Spring

Custard Rhubarb Tart

by:
January 19, 2016
4
4 Ratings
  • Makes one 11-inch tart
Author Notes

I first had this tart at a colleague's house 20 years ago. They were from Nice, France, and his wife made this tart when rhubarb was in season. I was blown away at how simple her technique was; no processing of the rhubarb like other rhubarb desserts I had eaten in the past. The custard is light and creamy. I never got the recipe, but worked on recreating it over the next few years. I found using less is more; the recipe uses very little sugar, and good quality heavy cream is essential. It is a hit at gatherings, or as a birthday dessert, and is a staple in our home when rhubarb is abundant. —Indusgirl

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Ingredients
  • For the short crust
  • 2 cups All purpose flour, I like King Arthur
  • 2 tablespoons cane sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon peel
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Rhubarb and custard filling
  • 1 to 1 1/2 pounds fresh rhubarb, peeled and chopped
  • 1/3 cup cane sugar for the custard
  • 1 tablespoon cane sugar to toss with the chopped rhubarb
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups organic heavy cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
  1. For the short crust: Add all of the ingredients to a food processor fitted with the metal blade. Pulse to a cornmeal consistency. Gather into a ball using plastic wrap. Rest 30 minutes. Then press into an 11 inch tart pan. Place the tart pan in the freezer for 30 minutes.
  2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Dust the rhubarb with 1 Tablespoon of cane sugar. Remove the tart pan from the freezer and add the rhubarb evenly to the pan. Beat the eggs, 1/3 cup of cane sugar, and stir in the cream. Pour the custard over the rhubarb. Cook 30-40 minutes until the custard is set. It is best served at room temperature.
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3 Reviews

2girldogs September 3, 2023
I eliminated the vanilla in crust and custard. I added cinnamon to custard and sprinkled on top. Also added a little flour to custard mixture.
lydia.sugarman July 26, 2017
Have you made this using other fruit? I have some great sweet cherries. Didn't want to make yet another clafoutis. Love custard pies with berries. My aunt used to make these and I loved the contrast of the sweet creamy custard and the berries.
Kimberly B. January 19, 2016
Love it