01 -
In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 1/2 cup rolled oats, and a pinch of salt. Cut in 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) cold, cubed unsalted butter using your fingertips or a pastry blender until coarse crumbs form. Chill while preparing other components.
02 -
In a large bowl, combine 1 lb fresh rhubarb, 1 lb fresh strawberries, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tbsp cornstarch, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Toss gently to coat all the fruit evenly. This forms the delicious base for your BEST Strawberry Rhubarb Dessert with Creamy Custard.
03 -
In a medium bowl, whisk 6 large egg yolks, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 2 tbsp cornstarch until the mixture is pale and smooth. In a separate saucepan, heat 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of salt over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
04 -
Gradually whisk about half of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture to temper the yolks. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens to a pudding-like consistency. This velvety custard is key to the BEST Strawberry Rhubarb Dessert with Creamy Custard.
05 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the strawberry rhubarb compote evenly in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Carefully pour the warm velvety vanilla bean custard over the compote layer, spreading it gently to cover. Sprinkle the chilled golden crumble topping evenly over the custard.
06 -
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crumble topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly around the edges. For the ultimate BEST Strawberry Rhubarb Dessert with Creamy Custard, ensure the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly, indicating perfect doneness.
07 -
Remove the dessert from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before serving warm. For firmer slices, allow it to cool completely to room temperature, then chill for several hours in the refrigerator to allow the custard to fully set.