How to Make the Best Strawberry Pudding
There’s a new pudding in town. This quick dessert uses fresh strawberries to make a creamy custard that tastes like a bite of summer. Just like its cousin—the beloved Southern dessert banana pudding—this strawberry pudding has layers of vanilla wafers and clouds of fresh whipped cream.
Thankfully it’s easy to make, because it’s hard to stop eating!
How to Make Strawberry Pudding
Ingredients
3 cups milk
1 pound strawberries
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
Pinch of salt
3 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla
Editor’s Tip: This is how to separate egg whites from yolks.
Assembly:
2-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream (or 1 can Reddi-wip)
1-2 tablespoons powdered sugar, depending on taste
1 box vanilla wafers
1/2 pound strawberries
Tools You’ll Need
Hand Mixer: You can whip cream by hand, but save your arms with a hand mixer. It will do all the work for you and the whipped cream tastes just as delicious.
Mini Whisk: I like having whisks in many different sizes. A small one is perfect for mixing the cornstarch into the milk.
Rubber Spatulas: You won’t find me in a kitchen without at least 1-2 rubber spatulas in use. GIR makes a set of silicone utensils with a spatula ideal for spreading out the whipped cream on top of your pudding.
Directions
Step 1: Make the strawberry puree
Wash 1 pound of strawberries and remove tops. Puree in a blender until completely smooth with no chunks.
Step 2: Make custard
In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of the milk to form a slurry. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, add the remaining milk, pureed strawberries, sugar and salt. Cook on medium heat, whisking constantly until the milk just comes to simmer, and then remove from heat.
While the milk is heating, beat egg yolks in a separate bowl. Once the milk is heated, slowly pour 1/2 cup of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. Then, slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the warm milk. Continue mixing and add in the cornstarch mixture. Whisk constantly while cooking over medium heat until the mixture begins to thicken and comes to a simmer, no more than 5 or 6 minutes.
Remove from heat and add vanilla. Mix well and taste test. Put the pudding in the fridge to chill while you prepare the rest of the dessert.
Step 3: Whip the cream
Using a hand-held mixer (or stand mixer), beat heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar in a large bowl until stiff peaks begin to form. You’ll know they’re ready when you lift the whisk and the peaks hold their shapes. Watch closely because it will go from stiff to over-whipped very quickly!
Step 4: Assemble the strawberry pudding
In a 13-x-9-inch baking dish, line the bottom with vanilla wafers, getting them as close together as possible. Layer with the strawberry pudding, spreading out over the whole dish, then top with whipped cream. Use a rubber spatula to make wave-like textures with the whipped cream.
Cut the tops off the remaining strawberries and cut them in half. Line them up in rows over the whipped cream.
Step 5: Serve chilled
Serve immediately or hold in the fridge for a day or two before serving. Use a spoon to scoop each portion out—and enjoy the strawberry explosion! In the unlikely situation that you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge in an airtight container.
