Nothing compares to a bowl of homemade strawberry pudding. Bursting with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries and combined with a smooth, creamy pudding base, this dessert melts in your mouth. Ideal for summer gatherings, family treats, or a light indulgence, this pudding is simple to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor.
Why This Dessert Works
- Fresh, fruity flavor – Natural sweetness from ripe strawberries enhances the creamy base.
- Creamy texture – A luscious blend of milk, cream, and butter creates a velvety consistency.
- Quick preparation – Ready in under 30 minutes, plus chilling time.
- Versatile – Can be customized with toppings, layered into parfaits, or made with other fruits.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups whole milk
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Fresh strawberry slices for garnish
Preparation Tips
- Use ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor. Frozen strawberries can be used if thawed and drained.
- Blend strawberries for a smooth, silky pudding. Pulse lightly or mash by hand if you prefer some texture.
- Chill the pudding for at least 2 hours to allow it to set and enhance flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Strawberry Puree
- In a blender or food processor, combine the strawberries with ¼ cup of sugar.
- Blend until smooth. For some texture, pulse the strawberries or mash them lightly by hand.
- Set the puree aside.
Making the Pudding Base
- In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly for 5–7 minutes, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and butter (if using) until fully combined.
Combining Strawberry Puree and Pudding
- Gently fold the strawberry puree into the prepared pudding base.
- Stir until smooth and evenly combined.
- Pour into individual serving cups or a large dish, smoothing the top with a spoon.
Chilling and Serving
- Cover the pudding with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Before serving, garnish with fresh strawberry slices for color and extra flavor.
Tips for Perfect Strawberry Pudding
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar depending on the ripeness of your strawberries.
- For extra richness, use heavy cream or add a small dollop of mascarpone cheese into the pudding.
- Ensure continuous stirring while cooking the pudding to prevent lumps or scorching.
- For a visually appealing dessert, layer the pudding with crumbled cookies, granola, or whipped cream.
- Add a touch of lemon juice to the strawberry puree to balance sweetness and brighten flavors.
Serving Suggestions
- Whipped cream topping adds an airy texture.
- Crushed graham crackers or shortbread layered in make a delightful crunch.
- Serve as a parfait layered with berries, granola, and cream for a festive presentation.
- Pair with a light sponge cake or biscuits for an elegant dessert option.
Timing Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 7 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 17 minutes
- Servings: 4–6
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, ½ cup)
- Calories: 180
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 22g
- Vitamin A: 6%
- Vitamin C: 35%
- Calcium: 8%
- Iron: 2%
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, thaw and drain frozen strawberries before blending to prevent excess water in the pudding.
How long does the pudding last?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute milk and cream with almond milk or coconut milk and use a dairy-free butter alternative.
Can I make this pudding ahead of time?
Absolutely. The pudding can be prepared a day or two in advance and chilled; flavors often improve after a few hours.
How can I make the pudding thicker?
Increase cornstarch by 1 tablespoon or cook slightly longer while stirring to achieve the desired thickness.
Can I use other fruits?
Yes. Raspberries, blueberries, peaches, or mangoes can be used. Adjust sugar levels based on the fruit’s natural sweetness.
Additional Recommendations
- Layer with crumbled cookies or granola for a parfait-style dessert.
- Add a touch of lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves to enhance the presentation.
- Serve chilled with a drizzle of strawberry coulis for extra indulgence.
Final Thoughts
This strawberry pudding is a refreshing, creamy dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and lightness. Quick to prepare, visually appealing, and full of natural fruit flavor, it’s ideal for summer gatherings, family treats, or simply satisfying a sweet craving. With its velvety texture and versatility, this pudding is sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.