Monday, May 11, 2015

Rhubarb Custard Torte


There are so many recipes for rhubarb. Many families have a recipe that their mother or grandmother made. I love rhubarb and was so happy when the rhubarb I planted in my garden several years ago was big enough to harvest. Always on the lookout for a new recipe to try, this past week I found one in a food publication email. What caught my attention was that it had originated from a cook in Wisconsin. Karma


The shortbread base, custardy filling and the meringue-like top were delicious!  Meant to be eaten with a fork, I couldn't help but cut off the corner after it cooled and eat it with my fingers. You know when that first bite is an 'Ahhhh" moment! By the way, it holds together very well when eating it with your fingers :)  It truly needs no other enhancements like whipping cream or ice cream, but feel free. 


After taking these photos, and also eating the slice above, I quickly wrapped up the rest to take to my daughter's home for our Mother's Day dinner celebration before I could nibble it all up.  The story behind this torte recipe is wonderful and a tribute to the author's mother.  Click here if you'd like to read it.


The recipe makes enough for a 9 x 13 inch pan so would be perfect for a Memorial Day picnic or BBQ.  Even my husband, who does not like rhubarb, ate two pieces! What was left, my daughter took to work to share today.  Although she did confess it might not make it there :)


I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day...I certainly did :)

Rhubarb Custard Torte


Note:  I adapted this recipe slightly by using part brown sugar in the custard and I also added fresh strawberries in addition to the rhubarb.

Makes 1 9-inch by 13-inch torte

For the custard:

2 eggs
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup flour
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt 
3 cups fresh rhubarb, preferably red, sliced into pieces about a quarter-inch wide
1 cup fresh strawberries, halved and sliced a quarter-inch wide

For the crust

3/4 cup butter
1 1/2 C flour
7 T sugar
Preheat the oven to 350F. 

To make the custard, beat the eggs in a large bowl and add the sugar. Cream that combination slightly then add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, add the rhubarb and strawberries and mix together. Allow the mixture to sit for about 30 minutes, so the rhubarb and strawberries have a chance to release their juices slightly.

To make the crust, cut the butter into the flour and sugar, as you would a pie crust. The butter should be cold.  You can use a pastry cutter or just blend with your fingers until it resembles course meal. Press this into a 9" by 13" pan.

Pour the custard over the crust and smooth it evenly.  Bake at 350°F for 30–45 minutes (mine took a full 45 minutes). Bake it long enough so that the torte is set and slightly golden, but not toasty brown. 

72 comments:

  1. aww Susan! Beautiful and perfect custard torte!!
    Love yours pictures!!!
    xo

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  2. Oh I love rhubarb recipes! The pic of the moist center makes me want to jump up and make one, and I'm glad to hear you had a great Mother's Day:@)

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  3. I have to try this..
    It has all the makings of a keeper.
    Love at first sight on the pink plate..
    Love at first sight at the blue hydrangeas and white roses ..gingham bow..and vase w/ leaves around it inside?

    BEAU!
    Some candies and a new book?
    A great day..evening.

    Going to read the link;)

    You deserve a great MD:) ♥

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    1. It is a keeper! Tested and tasted :). Yes, that is a big leaf in the mason jar wrapped inside. A hosta leaf would work. It was a perfect day! Those boys! Heart thumpers :)

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    2. I forgot to answer your question about the vase - yes, a large green leaf wrapped inside a mason jar - stinkin' cute ;)

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  4. Strawberries and rhubarb together in a beautiful torte - wonderful! Thanks for sharing this great recipe.

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  5. What a pretty torte! I love that rhubarb season is coming!!

    Sues

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  6. This looks really good. I have been seeing a lot of recipes lately using seasonal rhubarb. I really need to try my hand at growing it.

    Happy Mother's Day to you!

    Velva

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    1. Thank you, Velva! I know rhubarb thrives in our cool spring so I wish you success! I hope you had a wonderful Mothers Day too!

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  7. I just cut up 13 cups of rhubarb tonight and was looking for a new recipe. This looks delicious. I'm not a big rhubarb fan either but in desserts I can usually make an exception. Glad Mother's Day was a good one!!!

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  8. What a beautiful dessert plate...if I can find some rhubarb I will be trying this recipe. Some years there is an overabundance, other years it is hard to find rhubarb in the local stores.

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    1. It is pretty, isn't it? I just have the one piece from a great aunt and haven't been able to find any other matching pieces. I hope you find some rhubarb ;) Thank you, Marigine!

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  9. Awesome Sue ! Love the two- strawberries and rhubarb in one torte - yum!

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  10. I've not seen rhubarb in the market but I'm hoping to try making some rhubarb desserts. This torte looks absolutely delicious!

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  11. OK that's it! I have to try rhubarb now~ Maybe will even plant some here! The pics look, as always, so inviting!

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    1. There is nothing quite like rhubarb. I know it likes a cool climate so maybe in the mountain area there you would have success. Thank you, Joumana!

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  12. How unfortunate that we don't have rhubarb here! The torte looks absolutely fantastic!

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    1. I'm so sorry, Katerina. I wish there was something I knew of that tasted similar but it is so unique. I can be quite tart so that's why it needs sweetening. Some people love it and others hate it.

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  13. Shortbread, meringue topping and rhubarb...what a heavenly combination of flavours! That napkin ring looks so cute!

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  14. Rhubarb was a treat when I was growing up. For some reason, it is not popular in California. I go crazy if I happen to find it at a Farmer's Market. Your Rhubarb Custard Torte looks divine!

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    1. Perhaps it doesn't grow well in the warmer climate of southern California. Thank you, Cali, and I hope you find some so you can try this recipe :) A winner!

