Strawberry Pudding A Sweet and Creamy Delight

Nothing says comfort like a bowl of homemade Strawberry Pudding. This easy-to-make dessert is bursting with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries, combined with a creamy, smooth pudding base that melts in your mouth. Perfect for summer gatherings, a family dessert, or a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, this strawberry pudding is both refreshing and indulgent. With minimal ingredients and preparation time, it’s a go-to recipe for when you crave something light but deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups whole milk
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Fresh strawberry slices (for garnish)

Preparation Tips

1. Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries will provide the best flavor, but you can use frozen strawberries if necessary. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess water.
2. Blend the Strawberries: For a smooth, silky pudding, blend the strawberries into a puree. If you like a bit more texture, you can pulse them lightly in a blender or mash them by hand.
3. Chill the Pudding: Let the pudding set in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This will help thicken it and enhance the flavors.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Puree

1. In a blender or food processor, blend the fresh strawberries with 1/4 cup of sugar until smooth. If you prefer some texture, you can pulse the strawberries to leave small chunks. Set the puree aside.

Step 2: Make the Pudding Base

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat, whisking constantly. Cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, or until it begins to thicken to a pudding-like consistency.
4. Once thickened, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter, if using, until fully combined and smooth.

Step 3: Combine the Pudding and Strawberry Puree

1. Gently fold the strawberry puree into the pudding base. Stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
2. Pour the pudding into individual serving cups or a large dish, smoothing the top with a spoon.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

1. Cover the pudding with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow it to set and chill.
2. Before serving, garnish with fresh strawberry slices on top for added color and flavor.

Description

This Strawberry Pudding is the perfect combination of sweetness and creaminess. The smooth, velvety pudding base is enhanced with the natural flavors of fresh strawberries, creating a dessert that’s both light and indulgent. Whether you’re serving it as a dessert after dinner or enjoying it as a midday snack, this pudding is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and fruity.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 180 (per serving, 1/2 cup)
• 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 (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before blending into the puree to avoid excess water in the pudding.

2. How long does the pudding last?
The pudding can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent it from absorbing odors in the fridge.

3. Can I make this pudding dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the whole milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute for the butter.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pudding can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. In fact, it often tastes better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld together.

5. How can I make the pudding thicker?
If you prefer a thicker pudding, you can increase the amount of cornstarch by an additional tablespoon. Alternatively, cooking the mixture a little longer will also help it thicken.

6. Can I use a different fruit for this pudding?
Yes, you can swap the strawberries for other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches. You may need to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.

Recommendations

1. Serve with Whipped Cream: Top each serving with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for added texture and flavor.
2. Add a Touch of Lemon: Add a splash of lemon juice to the strawberry puree for a bit of tang that will balance out the sweetness of the pudding.
3. Layer with Crumbled Cookies: For a fun twist, layer the pudding with crumbled shortbread or vanilla cookies for an added crunch.
4. Make It a Parfait: For a visually stunning presentation, layer the pudding with fresh berries, granola, and a little whipped cream in clear glasses for a parfait-style dessert.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Pudding is a delightful treat that combines the freshness of strawberries with a creamy, comforting base. Easy to prepare and wonderfully satisfying, it’s a dessert that will brighten any occasion. Whether enjoyed alone or shared with loved ones, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!