The Best Strawberry Pudding Recipe – Made with Fresh Strawberries

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There’s nothing quite like the sweet, creamy delight of homemade strawberry pudding made with fresh strawberries. Unlike store-bought versions that rely on artificial flavors and preservatives, this recipe uses real strawberries, whole milk, and vanilla extract to create a naturally sweet and silky-smooth dessert. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy strawberry dessert or a nostalgic treat to share with family, this strawberry pudding from scratch is the perfect choice.

In this post, I’ll guide you through the best strawberry pudding recipe, including expert tips, ingredient swaps, and serving suggestions to help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor. Let’s get started on making this creamy, refreshing dessert!

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Why You’ll Love This Homemade Strawberry Pudding

There are plenty of reasons to love this homemade strawberry pudding. Not only is it rich, creamy, and full of fresh strawberry flavor, but it’s also easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Whether you enjoy classic puddings or want a fresh take on a traditional dessert, this strawberry pudding is sure to become a favorite.

1. Fresh and Natural Ingredients

One of the best things about making strawberry pudding from scratch is that you get to use real, fresh ingredients instead of artificial flavors or store-bought mixes. This recipe highlights ripe strawberries, giving the pudding a natural sweetness and a beautiful pink hue without food coloring.

Unlike store-bought versions that contain preservatives and artificial additives, this homemade pudding uses wholesome ingredients such as:

• Fresh strawberries – The key to a naturally sweet and flavorful pudding.
• Whole milk and heavy cream – Creates a rich, velvety texture.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances the strawberry flavor and adds warmth.
• Sugar and cornstarch – Sweetens the pudding and helps it thicken to the perfect consistency.

With no artificial flavors or gelatin, this pudding delivers pure, fresh strawberry goodness in every bite.

2. Creamy and Smooth Texture

A good pudding should be silky, thick, and smooth, and this recipe achieves that with a few simple techniques. The combination of whole milk, heavy cream, and cornstarch ensures the pudding has a thick yet creamy consistency that melts in your mouth.

To achieve the perfect texture:

• Blend and strain the strawberry puree to remove seeds and create a completely smooth base.
• Cook on low heat while stirring constantly to prevent lumps and ensure even thickening.
• Chill before serving to allow the pudding to set, making it even creamier and more flavorful.

Whether you enjoy it warm or cold, this pudding has a luscious consistency that makes every spoonful irresistible.

3. Easy to Make with Simple Steps

You don’t need any special equipment or advanced cooking skills to make this pudding. In just a few simple steps—blending, cooking, and chilling—you can create a rich, creamy dessert that tastes like it came from a bakery.

This pudding is also a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This makes it perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or meal prep.

4. Versatile and Perfect for Any Occasion

Strawberry pudding is delicious on its own, but it’s also highly versatile. You can customize it with different toppings, mix-ins, or presentation styles to suit any occasion. Here are a few ways to serve it:

• Topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries for an elegant presentation.
• Layered with crushed biscuits or vanilla wafers to make a strawberry pudding parfait.
• Used as a filling for cakes, tarts, or pastries to add a creamy, fruity element.
• Drizzled with chocolate or caramel sauce for a more indulgent twist.

Whether you’re making it for a casual family dessert, a romantic dinner, or a special celebration, this homemade strawberry pudding is always a crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients You’ll Need for Strawberry Pudding

Making homemade strawberry pudding is simple, and the key to achieving the best flavor lies in using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Unlike store-bought mixes, this recipe relies on real strawberries, dairy, and pantry staples to create a pudding that is rich, creamy, and naturally sweet. Below is a breakdown of each ingredient and its role in making the perfect pudding.

1. Fresh Strawberries

Strawberries are the star of this recipe, providing the pudding with its natural sweetness, bright flavor, and vibrant pink color. It’s best to use fresh, ripe strawberries to get the most intense strawberry flavor. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen strawberries can be used as a substitute, but make sure to thaw and drain them first to prevent excess liquid from affecting the pudding’s consistency.

For best results:

• Choose deep red, ripe strawberries with a sweet aroma.
• Wash and hull the strawberries before blending.
• Strain the strawberry puree to remove seeds for a smooth texture.

2. Whole Milk

Milk forms the base of the pudding, giving it a creamy consistency. Whole milk is preferred because it provides richness and body, but you can substitute it with low-fat milk for a lighter version or dairy-free alternatives such as almond, oat, or coconut milk for a plant-based option.

3. Heavy Cream

Adding heavy cream enhances the luxurious texture and velvety mouthfeel of the pudding. It helps balance the acidity of the strawberries and makes the pudding extra creamy and indulgent. If you prefer a lighter pudding, you can substitute it with additional milk, but keep in mind that the pudding may not be as thick and creamy.

