Rhubarb & Custard Blondies: A Classic Dessert Twist
Rhubarb & Custard Blondies are a moist, chewy dessert featuring a tangy rhubarb-custard swirl and rich white chocolate.
Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 45 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Servings | 16 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | British |
Why This Recipe Works
Rhubarb & Custard Blondies are a perfect marriage of classic British flavors and modern baking. The addition of white chocolate takes the richness and texture to the next level.
The rhubarb adds a tart contrast to the custard, while the buttery base ensures a moist and satisfying bite every time. Once you try it, you will see how easy it is to love this combination.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Butter | 225 g | plus extra for the tin |
| Brown sugar | 200 g | soft texture works best |
| Caster sugar | 100 g | for sweetness and lightness |
| All-purpose flour | 150 g | for structure |
| Custard powder | 50 g | for custard flavor |
| Baking powder | ½ teaspoon | for rise |
| Large eggs | 3 | room temperature is ideal |
| White chocolate chips | 250 g | or finely chopped white chocolate |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp | for flavor |
| Rhubarb | 200 g | chopped into 3-4 cm pieces |
| Caster sugar (topping) | 75 g | for the rhubarb topping |
| Custard | 4 tbsp | or custard made from powder |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Base
- Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and prepare a lined 9×13-inch tin with butter and baking parchment.
- In a pan over low heat, melt the butter and both sugars until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and let cool for about 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, custard powder, and baking powder.
- Beat the eggs into the cooled batter, then gradually fold in the dry ingredients until you have a smooth mixture.
- Add the white chocolate and vanilla extract, stirring until evenly distributed.
- Pour the base evenly into the prepared tin.
Creating the Rhubarb & Custard Topping
- Heat a wide pan on medium heat and add the chopped rhubarb, caster sugar, and 2 tablespoons of water.
- Cook for 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rhubarb softens and becomes jammy.
- If using custard powder, prepare the custard now and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Swirl the prepared rhubarb over the batter using a teaspoon.
- With the back of a spoon, add dollops of custard on top of each rhubarb piece.
- Use a skewer or toothpick to gently swirl the rhubarb and custard together, creating a marbled effect.
Baking and Topping
- Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the blondies are set and the edges begin to come away from the tin.
- If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the tin.
- Melt the remaining white chocolate in a heat-safe bowl using a double boiler or microwave.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the fully cooled blondies for an extra layer of flavor and presentation.
- Cut into squares or rectangles and serve.
Chef Tips for Perfect Results
- Use fresh rhubarb for the best flavor. Avoid overcooking it beyond its jammy stage.
- Let the butter and sugar mixture cool slightly before adding the eggs to maintain the correct texture.
- Use room temperature eggs for a smooth and consistent batter mixture.
- Mix the dry ingredients first and keep them sifted to prevent lumps.
- Use a light hand when folding in the white chocolate, as overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the base will lead to a dry, crumbly texture. Stick to the recommended baking time.
- Skipping the cooling step before drizzling chocolate may cause it to melt and pool, not adhere properly.
- Using a high heat when melting the butter and sugar can cause it to seize and separate, resulting in a grainy texture.
- Not preheating the oven long enough can result in an inconsistent bake from the center outwards.
- Forgetting to line the tin with parchment paper makes removal difficult and could damage the presentation.
Variations and Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitution | Impact on Flavor |
| Custard powder | Vanilla powder | Will reduce the custard flavor; best used with custard sauce. |
| White chocolate | Milk chocolate | Will add more sweetness and slight bitterness compared to white chocolate. |
| Butter | Coconut oil | Lets the blondies stay soft but adds a distinct coconut aroma. |
| Rhubarb | Redcurrant or blackcurrant | Slight change in texture and tartness but still works well. |
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Pairs perfectly with a strong cup of black tea or a hot mocha. These blondies are excellent served warm or chilled, depending on your mood.
- Ideal for afternoon tea spreads or family get-togethers.
- Great for packing into lunchboxes for kids or to take along to school events with a twist.
- Perfect for holiday gifts when wrapped in elegant parchment and twine.
- Great for dinner parties and potlucks to impress with a homemade dessert.
Storage and Reheating
| Method | Duration | Instructions |
| Refrigerator | 3–4 days | Store in an airtight container to prevent absorption of other odors. |
| Freezer | Up to 1 month | Wrap each blondie in plastic wrap and place in a sealed container before freezing. |
| Room temperature | 1–2 days | Keep in a sealed tin away from direct sunlight and moisture. |
| Reheating | Quick microwave | Wrap each piece in paper towel and microwave for 15–25 seconds for best taste. |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 240 |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Sodium | 35 mg |
Approximate values may vary depending on brand and exact measurement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
No, margarine adds a waterlogged texture. It’s best to use real butter for a rich, buttery base.
How do I tell when the blondies are done?
The edges will lift easily from the pan, and a skewer inserted in the center should come out clean.
Can I make the rhubarb topping in advance?
Yes, you can make it the night before and store it in the refrigerator. It will hold its texture well.
Can I make this batter ahead of time?
No. The batter must be used immediately after mixing to avoid drying and over-rising.
What if I don’t have custard powder?
Make store-bought custard or use vanilla powder and extra custard sauce for a similar flavor profile.
Conclusion
Rhubarb & Custard Blondies are a bold and sweet adaptation of a classic treat, combining rich chocolate with tangy rhubarb and a custard swirl. With just a few ingredients and easy steps, anyone can master this delicious recipe. Try this one today and experience the perfect balance of taste and texture in a single bite.
PrintRhubarb & Custard Blondies
- Total Time: 65
- Yield: 16 blondie squares
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Moist, chewy British blondies with a tangy rhubarb-custard swirl and rich white chocolate chips. A perfect blend of classic flavors and modern texture for a delightful home-baked treat.
Ingredients
225g butter, softened
200g brown sugar
100g caster sugar
150g all-purpose flour
50g custard powder
½ teaspoon baking powder
3 large eggs, room temperature
250g white chocolate chips
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
200g rhubarb, chopped into 3-4cm pieces
75g caster sugar (topping)
4 tablespoons custard (or custard made from powder)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan)
Line a 9×13″ tin with butter and baking parchment
Melt butter and both sugars in a pan until glossy, then cool for 10 minutes
Sift flour, custard powder, and baking powder into a bowl
Beat eggs into the cooled butter mixture, then fold in the dry ingredients until smooth
Stir in white chocolate chips and vanilla extract
Pour the base into the prepared tin
In a separate pan, cook chopped rhubarb, 75g caster sugar, and 2 tbsp water for 10 minutes until softened
Add 2 tbsp water and 4 tbsp custard powder to the pan, simmer 5 minutes until thickened
Drizzle the rhubarb-custard mixture over the blondie batter
Bake for 45 minutes until golden and toothpick clean
Notes
Chill the batter briefly before adding rhubarb-custard swirl for cleaner layers
Use real custard if available instead of powder
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British