More Strawberry Desserts to Swoon Over
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I first served these fresh and fruity air-fryer wontons as an appetizer at a summer luau. My family and friends now enjoy this fried wonton recipe for dessert at special occasions throughout the year. —Melissa Birdsong, Gilbert, South Carolina
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Chock-full of berries and rhubarb, this pretty cobbler is the perfect finale for a dinner for two. Pecans in the topping and the delicious dessert sauce make it extra special. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
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Always a crowd-pleaser, this strawberry panzanella salad never disappoints. This version is sweet and offers the opportunity to use seasonal fruits in a creative way. For a fun twist, use margarita glasses when serving and rim the glasses with sugar and a strawberry garnish. —Careema Bell, Trenton, New Jersey
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This strawberry rhubarb pie with frozen fruit recipe has become a favorite with us. My husband never liked rhubarb until he tasted this pie...now he asks me to make it often! — Sandy Brown, Lake Worth, Florida
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I came up with this strawberry rhubarb cake when I wanted to make something with rhubarb and strawberries that wasn't a pie. If you know someone who hasn't tried rhubarb before, this is a great way to introduce them to it. —Theresa Kreyche, Tustin, California
Easy Fresh Strawberry Pie
For my mother's birthday, I made this strawberry pie recipe instead of a cake. Since it was mid-May in Oklahoma, the berries were absolutely perfect. It was a memorable occasion for the whole family. —Josh Carter, Birmingham, Alabama
Strawberry Lemon Cupcakes
My granddaughter Sydney has acquired a love of baking. While I was visiting her in Tampa, we made these light, fluffy cupcakes. She's a natural—they turned out fantastic! —Lonnie Hartstack, Clarinda, Iowa
Strawberry Rhubarb Cheesecake Bars
These cheesecake bars layer a buttery pecan shortbread crust with a rich and creamy filling and sweet-tart strawberry rhubarb jam. For larger squares, cut into nine bars instead of 16. —Amanda Scarlati, Sandy, Utah
No-Bake Mango Strawberry Cheesecake
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Strawberry Rhubarb Cream
A friend gave me this recipe a long time ago. It’s rich and creamy yet refreshing. I make this often in early summer when rhubarb is readily available. —Norma DesRoches, Warwick, Rhode Island
Strawberry Biscuit Shortcake
It seams Mom was always making biscuits. She served them plain for breakfast and dinner, especially when we had stew or baked beans. My favorite was when she served them like this—topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream! —Elaine Gagnon, Pawtucket, Rhode Island
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Strawberry Crumble Pie
I host an annual pie-making party before Labor Day. We have a pig roast on our farm, but the pies take center stage at the end of the meal. —Beth Howard, Donnellson, Iowa
Berry-Cream Cookie Snaps
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Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
These treats are a perfect mouthful of strawberry, sweet cream cheese filling and just a drizzle of chocolate. Easy to fill and fix ahead, they add tempting variety to brunch or party offerings—and make a delicious homemade gift. —Linda Baldt, Croydon, Pennsylvania
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Daiquiri fans, put away your straws for this blend of strawberries, lime juice and orange juice in a refreshing ice. — Robin M. Keane, Framingham, Massachusetts
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Although my coffee cake makes a large pan, it never lasts very long! It's great for a Sunday brunch after church and nice to bring to family reunions, too. —Dorothy Morehouse, Massena, New York
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For a tasty twist, this special shortcake has a berry layer on the bottom. The tempting strawberry upside-down cake is a sweet that our family has savored for years. —Debra Falkiner, St. Charles, Missouri
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Take summer-ripe strawberries plus a creamy filling and tuck them into these delicate crepes for an elegant brunch entree. —Kathy Kochiss, Huntington, Connecticut
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This pie is my specialty. It's fairly simple to make but so dramatic to serve. The ultimate taste of spring, this luscious pie has such a big, fresh berry taste. I've had many requests to bring it to gatherings. —Janet Mooberry, Peoria, Illinois
