I love to make this Strawberry Pudding during strawberry season. With 5 ingredients and just 15 minutes, you can prepare this wonderful homemade treat to make an amazing summer dessert.
Puddings are light and refreshing, these are two of my family favorites: mango pudding recipe and my parfait made with this strawberry pudding recipe.
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Why this Strawberry Pudding Recipe is a Keeper
This recipe because not only is it quick and easy, it’s also incredibly delicious. It’s a great recipe on it’s own, or use it in other dessert recipes.
- Simple and Quick to Make: My recipe for this pudding require minimal ingredients and can be whipped up relatively quickly, often without extensive cooking.
- Light and Refreshing: Compared to heavier, dairy-based puddings, this version tends to be lighter and more refreshing, especially when served chilled.
- Versatile Texture: Depending on the recipe and thickening agent used (like chia seeds, cornstarch, or agar-agar), you can achieve various textures from smooth and creamy to slightly more textured.
My Pudding isn’t Setting. What Went Wrong?
If the pudding isn’t setting, there might have been too much liquid included. Be sure to add the correct amount of liquid and heat until the gelatin has melted.
Pro Tip for the Dessert
Layer for Elegance: For a more visually appealing dessert, layer the strawberry pudding with granola, chopped nuts, or other fruits in individual glasses or jars.
Strawberry Pudding Ingredient Notes and Variation Suggestions
This recipe is so versatile. I like to experiment with flavors by using different ingredients and add-ins. You can make this recipe special.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Strawberries: It’s easiest to blend fresh strawberries, and they give you the best strawberry flavor.
- Sugar: Adding extra sugar is optional, but can be a nice sweetener for the chopped strawberries.
- Maple Syrup: Adds a lovely nuanced sweetness to this make-ahead dessert.
- Agave Nectar: Another creamy dessert liquid sweetener option.
- Date Syrup: For a richer, caramel-like sweetness.
- Stevia or Other Substitutes: For a lower-sugar version (adjust amounts carefully based on the substitute).
- Gelatin: To thicken the pudding, this recipe uses unflavored gelatin.
- Chia Seeds: Create a thicker pudding with a slightly seedy texture. This is often a no-cook method.
- Cornstarch: Results in a smooth, classic pudding texture and requires cooking.
- Arrowroot Powder: Similar to cornstarch but can sometimes yield a slightly glossier finish.
- Agar-Agar: A vegan gelatin alternative that sets firmly and requires boiling.
- Tapioca Starch: Provides a smooth and slightly chewy texture.
- Different Pudding Flavors: A little lemon juice or lemon zest to add a nice citrusy flavor, or add a small amount of almond extract or vanilla extract to make smooth vanilla pudding.
- Other Fruits: Combine strawberries with other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry pudding.
- Herbs: A few fresh mint or basil leaves blended with the strawberries can add a surprising and refreshing twist.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom can add warmth.
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Pudding
This recipe comes together in just 3 easy to follow steps. This strawberry pudding dessert is so good, kids and adults alike will devour it.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Make the Pudding Base: Add gelatin and water to a small bowl and whisk together to combine. Add sugar and whisk in coconut milk.
- Make a Strawberry Puree: Place strawberries in a blender and puree until smooth. Pour the blended strawberries into the gelatin mixture and stir until well combined.
3. Heat the Pudding: Transfer pudding mixture to a saucepan and place over medium heat. Whisk until gelatin is melted and strawberries are cooked down. Pour into individual dishes and refrigerate until set. Garnish with fresh strawberries.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for this Strawberry Recipe
I like to prepare ingredients ahead of time so that everything is ready for when I make this easy dessert recipe.
- Blending Strawberries: You can blend the strawberries into a puree a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. This saves time when you’re ready to assemble the pudding.
- Measuring Dry Ingredients: If your recipe uses a dry thickening agent like cornstarch or agar-agar, you can measure it out and store it in a small container.
- Chilling Time: This pudding generally needs time to chill and set properly. Making it several hours or even a day ahead ensures it reaches the optimal consistency and is perfectly cold for serving.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftovers
- Storing: Store creamy pudding in an airtight container in the fridge for about 5 days. Or place plastic wrap on the surface of the pudding to prevent skin from forming.
- Using Leftovers: Enjoy any leftovers with the pudding made with strawberries in a strawberry trifle recipe, Fresh Strawberry Poke Cake or make Strawberry Pudding Parfaits in a trifle bowl with cool whipped topping.
Common Questions About This Recipe
Yes. Know that it may take longer to blend frozen strawberries as well as softening them over heat.
Yes, try this recipe using different berries such as raspberries, blueberries or blackberries. You could also try making a banana pudding.
I like to top with homemade whipped cream, more chopped fresh berries, vanilla wafers or chocolate shavings.
For a quick short cut, you can use vanilla pudding mix or strawberry mix instead of vanilla. Use 1.5 tablespoons of pudding mix instead of gelatin, or add the strawberry puree to prepared instant pudding.
Expert Tips for Making Strawberry Pudding
- Use Ripe Strawberries: The flavor of the pudding will be best with sweet, ripe strawberries.
- Taste and Adjust Sweetness: Strawberries vary in sweetness, so taste the blended mixture before chilling and adjust the sweetener as needed.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow ample time for the pudding to chill and set properly. This will enhance the texture and flavor.
- For a Smoother Texture: If you prefer an ultra-smooth pudding, strain the blended strawberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before adding the coconut milk and thickener.
- Warm Weather Treat: This pudding is particularly refreshing on a warm day. Consider serving it slightly chilled but not ice-cold to allow the flavors to shine.
- Serve this Recipe: Serve this recipe with Mango Pudding or Banana Pudding Tacos.
More Recipes You Might Like
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Strawberry Pudding
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Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoons Gelatin
- 2 tablespoons Water
- 1 ½ tablespoons White sugar
- ½ cup Coconut milk
- 3 cups Strawberries, approx. 12 ounces
Instructions
- Place gelatin and water in a small bowl and whisk for 30 seconds to combine. Add sugar, if desired. Whisk in coconut milk.
- Place strawberries in a blender and puree until smooth. Pour the blended strawberries into the gelatin mixture and stir to combine.
- Transfer pudding mixture to a small pot and place over medium-low heat.
- Whisk for 4-5 minutes until gelatin is melted and strawberries are cooked down.
- Pour into individual serving dishes.
- Refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight, until set.
Christina’s Notes
- Use Ripe Strawberries: The flavor of the pudding will be best with sweet, ripe strawberries.
- Taste and Adjust Sweetness: Strawberries vary in sweetness, so taste the blended mixture before chilling and adjust the sweetener as needed.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow ample time for the pudding to chill and set properly. This will enhance the texture and flavor.
- For a Smoother Texture: If you prefer an ultra-smooth pudding, strain the blended strawberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before adding the coconut milk and thickener.
- Warm Weather Treat: This pudding is particularly refreshing on a warm day. Consider serving it slightly chilled but not ice-cold to allow the flavors to shine.
- Serve this Recipe: Serve this recipe with Mango Pudding or Banana Pudding Tacos.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.