Picture a bowl of creamy strawberry pudding — the scent of ripe strawberries mingling with warm milk, creating a delightful aroma.
This dessert isn’t only a breeze to prepare but also serves as a comforting treat, perfect for any occasion.
As the strawberries soften and release their juices, they blend seamlessly with the milk, creating a luscious texture.
Let’s bring this delightful dessert to life and enjoy a taste of sweetness.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 whisk
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 spatula
- 4 serving glasses or bowls
- 1 plastic wrap
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Strawberry Pudding, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (5 minutes):
- Read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients.
- Gather all the necessary equipment and ingredients.
- Prep Work (10 minutes):
- Hull and slice 2 cups of fresh strawberries.
- Measure out all ingredients: sugar, water, cornstarch, milk, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Cooking Time (10 minutes):
- Minute 0-5: Place strawberries and 1/4 cup of sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the strawberries release their juices and soften.
- Minute 5-7: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and 1/4 cup of water until smooth. Add to the strawberry mixture and stir well.
- Minute 7-9: Cook the strawberry mixture for another 2 minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Minute 9-10: In another saucepan, heat milk and remaining sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the milk is warm.
- Combining & Final Steps (5 minutes):
- Slowly whisk the strawberry mixture into the warm milk.
- Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, stirring until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into serving glasses or bowls.
- Cover each with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface.
- Resting Time (2 hours):
- Refrigerate the pudding for at least 2 hours or until set.
- Serving:
- After the pudding has set, optionally garnish with whipped cream or fresh mint leaves before serving.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Place the strawberries and 1/4 cup of sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Cook for 5 minutes until the strawberries release their juices and soften.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and 1/4 cup of water until smooth.
Add the cornstarch mixture to the strawberries and stir well.
Cook for another 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly.
In another saucepan, heat the milk and remaining sugar over medium heat.
Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the milk is warm.
Slowly whisk the strawberry mixture into the warm milk.
Add vanilla extract and salt, stirring until well combined.
Pour the mixture into serving glasses or bowls.
Cover each with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
Serving Tips
- Whipped Cream Topping: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top for a creamy contrast and extra indulgence.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: Garnish with mint leaves to add a revitalizing aroma and a pop of color.
- Crushed Graham Crackers: Sprinkle some crushed graham crackers for a delightful crunch and flavor.
- Sliced Strawberries: Decorate with fresh strawberry slices for an appealing presentation and enhanced berry flavor.
- Chocolate Shavings: Top with chocolate shavings to introduce a rich, chocolatey element.
Storage
To store strawberry pudding, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Avoid freezing, as it may alter the texture.
Freezing
To freeze strawberry pudding, let it set completely in the refrigerator first.
Then, transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion.
Consume within two months.
Reheating
To reheat strawberry pudding, use a microwave in short intervals.
Stir gently to guarantee even warmth.
Avoid overheating to prevent texture changes.
Serve immediately after reheating for best results.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry pudding is a delightful and invigorating dessert that captures the essence of summer with its vibrant flavor and creamy texture.
The combination of fresh strawberries and a smooth pudding base creates a harmonious blend that’s both satisfying and indulgent.
This dessert not only pleases the palate but also offers a visually appealing presentation, especially when garnished with whipped cream or fresh mint leaves.
Whether served at a family gathering or enjoyed as a treat for yourself, strawberry pudding is sure to impress and leave a lasting impression.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh Ones?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw them completely and drain excess liquid. This prevents excess moisture from affecting the texture. Adjust sugar levels to taste, as frozen berries may be slightly less sweet than fresh ones.
What Can I Substitute for Cornstarch in This Recipe?
You can substitute cornstarch with an equal amount of arrowroot powder or tapioca starch. These alternatives provide similar thickening properties. Make certain they dissolve completely in water to maintain the pudding’s smooth, creamy texture.
How Can I Make This Pudding Dairy-Free?
To make the pudding dairy-free, substitute whole milk with almond or coconut milk. Confirm the plant-based milk’s consistency mimics whole milk’s richness for ideal texture. Adjust sweetness if necessary, enhancing depth with vanilla extract and fresh fruit.
Is It Possible to Make This Pudding Without Sugar?
You can substitute sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a refined sugar-free version. Adjust the quantity to taste, ensuring a seamless blend with the strawberries and milk, maintaining the pudding’s texture and flavor.
Can I Add Other Fruits to This Pudding Recipe?
You can certainly enhance the pudding by incorporating fruits like blueberries or raspberries. Dice them finely, ensuring a harmonious blend. Adjust sugar levels accordingly, maintaining balance. This variation enriches flavor complexity and presents an exquisite, vibrant dessert.
Strawberry Pudding
Equipment
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Spatula
- 4 Serving glasses or bowls
- 1 plastic wrap
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Place the strawberries and 1/4 cup of sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook for 5 minutes until the strawberries release their juices and soften.
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and 1/4 cup of water until smooth.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the strawberries and stir well.
- Cook for another 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In another saucepan, heat the milk and remaining sugar over medium heat.
- Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the milk is warm.
- Slowly whisk the strawberry mixture into the warm milk.
- Add vanilla extract and salt, stirring until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into serving glasses or bowls.
- Cover each with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
Notes
