offers a more modern, easy-to-make twist.

Why This Recipe Is the Best

• Simple and Easy to Make: One of the key benefits of this Crustless Rhubarb Custard Pie is how easy it is to make. Unlike traditional pies that require a flaky, perfectly rolled-out crust, this version skips the crust entirely. This means fewer ingredients and less time spent preparing your dessert. The custard base comes together quickly, making it a fantastic dessert for those who are short on time but still want to impress.
• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart: The rhubarb gives this pie its signature tangy flavor, which contrasts wonderfully with the creamy, slightly sweet custard. The balance between the tartness of rhubarb and the richness of the custard is what makes this pie stand out. Whether you love the zing of rhubarb or enjoy custard-based desserts, this recipe caters to both tastes, creating a dessert that’s not too sweet or overly tart – it’s just right.
• No-Fuss, Low Maintenance Dessert: Because there’s no crust to worry about, there’s no need to fuss with rolling dough or worrying about soggy bottoms. The custard sets up beautifully as it bakes, creating a smooth texture that’s both creamy and firm. This makes the pie less finicky and more forgiving, especially for novice bakers who want to avoid the challenges of making pie crust.
• Nutritional Benefits: Rhubarb is low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great option for those looking to incorporate more nutrient-dense foods into their diet. It’s also rich in antioxidants, such as anthocyanins and flavonoids, which may help reduce inflammation and support overall health. When paired with eggs and milk in the custard filling, this dessert offers a dose of protein and calcium as well, making it a more balanced option compared to many other traditional desserts.
• Versatile and Customizable: Another reason this Crustless Rhubarb Custard Pie is so great is that it can be customized to fit your preferences. If you want to add a bit of extra flavor, you can incorporate spices like nutmeg or ginger into the custard. You could even try using different fruits in place of the rhubarb, like strawberries or peaches, for a variation on the classic. Additionally, the recipe can be adapted for different dietary preferences by using a dairy-free milk alternative and plant-based eggs if you want to make it vegan.
• Great for All Occasions: This pie is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering, a holiday meal, or a potluck with friends. Its simplicity makes it easy to prepare on a whim, but its elegance makes it suitable for a more formal setting as well. The vibrant pink hue of the rhubarb and the creamy custard filling make it a visually striking dessert, perfect for impressing guests.
• Delicious Warm or Chilled: The best part about this dessert is how versatile it is when it comes to serving. It can be served warm straight from the oven for a comforting treat, or it can be chilled and enjoyed as a cool, refreshing dessert on a warm day. Either way, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why Rhubarb is the Star of This Recipe

Rhubarb is one of those ingredients that truly shines in desserts. Although it’s often paired with strawberries in classic pies, rhubarb is the star of this recipe. It has a unique tartness that adds complexity to the otherwise simple custard filling. Rhubarb also has a slightly fibrous texture, which, when baked, becomes soft and tender, almost melting into the custard. The natural acidity of rhubarb also helps to balance the richness of the custard, ensuring that the dessert is not too heavy, making it perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Rhubarb’s health benefits add even more appeal to this dessert. Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, rhubarb can help support digestion and boost your immune system. It’s also a low-calorie food, which makes it a great choice for those mindful of their health but still wanting a treat to satisfy their sweet tooth.

Conclusion

This Crustless Rhubarb Custard Pie is a timeless, no-fuss dessert that brings together the tart, refreshing flavor of rhubarb with the smooth, creamy texture of custard. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that is perfect for busy bakers or anyone who wants a simple yet elegant treat. Whether you serve it for a family meal, a holiday feast, or a special occasion, this pie will undoubtedly be a crowd favorite. Its blend of flavor, ease of preparation, and nutritional benefits make it an excellent addition to any dessert menu.