Strawberry Rhubarb Trifle with Vanilla Bean Custard – Easy Mother’s Day Dessert

A Stunning, Make-Ahead Dessert for Mother's Day – Elegant, Fresh & Naturally Sweet

Introduction

Mother’s Day calls for a dessert that’s as lovely and layered as the woman you’re celebrating. This Layered Strawberry Rhubarb Trifle is a show-stopping treat that combines sweet-tart fruit, velvety vanilla bean custard, and soft cake into one beautiful, make-ahead dessert.

It’s light, fresh, and filled with the flavor of spring—making it the perfect centerpiece for your Mother’s Day table.

 Ingredients

For the Vanilla Bean Custard:

For the Strawberry Rhubarb Compote:

  • 2 cups chopped rhubarb
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp orange zest (optional)

For Assembly:

  • 1 pre-baked pound cake or sponge cake, cubed (homemade or store-bought)
  • Fresh whipped cream (or store-bought, optional for topping)
  • Fresh mint and sliced strawberries for garnish

Instructions

 Step 1: Make the Vanilla Bean Custard

  1. In a medium saucepan, heat milk and cream with the vanilla bean and its seeds (or paste) until just simmering.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth.
  3. Slowly pour a little of the hot milk into the yolks to temper, whisking constantly.
  4. Return mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5–7 minutes).
  5. Remove from heat and strain into a bowl. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface and chill completely.

 Step 2: Make the Strawberry Rhubarb Compote

  1. In a saucepan, combine rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and orange zest.
  2. Cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes until the fruit breaks down and thickens slightly.
  3. Cool completely before layering.

 Step 3: Assemble the Trifle

  1. In a large glass trifle dish or individual glasses, start with a layer of cake cubes.
  2. Add a layer of vanilla bean custard, then a layer of strawberry rhubarb compote.
  3. Repeat the layers until the dish is full, finishing with a dollop of custard or whipped cream.
  4. Garnish with sliced strawberries and mint leaves.

Step 4: Chill

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving—perfect for prepping ahead!

🍳 Tips & Variations

  • Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free cake or ladyfingers.
  • Add crunch: Sprinkle crushed almonds or pistachios between layers.
  • More fruit: Add raspberries or blueberries for more color.
  • For a lighter custard: Substitute part of the milk with coconut milk for a tropical twist.

 Where to Find Premium Vanilla Beans

We recommend using AayuLuxe's premium vanilla beans for the richest flavor in your custard. Explore our Vanilla  Collection for ethically sourced, high-quality beans.

Why This Dessert is Perfect for Mother’s Day

  • It’s make-ahead, so you can relax and enjoy the day.
  • It looks elegant and festive in a glass dish.
  • It’s full of seasonal spring fruit and the comforting warmth of vanilla.

 

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