Crustless Rhubarb Custard Pie

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Delicious crustless rhubarb custard pie fresh out of the oven
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Last updated on May 29, 2025

Nothing welcomes spring quite like the vibrant tartness of rhubarb. This unique vegetable, often mistaken for fruit, has a delightful way of elevating classic desserts. Among all the delicious ways to enjoy rhubarb, a crustless rhubarb custard pie stands out as a simple yet satisfying treat that captures its essence beautifully. This recipe combines the tangy flavor of rhubarb with the rich creaminess of custard, creating a dish that is both comforting and fresh. If you crave something light, creamy, and a bit different from your usual pie, stay tuned!

Why You’ll Love This Crustless Rhubarb Custard Pie

This crustless rhubarb custard pie is a culinary masterpiece that boasts incredible flavors and textures without the fuss of making pie crust. Here are some reasons why you’re going to love it:

  1. Simple Preparation: No need to roll out dough or worry about soggy crusts. This pie is straightforward, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers.
  2. Tart and Sweet: The balance of sweet custard with the sour zing of rhubarb provides a refreshing taste that’s ideal for spring and summer gatherings.
  3. Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm from the oven, or let it chill in the refrigerator for a cool treat. Either way, it pleases the palate!
  4. Easy Cleanup: With no crust to deal with, your dishes are minimal, allowing you to enjoy the baking experience without the mess.
  5. Healthier Dessert Choice: This pie’s filling has fewer calories than traditional pies packed with sugar and heavy crust, allowing you to indulge just a little more guilt-free.

Let’s dive into the details and create this delicious crustless rhubarb custard pie together!

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Delicious crustless rhubarb custard pie fresh out of the oven

Crustless Rhubarb Custard Pie

  • Author: Sarah Mendez
  • Total Time: 55 minutes + chill time
  • Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
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Description

This Crustless Rhubarb Custard Pie is a simple, delicious dessert that lets tangy rhubarb shine in a creamy, custard base. No crust required, which makes it incredibly easy to whip up any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Essential Ingredients:

  • 2 cups chopped rhubarb (fresh or frozen) – Tart and tangy, this is the star of the pie.
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar – Balances the tartness of the rhubarb.
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour – Helps slightly thicken the custard filling.
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth.
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Offers a subtle, aromatic spice.
  • 4 large eggs – Essential for setting the custard.
  • 1½ cups heavy cream – Provides a rich, velvety base for the custard.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the custard’s flavor.
  • Pinch of salt – Balances and deepens all the flavors.
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional) – A light finishing touch that adds a hint of sweetness.

Optional Add-Ons:

  • Citrus Zest (lemon or orange) – Adds a bright citrusy note.
  • Almond Extract – Substitute or complement the vanilla for a nutty twist.
  • Other Fruits – Add strawberries or raspberries for extra flavor and color.

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Add the chopped rhubarb and toss to coat evenly with the dry mixture.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  5. Pour the egg mixture over the rhubarb mixture and stir gently to combine.
  6. Pour the entire mixture into the prepared pie dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out mostly clean.
  8. Let the pie cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.
  9. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving, if desired.

Notes

  • If using frozen rhubarb, make sure to thaw and drain it well to prevent excess liquid in the pie.
  • This pie is naturally gluten-free if you swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
  • Pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 17g
  • Sodium: undefined
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: undefined
  • Unsaturated Fat: undefined
  • Trans Fat: undefined
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: undefined

Keywords: Rhubarb Custard Pie, Crustless Pie, Easy Dessert, Spring Recipes, Gluten-Free Option

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Ingredients You’ll Need for Crustless Rhubarb Custard Pie

To bring this delightful pie to life, you will need to gather both essential ingredients and optional additions. Here’s the complete list:

ding" id="essential-ingredients">Essential Ingredients:
  • 2 cups chopped rhubarb (fresh or frozen): The star of our pie! Fresh rhubarb adds brightness, while frozen works just fine for convenience.
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the tart rhubarb, balancing out its sharpness.
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps to slightly thicken the custard filling.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor mix.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides a subtle, aromatic hint that complements the custard.
  • 4 large eggs: The key ingredients that hold everything together in the custard.
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: Gives a rich, creamy base to our pie, resulting in a luscious texture.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, rounding out the sweetness.
  • Pinch of salt: A little salt adds depth and balances the sweetness.
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional): A lovely finishing touch, adding a delightful sweetness on the top.

