Strawberry Shortcake Pudding is a creamy, crowd-pleasing dessert inspired by the seasonal offerings at Magnolia Bakery. It layers soft vanilla pudding with roasted strawberries and crunchy vanilla wafers for a nostalgic treat that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Perfect for summer parties, picnics, or potlucks, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time and completely customizable with different fruits or cookies.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1½ cups water

• 1 (3.4 oz) package vanilla instant pudding mix (Jello brand recommended)

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

• 3 cups heavy cream

• 2 lb fresh strawberries

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1 box vanilla wafers

Directions

1. Make the Pudding Base:
   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the water and pudding mix until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk and whisk again. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to fully set.

2. Roast the Strawberries:
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Slice strawberries into bite-sized pieces and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with sugar, toss to coat, and bake for 15–25 minutes until soft and juicy. Cool completely.

3. Whip the Cream:
   In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream using a stand or hand mixer until soft peaks form.

4. Combine:
   Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture to lighten it. Add the rest of the whipped cream and mix gently until smooth and creamy.

5. Assemble the Pudding:
   In a large serving bowl or trifle dish, layer pudding, roasted strawberries, and vanilla wafers. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up.

6. Chill & Serve:
   Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) before serving. Garnish with additional strawberries or whipped cream if desired.

Nutrients

Estimated per serving (based on 10 servings):

• Calories: ~420 kcal

• Fat: ~26g

• Carbohydrates: ~44g

• Sugar: ~30g

• Protein: ~5g

• Fiber: ~2g

A Dessert That Bridges Tradition and Simplicity

At its heart, Strawberry Shortcake Pudding is an homage to classic strawberry shortcake—the kind made with sponge cake or biscuits, whipped cream, and fresh berries. But in this pudding version, the concept gets a delightful makeover. Instead of shortcake or sponge, it uses vanilla wafers for their crisp texture and nostalgic charm. These cookies soften slightly as they sit between the creamy pudding and roasted strawberries, mimicking the tender bite of traditional shortcake while maintaining a slight crunch.

The layers come together with an ultra-creamy vanilla pudding base that’s not made entirely from scratch but elevated with sweetened condensed milk and homemade whipped cream for an ultra-rich, luscious mouthfeel. Combined with the brightness of roasted strawberries, the result is a dessert that feels indulgent but approachable, old-fashioned yet refreshingly new.

Why Roasting Strawberries Takes It to the Next Level

What sets this pudding apart from many fruit-and-cream desserts is the use of roasted strawberries. While fresh strawberries are naturally sweet and juicy, roasting them in the oven intensifies their flavor, draws out extra juices, and adds depth. The added step may seem minor, but the result is transformative. The strawberries become softer and more syrupy, their natural sweetness amplified, and their tartness mellowed—perfectly suited for balancing the creamy vanilla base.

This technique is also forgiving when strawberries aren’t at their seasonal peak. Slightly underripe berries or those lacking in sweetness are revived in the oven, meaning you can enjoy this pudding year-round with great results. You can also swap in other fruits—such as raspberries, peaches, or blueberries—depending on what’s in season or your personal preferences.

The Pudding Layer: Creamy, Light, and Flavorful

The vanilla pudding layer is where the magic begins. Made with a base of instant pudding mix, water, and sweetened condensed milk, it’s incredibly smooth and flavorful. The use of condensed milk not only boosts the richness but also brings a luxurious, milky sweetness that pairs beautifully with the fruit and cookies.

To lighten the texture and add volume, freshly whipped cream is folded into the pudding, transforming it from something thick and dense into an airy, mousse-like layer. This makes the dessert feel light on the tongue despite its indulgent ingredients. The pudding layer also acts as a binder for the dessert, soaking slightly into the wafers and roasted berries to unify the layers into one harmonious bite.

Assembling for Texture and Contrast

The beauty of this dessert lies in the layers. The assembly process is part of what gives Strawberry Shortcake Pudding its signature look and texture. A base layer of vanilla wafers lines the bottom of the serving dish, followed by a generous spoonful of pudding and then a layer of roasted strawberries with their rich, ruby-red juices.

This pattern is repeated until all the components are used, and the top is usually finished with an extra dollop of whipped cream, a few fresh strawberry slices, or a sprinkling of crumbled cookies for added crunch. As the dessert chills, the layers meld beautifully, and the wafers soften just enough to provide a cake-like bite without turning mushy.

Perfect for Make-Ahead Entertaining

Strawberry Shortcake Pudding is a hostess’s dream. Because it actually improves in flavor and texture after sitting in the refrigerator, it’s one of the best desserts to prepare a day ahead of your event. The extra chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the cookies to soften slightly, making each bite more cohesive and balanced.

It also travels well, making it a top contender for outdoor events like BBQs, picnics, or potlucks. Pack it in a trifle bowl or layer it in individual jars for grab-and-go convenience. Since it doesn’t require baking or precise timing, it’s also a fantastic recipe for beginner cooks or anyone looking to whip up a dessert in under an hour with minimal effort.

Customizable to Fit Every Occasion

While the classic version of Strawberry Shortcake Pudding is a summertime favorite, this recipe lends itself well to endless variations. You can swap the strawberries for other fruits depending on what’s in season or your preferences. Raspberries, blueberries, roasted peaches, or even sliced bananas work wonderfully in place of or alongside the strawberries.

For a chocolate twist, substitute chocolate wafers or cookies, or drizzle the top with a light chocolate ganache. If you’re looking for a flavor upgrade, infuse the whipped cream with a hint of citrus zest, almond extract, or a splash of liqueur like Grand Marnier or Amaretto. For a more sophisticated finish, top with candied nuts or toasted coconut.

Dietary modifications are also simple—use gluten-free cookies for a gluten-free version, or swap the dairy components with plant-based cream and milk alternatives to make it vegan-friendly. The base recipe is flexible enough to handle these changes without compromising on texture or flavor.

Nutritional Overview and Indulgence Factor

While this is certainly a dessert that leans into indulgence, it strikes a nice balance of richness and freshness. With an estimated 420 calories per serving, it offers a reasonable portion size that satisfies without being overly heavy. Each serving includes about 26 grams of fat, largely from the heavy cream and condensed milk, and around 30 grams of sugar.

However, it’s also rich in flavor and dense with fruit, offering fiber and vitamin C from the strawberries. As always, moderation is key, and this pudding fits beautifully into a balanced diet when enjoyed on special occasions or shared with others.

Conclusion

Strawberry Shortcake Pudding is a charming, crowd-pleasing dessert that captures the essence of a nostalgic favorite while embracing the ease and elegance of modern no-bake recipes. With its creamy layers, roasted berries, and crisp wafers, each spoonful delivers a symphony of textures and flavors that feel both comforting and elevated.

Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and effortlessly beautiful, this dessert is perfect for everything from summer picnics to dinner parties. Whether you’re serving it in a trifle bowl for a dramatic effect or in small jars for an intimate gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress. Keep this recipe on hand for when you need something that’s equal parts familiar, fun, and utterly delicious.