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  15. I am with you on the rhubarb love! It's my favorite part of spring. This custard cake looks absolutely glorious.

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    1. Thank you, Joanne :) It's my favorite time all around!

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  16. this looks so beautiful and so perfect too... the colours of rhubarb are just so evocative of this time of year... love that plate too!

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    1. Thank you, Dom! Maybe you could serve this in your small restaurant one day :) I wish I could find more pieces that match that plate! It came from a great aunt's home.

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  17. I have never eaten rhubarb, not imagine its taste, thanks for sharing Susan, a warm hug

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    1. One of the few benefits of living in a cooler climate, Chiara ;). A big hug.

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  18. I love that plate and what's on it. It looks so similar to the post I did in April. I have no doubt it is delicious! I am now a rhubarb believer!

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    1. Thank you, Abbe! There are so many delicious rhubarb recipes out there and I'm on a mission to try them all :)

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  19. This looks fabulous and I'm sure it tastes the same, Susan. I love rhubarb but my husband does not--I guess if I made this I'd have it all to myself...mmmmmmm!

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    1. Pat, my husband doesn't like rhubarb either but he liked this! Thanks so much :)

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  20. Great minds think alike, Susan! :)
    I wanted to see if I could make it with rhubarb alone so checked the original recipe...looks like I can. There doesn't seem to be an increase in sugar, either, which is nice. Do like your idea of using some brown sugar in the recipe. What a great treat...I've pinned it.

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    1. I know we both share a love of rhubarb, Barbara :) My rhubarb doesn't stay red as it looks in the original recipe so I added the strawberries to give it some color. I got the idea for the brown sugar from another recipe and really liked it in this one. Thank you, Barbara, and I hope you enjoy it!

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  21. This looks absolutely amazing.
    I have never prepared rhubarb before.
    Aside from that, I was mesmerized by your stunning photography.

    How did you learn to do that?

    The light, the vibrant colors, the pin point focus-
    amazing.

    Enjoyed visiting-
    can you tell???

    Laura- a new follower
    White Spray Paint

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    1. Oh, thank you, Laura! What a nice compliment! I've been playing with photography through several cameras and what I find works the best is using a tripod and using manual settings. Once you learn those you can help control the lighting. Thanks again!

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  22. looks so good bet your region is famous for rhubarb doesn't grow well in the South too warm my dad grows it in Scotland though

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    1. Sometimes I forget that not everyone has access to rhubarb! Thank you, Rebecca :)

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  23. Delicious looking cake on a beautiful plate.
    Amalia
    xo

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  24. I love your food blog! Please check out mine and let's connect?

    swedishcavegirl.blogspot.com

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  25. Simply damn delicious tangy rhubbarb custard torte!!!
    Dedy@Dentist Chef

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  26. Your rhubarb custard torte looks really yummy! Have not seen rhubarb around here before. Would certainly love to use rhubarb in bakes like this if I can get hold of them!

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    1. Thank you, Joyce! It does like to grow in colder climates like ours. It's a trade off, I guess :)

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  27. Now THAT looks fantastic! I had an aunt who was a wonderful cook when I was growing up and she made something similar. So good!

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  28. This is gorgeous. I love rhubarb and wonder why I haven't see them in my local market yet. Gotta go hunt some down to make this torte soon.

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  29. This looks beautiful. I recently purchased this book but haven't made anything from it yet. It looks like I'll be finding lots of great ideas from it. Nice recipe, thanks for sharing.

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  30. This looks beautiful. I recently purchased this book but haven't made anything from it yet. It looks like I'll be finding lots of great ideas from it. Nice recipe, thanks for sharing.

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  31. I have been meaning to make something with rhubarb! This looks so good!

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  32. This torte really sounds and looks great Susan...I love the custardy layer...
    Have a great week :)

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  33. This looks absolutely delicious. Wishing I could reach through the screen and grab a few bites. ;)

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  34. STill waiting for my rhubarb to get a little bigger. I love it and the kids never did. My mom made one that she poured hot water over and it was so wet and wonderful. This one looks even juicier. I can't wait to have some big enough to cook with. Absolutely mouthwatering!

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  35. Oh my! That sounds wonderful and easier than a rhubarb custard pie. Yes, sounds wonderful for a Memorial Day picnic.

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  36. I'm not a fan of rhubarb but from my part grows the best quality and your recipe is just delicious!
    Nice also the photos, congratulations!
    I added myself to your followers and I hope you will want to do the same by putting my blog among those that you follow, thanks !!
    That’s amore
    That’s amore

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  37. Beautiful plate and beautiful torte Susan. Hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend.

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  38. My husband likes simple, not too sweet desserts. I'll have to be on the lookout for rhubarb as this sounds like a wonderful recipe.

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  39. I know my blog might be not so beautiful like yours but you could add yourself into my followers :(
    ciao

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  40. Can't decide which is prettier - the torte or the plate. I can guess which is yummier.
    Amalia
    xo

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  41. What a beautiful plate to showcase such a lovely dessert.

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  42. Oh what a fabulous rhubarb recipe! You're right, there are so many recipes and I place my trust in my friends' recipes (yours) to get through all of the recipes to know the 'winners'. Your plates are so pretty and so perfect to set off the rhubarb! Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe!

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  43. I am originally from Mn. rhubarb..yum! what are these dishes? I covet them.

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    1. You're not the first to ask about the dishes, Gayle! I only have the one small plate from a elderly relative who passed away and I've never been able to locate them online :( Thanks!

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  44. Beautiful rhubarb dessert- pinned for a future baking project ;)

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