Optional Add-Ons:

While the recipe is fantastic as is, you might consider the following options:

  • Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a splash of brightness.
  • Almond Extract: Substitute the vanilla extract for almond for a nutty flavor twist.
  • Other Fruits: Mix in some strawberries or raspberries for added color and flavor.

ding" id="how-to-make-crustless-rhubarb-custard-pie-a-step-by-step-guide">How to Make Crustless Rhubarb Custard Pie: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we have everything we need, it’s time to get baking! Follow these simple steps to whip up your crustless rhubarb custard pie:

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Your Baking Dish

To get started, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, grease a 9-inch pie dish or baking pan with a little butter or non-stick spray. This step is important to prevent sticking and for easy slicing after it’s baked.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a small mixing bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk them together until they are mixed well. This dry mixture will bring flavor and a slight thickening effect to our custard.

ding" id="step-3-combine-eggs-and-cream">Step 3: Combine Eggs and Cream

In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs until they are well combined. This step is essential for giving our pie custard a smooth texture. Next, stir in your dry sugar mixture along with the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything well until fully blended – you should see a beautiful pale custard mixture forming.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Pour the custard mixture carefully into the prepared pie dish. Once the custard is in place, evenly distribute the chopped rhubarb over the top. No need to stir – the rhubarb will sink a bit as it cooks!

Step 5: Bake the Pie

Place your pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. To know if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean. The edges will look set, while the center might still be a little wobbly – that’s okay! It will continue to firm up as it cools.

ding" id="step-6-cool-and-serve">Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the pie to cool completely before serving. This is crucial so that the custard can firm up fully. If you’d like, dust some powdered sugar on top as a finishing touch. You can serve it chilled straight from the fridge or at room temperature, depending on your preference. Either way, you are bound to enjoy the delicious flavors!

Serving Suggestions for Crustless Rhubarb Custard Pie

Delicious crustless rhubarb custard pie fresh out of the oven

Serving this pie is just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some ideas to enhance your tasting experience:

  1. With Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly whipped cream on top can elevate the flavors and add a delightful texture.
  2. Vanilla Ice Cream: For a decadent twist, top a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of hot and cold will be a hit!
  3. With Fresh Fruits: Serve alongside fresh strawberries or blueberries for a pop of color and added fruitiness.
  4. Tea or Coffee Pairing: Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
  5. Breakfast Treat: Consider serving it as a sweet breakfast option with coffee for a lovely start to your day.

ding" id="pro-tips-for-perfecting-your-crustless-rhubarb-custard-pie">Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Crustless Rhubarb Custard Pie

Creating the perfect crustless rhubarb custard pie can be simple with the right strategies. Here are some helpful tips:

  1. Quality Rhubarb: Use fresh, firm rhubarb for the best flavor. If using frozen, ensure it’s fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture.
  2. Control Sweetness: Adjust the sugar depending on your taste. Some prefer a sweeter pie, while others might enjoy the natural tartness of the rhubarb.
  3. Custard Texture: Don’t overbeat the egg mixture; a gentle mix keeps the custard creamy instead of airy and grainy.
  4. Check for Doneness: Pay attention to the color of the pie; it should be lightly golden around the edges when it’s fully baked.
  5. Let It Rest: For the best flavor, let it sit for a few hours, or overnight if you can. The taste only gets better as it chills.

Easy Variations for Crustless Rhubarb Custard Pie

While the basic recipe is fantastic on its own, these easy variations can provide delightful twists:

Storage Tips to Store Crustless Rhubarb Custard Pie

To ensure your crustless rhubarb custard pie stays fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

  1. Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  2. Freezing: If you’d like to make it ahead of time, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
  3. Serving After Refrigeration: After storing, let the pie sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.

ding" id="conclusion">Conclusion

Crustless rhubarb custard pie is the perfect blend of simplicity and delightful flavors. With minimal ingredients and an easy step-by-step process, it’s a recipe that even novice bakers can master. The tangy taste of rhubarb paired with smooth custard creates a sensation that leaves a lasting impression. This pie is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of seasonal flavors, perfect for any gathering or just a treat for yourself. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this enjoyable baking adventure. You won’t be disappointed!

FAQs About Crustless Rhubarb Custard Pie

1. Can I use frozen rhubarb?

Yes! Frozen rhubarb works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it to remove excess moisture before adding it to the custard.

2. How can I adjust the sweetness level?

You can easily adjust the sugar amount according to your taste. If you prefer a tarter pie, feel free to reduce the sugar slightly.

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3. Is it necessary to use heavy cream?

While heavy cream gives the pie a rich texture, you can use half-and-half or whole milk as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the texture may be a bit lighter.

3. Is it necessary to use heavy cream?

While heavy cream gives the pie a rich texture, you can use half-and-half or whole milk as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the texture may be a bit lighter.

4. Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pie a day in advance, and it will taste even better after chilling in the fridge overnight.

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5. How do I know when the pie is done baking?

The pie is done when the edges are set, and the center is slightly wobbly. You can use a toothpick to check the middle; it should come out clean when it’s ready.

This thorough exploration of crustless rhubarb custard pie not only guides you through a delicious recipe but offers insights, tips, and variations to enhance your baking experience. Enjoy your time in the kitchen, and savor every bite of this delightful dessert!

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