Grilled Angel Food Cake with Strawberries
One night I goofed, accidentally using the balsamic butter I save for grilling chicken on my pound cake. What a delicious mistake that my entire family loved! For a patriotic look, add a drizzle of blueberry syrup. —Tammy Hathaway, Freeman Twp, Maine
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My husband loved his mamaw's strawberry cake recipe. He thought no one could duplicate it. I made it, and it’s just as scrumptious as he remembers. —Jennifer Bruce, Manitou, Kentucky
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This simple lemon shortcake is tender and not overly sweet. Enjoy this summertime classic with a generous layer of whipped topping and berries. —Meryl Herr, Overland Park, Kansas
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This creamy strawberry tart boasts a crunchy chocolate layer tucked next to the crust. Try making individual tartlets instead of one big dessert. —Dawn Tringali, Hamilton Square, New Jersey
Berry Pinwheel Cake
Perfect for special meals, this lovely chiffon cake is a nice change from strawberry pie or shortcake. Don't be afraid t try this jelly-roll-style dessert...it's easy to make. Plus, the waxed paper-lined pan helps make cleanup a breeze! —Becky Ruff, McGregor, Iowa
Easy Strawberry Lemonade Freezer Pie
Three simple ingredients mixed together and spread into a graham crust make magic while your freezer does the all the work. Prep this pie ahead and freeze it overnight or even longer. Feel free to vary the fruit if you'd like! —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
Nutella-Stuffed Strawberries
Gourmet strawberries are pricey to order but easy to make. We serve strawberries with hazelnut spread as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or dessert. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
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While growing up, I loved treats from the ice cream truck that rolled through my neighborhood. This ice cream cake is inspired by one of those crunchy, strawberry novelties. —Lisa Kaminski, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Best Ever Fresh Strawberry Pie
Next time you get a pint or two of perfectly ripe strawberries, make my favorite pie. It combines fresh berries and a lemony cream cheese layer. If you’re in a hurry, use a pre-made pie shell. —Janet Leach, Granger, Washington
Chocolate Strawberry Punch Bowl Trifle
I threw this dessert together when I needed something quick to take to my in-laws’. Because it’s beautiful, everyone thinks it requires a lot of effort. It’s easy. And the recipe makes a lot, making this perfect for potlucks and large gatherings. —Kristi Judkins, Morrison, Tennessee
Strawberry-Rosemary Yogurt Pops
We planted strawberries a few years ago and these tangy-sweet frozen yogurt pops are my very favorite treats to make with them! The options are endless. Try using other yogurt flavors like lemon, raspberry or blueberry. You may also substitute your favorite herb for the rosemary—or simply omit it. —Carmell Childs, Ferron, Utah
Strawberry-Chocolate Meringue Torte
I make this rich and delicious torte whenever I'm asked to bring dessert to any occasion. Use reduced-calorie whipped topping to create a lighter version. —Christine McCullough, Auburn, Massachusetts
Strawberry-Hazelnut Meringue Shortcakes
In summer the strawberry farms are open for picking. I serve strawberries with a crunchy hazelnut meringue cookie. —Barbara Estabrook, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Freezer Strawberry Shortbread Dessert
When I’m planning party menus, I appreciate dessert recipes like this; you can make and freeze it up to two weeks before serving. A refreshing slice is welcome after a big meal.—Cassie Alexander, Muncie, Indiana
Cornmeal Towers with Strawberries & Cream
My kids love to help make these towers. They measure, mix, whisk and build stacks. It's a family custom and a perfect summer breakfast or dessert. —Josie Shapiro, San Francisco, California
Strawberry-Lime Bars
Our family loves fresh strawberries, so I look for different ways to use them. This tempting, yummy dessert has sweet strawberries, tart lime and salty pretzels. —Alexandra Barnett, Forest, Virginia
Strawberry Ladyfinger Icebox Cake
This cake is inventive and yet familiar. Be sure to use a springform pan so you can easily remove it from the pan. If it breaks while you're transferring the cake to the serving plate, just push it back together, pressing gently. —Stella Ohanian, Porter Ranch, California
Strawberry Cream Floats
When it starts warming up in Colorado, my kids ask for ice-cold treats. This rosy pink cream float is one of our household favorites. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Chocolate Lover's Strawberry Shortcakes
