There’s a certain delight in the simplicity of summer desserts, and this creamy strawberry shortcake pudding fits the bill perfectly. Picture this: a luscious layer of smooth vanilla pudding, intertwined with sweet, roasted strawberries that burst with flavor, all nestled between crunchy bites of vanilla wafers. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of the season on your plate!
When I stumbled upon this recipe, I was instantly captivated by how effortlessly it comes together. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply wanting a sweet treat after a long day, this pudding is sure to impress. Best of all, it requires no complex techniques, making it a breeze for both seasoned chefs and newbies in the kitchen.
The next time you find yourself searching for the ideal summer dessert to bring joy to your gatherings, remember this strawberry shortcake pudding. With its sweet and creamy layers, it’s bound to become a comforting favorite that you’ll return to time and again. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious masterpiece!
Why is strawberry shortcake pudding a must-try?
Simplicity: This dessert comes together quickly, perfect for busy summer days.
Fresh Flavors: Bursting with sweet, roasted strawberries, each bite is a taste of summer!
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, everyone will want seconds (or thirds)!
Versatile: Swap strawberries for your favorite fruits for a unique twist.
Easy Layering: No complex techniques—simple layering makes it fun to assemble.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our easy-to-make desserts that will delight your family and friends!
Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Ingredients
• Prepare to indulge in this delightful strawberry shortcake pudding!
For the Pudding
- Water – Acts as the base for the pudding mixture; filtered water enhances the taste.
- Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix – Ensures a creamy texture and rich vanilla flavor; only use the instant variety for proper setting.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds sweetness and a creamy consistency, perfect for this dessert; can swap with evaporated milk for a lighter touch.
- Heavy Cream – Creates a luscious whipped topping for layering; coconut cream is a great dairy-free alternative.
For the Strawberries
- Fresh Strawberries – The star ingredient, providing juiciness and flavor; feel free to substitute with blueberries or raspberries.
- Sugar – Enhances the sweetness of the strawberries during roasting; use honey or a sugar alternative for a healthier option.
For Layering
- Vanilla Wafers – Adds delightful crunchiness, contrasting beautifully with the creamy layers; alternatively, graham crackers can be used.
Get ready to serve up smiles with this irresistible dessert that will captivate everyone at your summer gatherings!
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Pudding
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Prepare the Pudding: In a bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups of water and the entire 3.4 oz package of vanilla pudding mix until smooth. Add in 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk, then refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight to let it set perfectly.
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Roast the Strawberries: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Slice 2 lbs of fresh strawberries, toss them with sugar, and spread on a parchment-lined baking pan. Roast for 15-25 minutes until softened and their juices are released, then let cool.
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Make the Whipped Cream: In a separate bowl, whip 3 cups of heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture, then carefully mix in the rest to maintain its fluffiness.
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Layer the Dessert: In a large serving bowl, start layering the creamy pudding, roasted strawberries, and crunchy vanilla wafers. Repeat this until you’ve used all your ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, before serving.
Optional: Serve in individual cups for a more elegant presentation!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Variations
Explore the endless possibilities to elevate your pudding experience!
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Berry Mix: Swap strawberries for a mix of berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a colorful twist. Each berry brings its unique flavor, creating a beautifully vibrant dessert.
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Coconut Cream: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free and tropical flair. The rich coconut flavor pairs wonderfully with strawberries, giving your pudding an exotic twist.
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Cheesecake Pudding: Replace vanilla pudding with cheesecake-flavored pudding mix for a new taste sensation. It adds a delightful tanginess that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of strawberries.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Enhance your dessert by drizzling melted chocolate over each layer. The combination of chocolate with strawberries is classic and gorgeous, making every spoonful more indulgent.
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Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg when roasting the strawberries for a warm, inviting flavor boost. The spices will complement the sweetness of the strawberries perfectly.
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Nutty Crunch: Incorporate crushed almonds or pecans in between the layers for a delightful crunch. The nutty notes enrich the overall texture, making it even more satisfying.
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Honey Sweetness: Substitute sugar with honey when roasting strawberries for a natural sweetness. This subtle change offers deeper flavor notes while keeping the dessert light and refreshing.
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Layer of Granola: Replace vanilla wafers with your favorite granola for added texture and flavor. The crunchy granola will contrast beautifully against the creamy layers, turning it into a brunch-worthy delight.
Storage Tips for Strawberry Shortcake Pudding
- Fridge: Store your strawberry shortcake pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Enjoy it within the first couple of days for the best flavor and texture.
- Freezer: While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the pudding for up to 2 months. However, be aware that the wafers may lose their crunch upon thawing.
- Reheating: If refrigerated, enjoy it cold or allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Do not reheat, as it may affect the pudding’s texture.
- Serving After Storage: If the pudding has been in the fridge for more than a day, give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh the layers and flavors!
Make Ahead Options
These creamy strawberry shortcake pudding layers are an excellent choice for meal prep! You can prepare the pudding base and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours in advance. Simply whisk together the water and pudding mix, mix in the sweetened condensed milk, and let it chill until set. The strawberries can also be roasted and stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing their sweet flavors to deepen. On serving day, just whip the heavy cream, layer everything together, and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results!) before enjoying. This preparation means less stress on busy days while delivering a delightful dessert that’s just as delicious!
Expert Tips for Strawberry Shortcake Pudding
- Instant Pudding Necessity: Always use instant pudding mix; cook & serve varieties won’t set properly, leaving you with a runny mess.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries: If using frozen strawberries, allow them to fully thaw before roasting to ensure even sweetness and texture.
- Refrigerate Overnight: For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the pudding overnight; it allows the layers to meld beautifully and enhances the overall experience.
- Perfect Layering: When layering, alternate the pudding, strawberries, and vanilla wafers evenly. This ensures each bite of your strawberry shortcake pudding is balanced and delightful!
- Textural Play: Want more crunch? Incorporate nuts or granola in your layers for added texture and flavor contrast!
What to Serve with Strawberry Shortcake Pudding?
Imagine a sunny picnic or a joyful family gathering; this delightful dessert is just the beginning of your culinary adventure.
- Fresh Berries: Juicy, mixed berries like raspberries or blueberries enhance the fruity flavor and add a vibrant color contrast.
- Shortbread Cookies: Buttery and crumbly, they provide an irresistible crunch that beautifully complements the creamy pudding layers. Serve alongside for an extra treat!
- Mint Sprigs: A sprinkle of fresh mint on top of each serving elevates the presentation and adds a refreshing note to the sweet pudding.
- Lemonade: A chilled glass of homemade lemonade balances the richness of the pudding with its zesty brightness, making it a perfect pairing.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream adds an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess, creating a heavenly indulgence!
- Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, a simple drizzle of warm chocolate sauce over the pudding can transform the dessert into a decadent delight.
- Pistachios: Chopped pistachios introduce a fun crunch and nutty flavor, providing contrast to the softness of the pudding and strawberries.
- Whipped Cream: Extra whipped cream on top can never hurt! It adds a lightness and indulgent touch—perfect for dolloping on each serving.
- Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of sweet iced tea with a lemon slice pairs beautifully with this light dessert, enhancing the summer vibe!
- Fruit Tart: Serving a mini fruit tart alongside adds visual appeal and offers a delightful variety of textures and flavors to your dessert table.
Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe strawberries?
When selecting strawberries, look for those that have a vibrant red color, a firm texture, and a sweet aroma. Avoid strawberries with dark spots or blemishes, as these indicate overripeness. Ideally, they should feel plump and glossy, which means they are juicy and fresh.
What’s the best way to store leftover strawberry shortcake pudding?
Store any leftover strawberry shortcake pudding in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days to prevent the vanilla wafers from becoming soggy. If kept longer, the wafer’s texture may change, but the flavors will remain delightful.
Can I freeze strawberry shortcake pudding?
Yes, you can freeze the pudding for up to 2 months! To freeze, first, layer the pudding in an airtight and freezer-safe container. Be mindful that while the pudding itself freezes well, the vanilla wafers may become soggy upon thawing, so you might consider adding them fresh after thawing.
What should I do if the pudding doesn’t set properly?
If your pudding isn’t setting, double-check that you used instant pudding mix. If you used the cook & serve variety, unfortunately, it won’t reach the right consistency. To salvage the situation, you can refrigerate it longer or consider adding a bit of whipped cream or some additional instant pudding mix for thickness.
Is this recipe suitable for people with dairy allergies?
Absolutely! To make this strawberry shortcake pudding dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for the whipped layer, and use a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk. You can also choose dairy-free vanilla pudding mix to ensure everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert.
How can I add more flavor to the pudding?
To enhance the flavor of your strawberry shortcake pudding, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to your pudding mixture. You can also fold in a little lemon zest to brighten the flavors or use flavored syrup for twist variations!
Irresistible Strawberry Shortcake Pudding for Easy Summer Joy
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups of water and the entire 3.4 oz package of vanilla pudding mix until smooth. Add in 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk, then refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight to let it set perfectly.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Slice 2 lbs of fresh strawberries, toss them with sugar, and spread on a parchment-lined baking pan. Roast for 15-25 minutes until softened and their juices are released, then let cool.
- In a separate bowl, whip 3 cups of heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture, then carefully mix in the rest to maintain its fluffiness.
- In a large serving bowl, start layering the creamy pudding, roasted strawberries, and crunchy vanilla wafers. Repeat this until you've used all your ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, before serving.