15 Recipes & Ideas To Cook This April By Jamie Oliver

15 Recipes & Ideas To Cook This April By Jamie Oliver is a medium British recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Jamie Oliver on YouTube.

Prep: 42 min | Cook: 1 hr 5 min | Total: 2 hrs 2 min

Cost: $12.45 total, $1.56 per serving

Ingredients

  • 250 g All-Purpose Flour (for shortcrust pastry, sifted)
  • 125 g Unsalted Butter (cold, cubed)
  • 50 g Granulated Sugar (for pastry dough)
  • 1 g Salt (pinch, for pastry)
  • 1 Egg Yolk (for pastry binding)
  • 1000 g Rhubarb (trimmed, cut into 3 cm pieces)
  • 500 g Eating Apples (peeled, cored, cut into 3 cm chunks)
  • 125 g Granulated Sugar (for compote)
  • 30 ml Water (just a splash for compote)
  • 500 ml Whole Milk (full‑fat for custard)
  • 45 g Custard Powder (plain vanilla flavour)
  • 30 g Golden Custard Sugar (optional, adds caramel note)
  • 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Egg (beaten, for egg wash)
  • 30 g Flaked Almonds (to toast on top)
  • 5 g Icing Sugar (1–2 tsp, mixed with water for almond glaze)
  • 5 ml Water (for almond glaze) (just a few drops)

Instructions

  1. Make the shortcrust pastry

    Place the flour, sugar, and pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Add the cold butter cubes and rub in with fingertips until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in the egg yolk and 2 tbsp cold water until a smooth dough forms. Wrap in cling film and chill for 15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

  2. Roll out the pastry

    On a lightly floured surface roll the dough to about the thickness of a pound coin (≈3 mm). Fit it into a 23 cm tart tin, trimming excess. Prick the base with a fork. Set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Prepare the rhubarb‑apple compote

    Heat a large pan over medium‑high heat. Add the rhubarb pieces, apple chunks, 125 g sugar and a splash of water. Stir, then reduce heat to just above medium. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes until the fruit is tender and the mixture is saucy.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Medium‑high

  4. Make the custard

    In a saucepan combine 500 ml milk, 45 g custard powder and 30 g golden custard sugar. Whisk until smooth. Add 2 tsp vanilla extract. Heat over medium, stirring, until the mixture just begins to simmer and thickens (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat.

    Time: PT7M

    Temperature: Medium

  5. Strain the custard

    Pour the hot custard into a colander set over a bowl to catch the natural juice from the compote. Allow to sit for 5 minutes; a thin skin will form on the custard surface.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Reduce the compote juice

    Return the collected juice to the pan and simmer over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  7. Assemble the tart

    Spread the cooled custard evenly over the pastry base. Spoon the warm compote onto the centre and smooth with a spatula. Roll the remaining pastry over the top, sealing the edges. Brush the whole tart with beaten egg. Sprinkle flaked almonds over the top, then drizzle the almond glaze (icing sugar mixed with a few drops of water) over the almonds.

    Time: PT10M

  8. Bake the tart

    Place the tart on a baking sheet and bake in a pre‑heated oven at 180 °C (350 °F) for 40–45 minutes, until the pastry is golden and the almond topping is toasted.

    Time: PT45M

    Temperature: 180°C

  9. Cool and serve

    Remove the tart from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Drizzle a little of the reduced compote syrup over the top before slicing.

    Time: PT15M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Eggs, Tree nuts

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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15 Recipes & Ideas To Cook This April By Jamie Oliver

Recipe by Jamie Oliver

A soft, gooey rhubarb and apple compote sits on a silky vanilla custard, all wrapped in a crumbly homemade shortcrust pastry and finished with toasted flaked almonds. This classic British tart from Jamie Oliver is perfect for a family gathering or a special dessert.

MediumBritishServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
50m
Prep
1h 12m
Cook
15m
Cleanup
2h 17m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.45
Total cost
$1.56
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Making a cold, crumbly pastry dough without over‑working it.
  • Straining the custard to capture the natural fruit juice.
  • Reducing the compote juice to a syrupy glaze.
  • Sealing the pastry top tightly to prevent leakage.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot custard and compote with care to avoid burns.
  • The oven reaches 180 °C – use oven mitts when inserting or removing the tart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of the Rhubarb and Custard Tart in British cuisine?

A

Rhubarb has been a staple of British spring desserts since the 18th century, prized for its tartness. Pairing it with a rich custard became popular in the Victorian era as a way to balance the sharp flavour, making the tart a classic comfort dessert for family gatherings.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of rhubarb tart in the United Kingdom?

A

In the north of England, rhubarb is often baked with a simple shortcrust and a light custard, while in Wales a crumble topping is common. Some Scottish versions add a splash of whisky to the compote for extra warmth.

cultural
Q

How is an authentic British Rhubarb and Custard Tart traditionally served?

A

It is usually served warm or at room temperature, sliced into wedges, and drizzled with the reduced rhubarb‑apple syrup. A dollop of clotted cream or a scoop of vanilla ice‑cream is a classic accompaniment.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the Rhubarb and Custard Tart traditionally associated with in British culture?

A

The tart is a popular spring and early‑summer dessert, often featured at Easter lunches, garden parties, and family tea gatherings because rhubarb is in season during those months.

cultural
Q

What makes the Rhubarb and Custard Tart special or unique in British cuisine?

A

The combination of tangy rhubarb, sweet apples, silky vanilla custard, and buttery shortcrust creates a balance of textures and flavours that is uniquely British, reflecting the country’s love of fruit‑based desserts with creamy fillings.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Rhubarb and Custard Tart?

A

Common errors include over‑mixing the pastry (which makes it tough), letting the custard boil (causing curdling), and not reducing the compote juice enough, resulting in a soggy bottom. Follow the critical steps to avoid these pitfalls.

technical
Q

Why does this Rhubarb and Custard Tart recipe use a separate custard rather than baking the custard directly with the fruit?

A

Cooking the custard separately ensures a smooth, lump‑free texture and allows the natural juice from the rhubarb‑apple compote to be captured for the glaze. Baking them together can cause the custard to curdle and the fruit to release too much liquid.

technical
Q

Can I make the Rhubarb and Custard Tart ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Prepare the compote and custard up to 2 days ahead, keep them refrigerated, assemble the tart, cover, and store in the fridge. Bake the tart just before serving, or bake fully, cool, and freeze slices for up to a month.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Rhubarb and Custard Tart is done?

A

The pastry should be golden‑brown and crisp, the almond topping toasted, and the custard set with a smooth surface. The compote should be glossy and slightly thick, and a thin skin will have formed on the custard.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Jamie Oliver specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Jamie Oliver focuses on approachable home cooking, showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients, quick family meals, and classic British dishes with a modern twist.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Jamie Oliver's approach to British cooking differ from other British cooking channels?

A

Jamie Oliver emphasizes simplicity, bold flavours, and cooking with everyday pantry staples, often using rustic techniques and a relaxed style, whereas many other British channels focus on more formal, technique‑heavy presentations.

channel
Q

What other British recipes is the YouTube channel Jamie Oliver known for?

A

Jamie Oliver is well‑known for his classic British comfort foods such as Fish & Chips, Full English Breakfast, Shepherd’s Pie, and his signature Chicken and Mushroom Pie, as well as seasonal desserts like Sticky Toffee Pudding.

channel

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