4. Granulated Sugar

Sugar is essential for sweetening the pudding and enhancing the natural flavors of the strawberries. The amount can be adjusted based on the sweetness of the strawberries and personal preference. If you want a more natural sweetener, consider using:

• Honey – Adds a mild floral sweetness.
• Maple syrup – Provides a rich, caramel-like flavor.
• Coconut sugar – Gives a slightly deeper sweetness.

5. Cornstarch

Cornstarch is the primary thickening agent in this pudding. It helps create a smooth, pudding-like consistency without the need for eggs or gelatin. When heated, cornstarch thickens the mixture, allowing it to set properly once chilled.

To ensure a lump-free pudding:

• Dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of milk before adding it to the saucepan.
• Stir constantly while cooking to prevent clumping.
• Cook until the mixture thickens to avoid a runny pudding.

6. Egg Yolks (Optional for Extra Richness)

While not required, egg yolks can be added for extra creaminess and richness. They help create a custard-like texture, making the pudding even more decadent. If using eggs:

• Temper the yolks by adding a small amount of the warm milk mixture before incorporating them fully.
• Whisk constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

For an egg-free pudding, simply omit the yolks—cornstarch alone will thicken the mixture.

7. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the pudding by adding a warm, aromatic depth that complements the strawberries. For the best flavor, use pure vanilla extract rather than artificial vanilla. You can also experiment with other flavor enhancers such as:

• Almond extract for a subtle nutty note.
• Lemon zest for a hint of citrus brightness.

8. A Pinch of Salt

A small amount of salt may seem insignificant, but it plays an essential role in balancing the flavors of the pudding. It enhances the sweetness, brings out the richness of the cream, and prevents the pudding from tasting flat.

By using these carefully selected ingredients, you’ll create a homemade strawberry pudding that is rich, flavorful, and naturally delicious. Now that you have everything ready, it’s time to move on to the step-by-step process of making this creamy dessert.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Making Strawberry Pudding

Making homemade strawberry pudding is easier than you might think. With just a few simple steps, you can create a creamy, flavorful, and naturally sweet dessert that’s far better than store-bought versions. Follow this detailed guide to ensure your pudding turns out perfectly every time.

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1. Prepare the Strawberries

Since strawberries are the main ingredient, properly preparing them will enhance the flavor and texture of your pudding.

Steps:

1. Wash and hull the strawberries – Remove the green tops and any bruised parts.
2. Blend the strawberries – Use a blender or food processor to create a smooth strawberry puree. If you prefer a chunkier pudding, blend less for a textured puree.
3. Strain the puree (optional) – For an ultra-smooth pudding, push the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds. This step ensures a silky texture.

Tip: If your strawberries aren’t naturally sweet, you can add a teaspoon of sugar to the puree to enhance their flavor.

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2. Heat the Milk and Sugar

The base of the pudding starts with warm milk and sugar, which provides creaminess and sweetness.

Steps:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and sugar over medium heat.
2. Stir gently and heat the mixture until the sugar fully dissolves. Avoid boiling—just warm it enough to blend everything together.
3. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

Tip: If you want a more intense strawberry flavor, add a small amount of strawberry puree at this stage.

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3. Thicken the Pudding with Cornstarch

Cornstarch is the key thickening agent in this pudding. It helps achieve the classic pudding consistency without eggs or gelatin.

Steps:

1. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with a few tablespoons of milk until it forms a smooth slurry. This prevents lumps from forming when added to the hot milk mixture.
2. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the warm milk, stirring constantly.
3. Continue cooking on low heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture begins to thicken (about 5–7 minutes).

Tip: The pudding is ready for the next step when it coats the back of a spoon and doesn’t run off too quickly.

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4. Incorporate the Strawberry Puree

Once the pudding has thickened, it’s time to infuse it with fresh strawberry flavor.

Steps:

1. Lower the heat and slowly mix in the prepared strawberry puree.
2. Stir continuously to ensure the puree fully blends into the pudding.
3. Add vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor.

Tip: If you want a stronger strawberry taste, you can increase the amount of puree, but be mindful that too much liquid may affect the pudding’s consistency.

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5. Cook Until Perfectly Thickened

At this stage, the pudding needs to reach its final consistency before chilling.

Steps:

1. Continue cooking the pudding on low heat, stirring constantly.
2. The pudding should become thicker and smooth in texture after 2–3 minutes.
3. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat.

Tip: The pudding will firm up even more as it chills, so don’t overcook it.

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6. Strain for Extra Smoothness (Optional)

If you prefer a super silky pudding, strain the mixture one final time before chilling.

Steps:

1. Pour the pudding through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl.
2. Use a spatula or spoon to press the pudding through, removing any lumps.

Tip: This step is especially useful if you didn’t strain the strawberry puree earlier.

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7. Chill and Set the Pudding

For the best texture and flavor, the pudding needs time to chill and set.

Steps:

1. Transfer the pudding into individual serving cups or a large bowl.
2. Cover the surface with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the pudding to prevent a skin from forming.
3. Refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours, or until fully set.

Tip: If you love warm pudding, you can enjoy a small portion before chilling, but the texture will be looser.

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8. Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, the strawberry pudding is ready to be served. You can enjoy it as is or add delicious toppings to enhance its flavor and presentation.

Serving Suggestions:

• Fresh strawberries – Sliced or whole for extra fruitiness.
• Whipped cream – Adds a light, creamy contrast.
• Crushed graham crackers or cookies – For a crunchy texture.
• Chocolate shavings or drizzle – A decadent touch.
• Mint leaves – For a fresh and elegant look.

Tip: This pudding can also be used as a filling for cakes, pies, or parfaits.

By following these simple steps, you’ll create a homemade strawberry pudding that’s smooth, creamy, and bursting with real strawberry flavor. Now that you’ve mastered the process, you can experiment with variations, toppings, and serving ideas to make it uniquely your own.

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Expert Tips and Serving Suggestions

Making the perfect homemade strawberry pudding is easy, but a few expert tips can elevate your results. Whether you want a silkier texture, more intense strawberry flavor, or creative serving ideas, these tips will help you achieve the best outcome.

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Expert Tips for Perfect Strawberry Pudding

1. Use Ripe, Sweet Strawberries
   • Fresh, in-season strawberries provide the best natural sweetness and flavor. If your strawberries are slightly tart, add a bit more sugar or a drizzle of honey to balance the taste.
   • Frozen strawberries can be used, but thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before blending.
     
2. Blend and Strain for a Smooth Texture
   • Blending the strawberries into a fine puree ensures an even distribution of flavor.
   • If you prefer an ultra-smooth pudding, strain the puree to remove seeds and pulp before adding it to the pudding base.
     
3. Don’t Skip the Cornstarch Slurry
   • Mixing cornstarch with a small amount of cold milk before adding it to the hot liquid prevents clumping.
   • Stir constantly once the cornstarch is added to achieve a thick, creamy consistency without lumps.
     
4. Cook on Low Heat to Prevent Curdling
   • Avoid boiling the pudding mixture, as high heat can cause it to separate or develop a grainy texture.
   • Keep the heat at low to medium, stirring continuously until it thickens properly.
     
5. Chill for the Best Consistency
   • While the pudding can be enjoyed warm, chilling it for at least 2–4 hours allows the flavors to develop and the texture to firm up.
   • Pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding prevents a skin from forming.
     
6. Enhance the Strawberry Flavor
   • A small squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the strawberry taste without making the pudding sour.
   • If you want a deeper flavor, roast the strawberries in the oven for 10–15 minutes before blending.

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Serving Suggestions

Once your strawberry pudding is perfectly set, you can serve it in a variety of ways to make it even more delicious and visually appealing. Here are some creative ideas:

Classic Serving Ideas

• Plain and simple – Enjoy it as is for a fresh, fruity, and creamy dessert.
• Topped with fresh strawberries – Sliced or whole strawberries add an extra burst of flavor and color.
• With whipped cream – A light, airy contrast that enhances the pudding’s creaminess.

Gourmet Touches

• Drizzle with chocolate sauce – A decadent pairing that complements the fruity notes.
• Add crushed cookies or graham crackers – Creates a delicious textural contrast, similar to a strawberry cheesecake.
• Sprinkle toasted coconut or nuts – Almonds, pecans, or shredded coconut add a nutty crunch.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves – A simple touch that adds freshness and a pop of color.

Layered Desserts and Parfaits

• Strawberry pudding parfait – Layer the pudding with granola, yogurt, or crushed cookies for a fun and elegant presentation.
• Cake filling – Use the pudding as a creamy filling between cake layers or in trifles.
• Pudding pie – Pour the pudding into a pre-made graham cracker or shortbread crust for an easy no-bake pie.

Kid-Friendly Fun

• Serve in small jars or cups – Makes it easy for kids to grab and enjoy.
• Add colorful sprinkles – A playful way to make it more exciting for little ones.
• Freeze into pudding pops – Pour into popsicle molds and freeze for a refreshing summer treat.

By following these expert tips and trying different serving styles, you can make homemade strawberry pudding a versatile and delightful dessert for any occasion. Whether served simply or transformed into a layered treat, this pudding is sure to impress.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Conclusion

Homemade strawberry pudding is a delightful and creamy dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation process, this pudding is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic treat with a fresh, fruity twist. Whether you serve it on its own, layer it into parfaits, or use it as a filling for cakes and pies, this recipe is both versatile and satisfying.

By following the expert tips shared in this guide, you can achieve the perfect texture and flavor every time. Plus, with options for substitutions and creative serving ideas, you can easily customize the pudding to suit your preferences. Try making a batch today and enjoy a smooth, rich, and flavorful dessert that’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

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