Well hey there, sugar! Grandma Jo here, and I can just smell the sweet-tart aroma of my strawberry rhubarb custard pie recipe wafting through your kitchen already. This isn’t just any pie, honey – it’s the kind of old-fashioned dessert that makes folks gather ’round the table with smiles and empty plates. I’ve been baking this beauty since my own grandma taught me the trick to that perfect custardy filling back in ’68.

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There’s something magical about how the tangy rhubarb and sweet strawberries snuggle together under that golden custard blanket. And that flaky crust? Oh my stars – it’s the kind that shatters just right when your fork breaks through. What I love most is how this pie tastes like sunshine and childhood memories all at once. Whether it’s a church potluck or just a Tuesday afternoon craving, this strawberry rhubarb custard pie recipe never fails to bring a little joy.
Now don’t you worry – it’s simpler to make than you might think. Just follow me along, and I’ll walk you through every step just like I did with my grandbabies. Before you know it, you’ll be making memories of your own with this sweet slice of tradition.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Rhubarb Custard Pie Recipe
Oh darlin’, let me count the ways this pie will steal your heart:
- That perfect sweet-tart balance – the rhubarb’s zing dances with strawberries’ sweetness under a velvety custard that’ll make your taste buds sing
- The magic texture trio – flaky crust, tender fruit, and creamy custard all in one heavenly bite
- Easier than pie (pun intended!) – just layer, pour, and bake while the oven does the real work
- A taste of tradition that’ll transport you straight to Grandma’s kitchen with every forkful
- Season superstar – equally at home at summer picnics or holiday tables (and yes, breakfast counts as a serving occasion!)
Trust me, once you try this beauty, you’ll understand why my family’s begged for it for fifty-odd years!
Ingredients for Strawberry Rhubarb Custard Pie Recipe
Gather these goodies, sweetheart:

- For the crust: 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust (homemade or store-bought – no shame in that!)
- For the filling: 3 cups rhubarb, sliced 1/4-inch thick (like little pink coins), 1 cup fresh strawberries (quartered so they play nice), 3 large eggs, 1 ½ cups white sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (trust me, fresh makes a difference), 1 tablespoon butter (diced into tiny cubes)
- For the glaze: 2 tablespoons strawberry jam, ¼ teaspoon water
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Now listen here – fresh rhubarb’s best, but frozen works in a pinch (thaw and drain it well first). No strawberries? Raspberries make a lovely swap. Out of flour? Cornstarch does the trick (use 1 ½ tablespoons instead). And honey, if you can’t find strawberry jam for glazing, just skip it – the pie’s still divine without. One last tip: that nutmeg? Grate it fresh if you can – it’ll make your kitchen smell heavenly!
How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Custard Pie
Alright, let’s get baking! Here’s how I make my famous strawberry rhubarb custard pie – step by step just like I’ve done for decades:

- Heat things up: Crank that oven to 350°F (175°C) – no cheating on preheating! Slide your rolled-out pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and set it on a baking sheet lined with parchment. (This catches drips and makes handling easier – smart cookie tip!)
- Layer the love: Toss your sliced rhubarb and quartered strawberries together in a bowl, then pile them evenly into the waiting crust. Don’t pack ’em too tight – let the fruit breathe a little.
- Make the magic custard: Whisk eggs, sugar, milk, flour, and nutmeg until smooth as silk. Slowly pour this golden goodness over the fruit until it just kisses the crust’s edge. Scatter those butter cubes on top like precious little jewels.
- Bubble trouble: Gently tap and shake the baking sheet to release trapped air bubbles. (Listen for little pops – that’s the sound of perfection!)
- Bake it beautiful: Slide your creation into the oven and bake for about 1 hour, turning halfway. You’ll know it’s done when the custard sets like a dream and the rhubarb turns tender.
- Glaze with glee: Mix jam and water, microwave 15 seconds, then brush over the warm pie. But patience, darlin’ – let it cool before slicing!
Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Rhubarb Custard Pie
Here’s my bag of tricks for pie success:
- That baking sheet underneath? Lifesaver for spills and makes rotating easier mid-bake!
- See bubbles after pouring custard? Gently tap the pan’s sides – it’s like giving your pie a little massage.
- Resist cutting too soon! Letting it cool firms up the custard for cleaner slices.
- For extra crisp crust, brush the edges with egg wash before baking.
Remember – good pie, like good love, takes a little patience and a lot of heart!
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Irresistible Strawberry Rhubarb Custard Pie Recipe
A classic strawberry rhubarb custard pie with a sweet, tangy filling and a flaky crust.
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust
- 3 cups rhubarb, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, quartered
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups white sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon butter, diced
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam
- ¼ teaspoon water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place rolled-out pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate and set on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Combine rhubarb and strawberries in a bowl; transfer to the pie crust, distributing evenly.
- Whisk eggs, sugar, milk, flour, and nutmeg together in a medium bowl. Slowly pour filling over rhubarb mixture until it just reaches the top edge of the crust. Scatter diced butter evenly over the top of the filling. Lightly tap and shake the baking sheet to remove any air bubbles.
- Transfer pie to the preheated oven and bake, turning halfway through, until rhubarb is tender and custard is set, about 1 hour.
- Mix strawberry jam and water in a small bowl; heat in the microwave until warm, about 15 seconds. Glaze the top of the pie with the jam mixture and let cool. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use fresh rhubarb for best results.
- Let pie cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Serving and Storing Your Strawberry Rhubarb Custard Pie
Oh honey, this pie’s best served still slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top – that hot-cold contrast is pure bliss! Leftovers? Just tuck ’em in the fridge for up to 3 days (if they last that long). For longer keeping, wrap slices tight and freeze for 2 months – thaw overnight in the fridge when nostalgia strikes.
Strawberry Rhubarb Custard Pie Recipe FAQ
Bless your heart for asking – here’s what folks wonder most about this pie:
Can I use frozen fruit? You bet! Just thaw and drain rhubarb well (squeeze out extra juice) to prevent a watery filling. Strawberries hold up better fresh though, sugar.
How do I prevent a soggy crust? My secret? Slip a baking sheet under the pie – it heats from below so the crust stays crisp as autumn leaves!
Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! Bake it the day before, but wait to glaze until serving. The flavors actually get better after a night’s rest.
Why does my custard crack? Overbaking’s usually the culprit, darlin’. Pull it when the center jiggles slightly – it’ll set as it cools.
Can I skip the nutmeg? Well now, it won’t be quite the same, but cinnamon makes a fine substitute in a pinch! For more of my favorite baking tips and recipes, keep browsing!
Nutrition Information
Now don’t you fret about counting calories when there’s love in every bite, but for those curious souls: each slice of my strawberry rhubarb custard pie packs about 320 calories. You’re looking at 55g carbs, 10g fat (4g saturated), and 4g protein per serving. Remember, sugarplum – these estimates dance around a bit depending on your exact ingredients and how generous your slices are!
Share Your Strawberry Rhubarb Custard Pie Experience
Well butter my biscuit – I’d love to hear how your pie turned out! Drop me a line in the comments, sugar. Did you add your own twist? Did it bring back memories? Every baker’s story makes this recipe sweeter – just like Grandma’s kitchen full of laughter. You can also see what other folks are baking over at recent posts!
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