Brown Sugar Rhubarb Pie

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A luscious rhubarb pie with a rich brown sugar filling, topped with fluffy meringue, perfect for spring gatherings and dessert lovers seeking tart-sweet flavors.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 to 1 1/4 cups packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups rhubarb, cut in 1/2-inch slices
  • 2 beaten egg yolks
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pastry shell
  • 3 egg whites
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 6 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, and salt; stir in rhubarb. Let stand for 15 minutes.
  2. In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks and lemon juice; stir into the rhubarb mixture.
  3. Turn the rhubarb mixture into an unbaked pastry shell.
  4. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
  5. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C); continue baking until the knife inserted off-center comes out almost clean, about 20 minutes. Cover edges with foil if necessary to prevent over-browning.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the rhubarb mixture. If rhubarb is not available, you can substitute with equal parts of tart apples or berries. Ensure to adjust the sugar accordingly for sweetness levels. For a thicker filling, increase the flour to 1/3 cup. Always let the pie cool before slicing for cleaner pieces.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Brown Sugar Rhubarb Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast. It pairs wonderfully with a light salad, such as a Fruited Macaroni Salad Dessert, for a balanced meal. Enjoy it as a sweet ending to a summer barbecue or picnic.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help maintain the crust's flakiness and the filling's flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Brown Sugar Rhubarb Pie contains roughly 592 calories, with 3g protein, 143g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (71% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 942mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).

592 kcal 30% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.3g 7% DV
Total Fat 0.3g
Carbs 142.9g 52% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 117.6g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 941.7mg 41% DV
Potassium 3330.9mg 71% DV
Cholesterol 3.6mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.8mcg
Vitamin C 4.6mg 5% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 109.4mg 8% DV
Iron 2.2mg 12% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Just bake it and let it cool completely before covering it and placing it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you prefer, you can also prepare the filling and freeze it, then assemble and bake it fresh on the day you plan to serve.

What can I use if I don't have brown sugar?

If you don’t have brown sugar, you can make a substitute by mixing granulated sugar with molasses. For every cup of brown sugar needed, combine 1 cup of white sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses for light brown sugar, or 2 tablespoons for dark brown sugar. This will provide a similar flavor and moisture.

How can I tell when the pie is done?

The pie is done when the filling is bubbly and a knife inserted into the center comes out almost clean. The edges of the crust should be golden brown. If you notice the edges browning too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning while the rest of the pie finishes baking.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →