There’s something utterly delightful about layering sweet, creamy pudding with ripe strawberries and a little crunch. This Strawberry Shortcake Pudding takes dessert to a whole new level, transforming the beloved classic into a simple yet impressive treat that will transport your taste buds straight to summertime picnics. I remember discovering this dessert when searching for an easy and elegant option for a friend’s gathering—little did I know I’d stumble upon a recipe that would soon become a staple in my home!
Imagine the warmth of roasted strawberries mingling with the velvety instant pudding and fluffy whipped cream. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and lightness, making it an exceptional choice for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive celebration. Plus, with the flexibility to use different fruits or even graham crackers instead of vanilla wafers, this pudding offers endless possibilities for creative variations. Get ready to impress your guests or simply treat yourself—you deserve it!
Why Love Strawberry Shortcake Pudding?
Irresistible Layers: This Strawberry Shortcake Pudding showcases a dreamy blend of creamy pudding, tender strawberries, and crunchy wafers. Effortlessly Elegant: Perfect for impressing guests, it combines simplicity with sophistication. Versatile Options: Feel free to mix it up with different fruits or graham crackers for a unique twist. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Its nostalgic flavors resonate with everyone, making it a go-to dessert for any gathering. Time-Saving Treat: Easily prepared ahead of time, letting you focus on enjoying your event!
Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Ingredients
For the Pudding Base
• Water – Base for the pudding mixture; no substitutions needed.
• Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix – Provides creaminess and structure; make sure to use instant pudding for the best results.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds sweetness and richness; use one 14 oz can for proper measurements.
For the Topping
• Heavy Cream – For whipping up to add lightness; using fresh cream will give the best texture.
• Sugar – Enhances strawberry sweetness; if you prefer a less sweet dessert, feel free to omit it.
For the Fruit Layer
• Fresh Strawberries – The star of our pudding; can swap for any summer berry like peaches or blueberries.
For the Crunch
• Vanilla Wafers – Adds that delightful crunch; substitute with graham crackers for a cheesecake flavor twist in your Strawberry Shortcake Pudding.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Pudding
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Prep Pudding Base: In a mixing bowl, combine 1.5 cups of water with the vanilla instant pudding mix. Whisk until smooth, then stir in the sweetened condensed milk. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until set.
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Roast Strawberries: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Slice the fresh strawberries, toss them with sugar (if desired), and spread them on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-25 minutes until they’re tender and juicy. Allow to cool slightly.
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Whip Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. This will create a light and airy topping that beautifully complements the pudding.
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Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture. Make sure to mix until everything is fully combined, resulting in a light and fluffy pudding base.
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Layer Dessert: In your serving bowl, start layering with the pudding mixture, followed by roasted strawberries and vanilla wafers. Repeat the layers until you’ve used up all ingredients. Finally, cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before indulging!
Optional: Drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations & Substitutions for Strawberry Shortcake Pudding
Customize this delightful dessert to suit your tastes and enjoy a new experience with every bite!
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Graham Crackers: Swap vanilla wafers with graham crackers for a cheesecake-inspired flavor that adds a comforting twist.
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Other Berries: Use blueberries or raspberries in place of strawberries for a vibrant, color-packed treat bursting with different flavors.
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Peach Perfection: Substitute fresh strawberries with ripe peaches to embrace the sweetness of summer and a juicy texture.
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Cheesecake Pudding: Try cheesecake-flavored instant pudding mix instead of vanilla for a tangy surprise that complements the fruit beautifully.
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Coconut Twist: Add shredded coconut to the layers for a tropical flair that enhances the overall flavor and richness of your dessert.
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: Drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the layers before serving for an unexpected depth of sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the cream.
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Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans in between layers for an enjoyable crunch that adds texture and flavor to every bite.
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Spicy Addition: Experiment by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pudding mixture for a hint of warmth and spice that will warm your heart.
Make Ahead Options
These Strawberry Shortcake Pudding layers are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the pudding base and the roasted strawberries up to 24 hours in advance, letting the flavors meld beautifully. Simply make the pudding mixture, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. For the strawberries, roast them and allow them to cool before storing them in the fridge in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, whip the heavy cream and layer it with the pudding and strawberries, adding the vanilla wafers just before serving to maintain their crunch. This way, you’ll have a scrumptious dessert that’s just as delightful and fresh as if you made it that day!
What to Serve with Strawberry Shortcake Pudding?
Imagine complementing your dessert spread with delightful sides that elevate the experience of this heavenly pudding.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds brightness, mirroring the sweetness of the pudding while providing a refreshing crunch.
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Lemon Sorbet: The icy citrus notes cleanse the palate and contrast beautifully against the creamy layers of the pudding, making each bite feel light and lively.
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Pecan Sandies: These nutty cookies offer a delightful crunch that pairs well with the smooth pudding, creating an enjoyable variety of textures.
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Herbed Grilled Chicken: A savory addition that rounds out your meal, providing a nice balance to the rich sweetness of the pudding for a satisfying dining experience.
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Iced Tea: A chilled glass of sweetened iced tea with mint not only refreshes but also enhances the fruitiness of the pudding, making it a perfect summertime duo.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling a rich chocolate sauce over the pudding introduces a decadent twist that chocolate lovers will adore.
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Pineapple Upside-Down Cake: The sweet, caramel tones of this classic cake offer a nostalgic touch, complementing the flavor profile of strawberry shortcake pudding beautifully.
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Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop serves as a creamy counterpart, enriching the dessert experience with its velvety texture and classic flavor.
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Mint-Infused Sparkling Water: Stay refreshed with this effervescent drink that adds a hint of minty coolness, elevating the overall dessert presentation.
How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Shortcake Pudding
Refrigerator: The prepared Strawberry Shortcake Pudding can be stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the pudding base 1-2 days in advance. Layer it with strawberries and wafers just before serving to keep the layers intact and crunchy.
Freezer: If you wish to freeze your pudding, do so without the strawberries and wafers, as these can become mushy. Freeze the plain pudding for up to 2 months in a sealed container.
Thawing: To enjoy previously frozen pudding, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before gently re-whipping if needed. Avoid refreezing after thawing to maintain quality.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake Pudding
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Chill Properly: Before serving, ensure the pudding has chilled for at least 4 hours. This helps it set perfectly, giving you that delightful creamy texture.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh strawberries and heavy cream for the richest flavors in your strawberry shortcake pudding. They make a world of difference!
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Layering Technique: When assembling, alternate layers of pudding and strawberries carefully. This prevents the strawberries from sinking and ensures beautiful presentation.
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Customize Wisely: Feel free to swap strawberries for other berries, but remember to adjust roasting time for softer fruits. Each berry offers a unique twist to your dessert.
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Avoid Overmixing: When folding the whipped cream into the pudding, fold gently to maintain that airy lightness. Overmixing can lead to a denser pudding.
Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Recipe FAQs
What kind of strawberries should I use for the pudding?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, choose ripe, fresh strawberries that smell sweet and have a bright red color with no dark spots. If you’re using them for roasting, slightly under-ripe strawberries work, as they tend to hold their shape better when baked.
How long can I store the Strawberry Shortcake Pudding in the refrigerator?
You can store the prepared Strawberry Shortcake Pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. To maintain its freshness and the crunch of the wafers, I recommend layering the pudding, strawberries, and wafers just before serving.
Can I freeze Strawberry Shortcake Pudding?
The more the merrier! However, it’s best to freeze only the pudding base without the strawberries and wafers. Transfer the plain pudding into a sealed container and it will last up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then gently re-whip for best texture.
What if my pudding doesn’t set properly?
Very! If your pudding hasn’t set after the recommended chilling time, it could be due to not using instant pudding mix. To troubleshoot, whisk in a bit more pudding mix and let it chill for an additional hour or two. This usually helps achieve that perfect creamy texture.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
When it comes to allergies, ensure that your guests are not allergic to any of the ingredients. The pudding can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free vanilla wafers, which I often recommend if you know gluten sensitivity is a concern.
Strawberry Shortcake Pudding That Will Wow Your Guests
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1.5 cups of water with the vanilla instant pudding mix. Whisk until smooth, then stir in the sweetened condensed milk. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until set.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form to create a light and airy topping.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the chilled pudding mixture until fully combined.
- In your serving bowl, start layering with the pudding mixture, followed by roasted strawberries and vanilla wafers. Repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Slice the fresh strawberries, toss them with sugar if desired, and spread them on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-25 minutes until tender and juicy. Allow to cool slightly.