As a mom of four, I appreciate shortcut recipes. This one uses refrigerated biscuits, giving me time for special touches, like adding homemade whipped cream and hot fudge. —Melissa Haines, Valparaiso, Indiana
Strawberries & Cream Torte
This festive strawberries and cream summer treat is one of my mom's favorites. It wows guests every time yet is simple to make. —Cathy Branciaroli, Wilmington, Delaware
Berried Treasure Angel Food Cake
My husband grills anything and everything—even dessert! With his gentle nudging, I came up with this simple recipe that takes just a few minutes to prepare, yet always impresses dinner guests. —Anita Archibald, Richmond Hill, Ontario
Slow-Cooker Strawberry Pudding Cake
I had these ingredients in my pantry and thought I'd experiment. The flavors are just like strawberry cheesecake—only in a warm, comforting cake version. It's a whole lot easier than making cheesecake, too! —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
Heavenly Filled Strawberries
These luscious stuffed berries are the perfect bite-sized dessert. —Stephen Munro, Beaver Bank, Nova Scotia
Strawberry Shortcake Puffs
When my wonderful friend Kelly brought me a pint of strawberries, I didn’t want to just eat them straight (tempting as it was). I decided to make strawberry shortcake with my own pretty, elegant spin. These light and airy puff pastry stacks let the fruit shine. —Jenny Dubinsky, Inwood, West Virginia
Cheesecake Strawberry Trifle
The only drawback to this lovely dessert is that there are never any leftovers. For a patriotic look, replace one of the layers of strawberry pie filling with blueberry—or use whatever filling you prefer. —Lori Thorp, Frazee, Minnesota
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Meringue Roses
Eat these pretty treats as is or crush them into a bowl of strawberries and whipped cream. Readers of my blog, utry.it, went nuts when I posted that idea.—Amy Tong, Anaheim, California
Juicy Peach & Strawberry Crumb Pie
You've had peach pie and strawberry pie, and maybe even peach-strawberry pie. But throw in some garden-fresh basil and you're in for a real treat. Try it. —Lindsay Sprunk, Noblesville, Indiana
Strawberry Bliss
You'll love this homemade puff pastry crust topped with a soft-set pudding layer that has a hint of strawberry flavor. This dessert needs to chill for at least an hour, so it's a fabulous make-ahead dish. —Candace Richter, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Double-Crust Strawberry Pie
The first time I made this pie it was delectable, so I wanted to share it. Fresh strawberries sprinkled with cinnamon make a delicious pie served warm or slightly chilled. —Patricia Kutchins, Lake Zurich, Illinois
Strawberry Gelato
You'll love this smooth and creamy gelato with bright strawberry flavor and just a hint of sea salt and honey. —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Strawberry-Citrus Freezer Pops
I knew that clementines and strawberries would create a luscious combination in a fruit pop, and I have to say these are delicious! —Colleen Ludovice, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
Strawberry shortcake is one of my favorite desserts. I thought it would be great to capture all that wonderful flavor, so I made these strawberry shortcake cookies topped with pink strawberry frosting. —Allison Anderson, Avondale, Arizona
White Chocolate-Strawberry Tiramisu
Here's a twist on a classic dessert that highlights another flavor combo my husband and I love: strawberries and white chocolate. Lighten it up if you'd like—I've had good luck with light nondairy whipped topping and reduced-fat cream cheese. —Anna Ginsberg, Chicago, Illinois
Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream
This creamy, luscious ice cream will remind you of the signature treat served at church ice cream socials. What dessert could be better? —Esther Johnson, Merrill, Wisconsin—Esther Johnson, Merrill, Wisconsin
Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle
For a dessert that looks as great as it tastes, this one can't be beat! Layers of rich pound cake, luscious cream and sweet strawberries make this treat very inviting. —Marnie Stoughton, Glenburnie, Ontario
Cool Strawberry Cream
This fruity, luscious dessert makes a wonderful ending to a special dinner. When fresh strawberries are not available, substitute two packages frozen unsweetened strawberries, thawed and drained, for the fresh. —Joyce Cooper, Mount Forest, Ontario
Vanilla Cream Fruit Tart
It's well worth the effort to whip up this creamy fruit tart bursting with juicy berries. A friend gave me the recipe, and it always receives rave reviews at gatherings. —Susan Terzakis, Andover, Massachusetts
The post How to Make the Best Strawberry Pudding appeared first on Taste of Home.
