🍰 Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Pudding
This no-bake Strawberry Pudding is sunshine in dessert form—vibrant, creamy, refreshing, and easy to prepare. Layers of buttery graham cracker crust, velvety cream cheese filling, and juicy macerated strawberries create a heavenly experience with every bite. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a spring brunch, this is the dessert that disappears first!
✅ No baking required
✅ Perfect for parties or make-ahead
✅ Kid-approved and potluck perfect
✅ Creamy, fruity, and deeply satisfying
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Yields: 12–16 servings | Fits a standard 9×13″ dish
For the Graham Cracker Crust
- 2 sleeves graham crackers (2 cups fine crumbs / 220g)
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50g)
- Optional: Pinch of salt (⅛ tsp)
For the Creamy Filling
- 2 packages cream cheese (16 oz / 452g total), softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar (180g), sifted
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups cold heavy whipping cream or 1 tub frozen whipped topping (12 oz / 340g), thawed
For the Fresh Strawberry Layer
- 2 lbs fresh strawberries (900g), hulled & sliced
- ¼–½ cup granulated sugar (50g–100g), to taste
- Optional: 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Optional: 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water (if thickening)
Garnish Ideas (Optional)
- Whipped cream or whipped topping
- Reserved strawberries (whole/sliced)
- Mint sprigs
- Graham cracker crumbs
🧑🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
- Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.
- Combine crumbs, sugar, salt, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix until moistened.
- Press mixture into a 9×13″ dish and chill for 30 minutes. Optional: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes for a firmer crust—cool completely before layering.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
- Whip heavy cream (if using) until stiff peaks form. Chill.
- In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sifted powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until creamy.
- Fold in whipped cream or whipped topping gently to keep the mixture airy.
Step 3: Prep the Strawberries
- Slice strawberries and place in a large bowl.
- Sprinkle with sugar and optional lemon juice. Let sit for 15–20 minutes (maceration).
- Optional: For thicker topping, cook half the berries with cornstarch slurry until slightly thickened. Cool, then mix with remaining strawberries.
Step 4: Assemble the Pudding
- Spread cream filling evenly over the chilled crust.
- Top with macerated strawberries and syrup.
- Optional: Add another layer of whipped topping.
Step 5: Chill & Set
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours (or overnight) for the best flavor and sliceable texture.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Add decorative touches like:
- Dollops of whipped cream
- Sliced strawberries
- Mint leaves
- A light graham cracker crumb sprinkle
Slice, serve chilled, and watch the compliments roll in!
🧠 Expert Tips from Chef
💡 Soft Cream Cheese Is Key: Room-temp cream cheese makes for a lump-free, smooth filling.
💡 Don’t Overmix: Gently fold whipped topping into the cream base to avoid deflation.
💡 Layer Smart: Drain excess strawberry syrup before layering to avoid sogginess.
💡 Make-Ahead: Assemble the night before; garnish just before serving.
💡 Texture Twist: Use Biscoff cookies or pretzels instead of graham crackers for a fun flavor change.
🥣 Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Total Fat | 27g |
| Saturated Fat | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Sugar | 27g |
| Protein | 4g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition may vary by brand or substitutions.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
| Storage Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Best within 2–3 days. Crust may soften after day 2. |
| Freezer | Not recommended. Cream cheese & strawberries don’t thaw well. |
| Make Ahead | Prepare the day before. Add garnishes right before serving. |
| Serving Temp | Always serve chilled. Don’t let sit at room temperature too long. |
🔄 Troubleshooting Guide
| Issue | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Filling too soft | Not chilled long enough / low-fat cream cheese | Use full-fat ingredients & chill overnight |
| Runny strawberries | Too much syrup / frozen berries | Drain berries well or use thickening method |
| Crust too crumbly | Not enough butter | Add 1–2 tbsp melted butter and re-press firmly |
| Lumpy filling | Cold cream cheese or overbeating | Use fully softened cream cheese and beat slowly |
🎨 Creative Variations
- 🍋 Lemon Zest: Add citrus zest to the filling for a zingy layer.
- 🍌 Strawberry Banana Pudding: Layer thinly sliced bananas under the cream layer.
- 🫐 Berry Mix: Use blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
- 🍪 Cookie Crust: Swap graham crackers for shortbread, vanilla wafers, or Oreo crumbs.
- 🍶 Adult Version: Macerate strawberries with a splash of strawberry liqueur.
🧁 Serving Ideas
- For Parties: Cut into neat squares, top with whipped cream, and serve on pastel plates.
- Individual Jars: Layer in mason jars for picnic-ready portable treats.
- Afternoon Tea: Serve smaller slices with tea or coffee for an elegant touch.
- Holiday Table: Dress it up with piped whipped cream and mint sprigs.
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💬 Join the Conversation
Have a twist on this classic? Share your favorite strawberry dessert variation in the comments or tag us on Pinterest with #nrrecipes