Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups

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Introduction

Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups are a fun and portable take on the beloved strawberry shortcake, offering the perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and fluffy in every bite. These individual servings are layered with velvety vanilla pudding, sweet, juicy strawberries, and light, airy shortcake crumbles, creating a delightful dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, looking for an easy dessert for a family dinner, or just craving a refreshing treat, these pudding cups are sure to impress.

The first time I made these, I was amazed at how quickly they came together, yet how indulgent they felt. Layering the pudding, strawberries, and crumbles felt like assembling little works of art, and the result was a colorful, perfectly portioned dessert that looked as great as it tasted. Watching everyone eagerly dive into their own cup was a sure sign that they were a hit.

What I love most about these Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups is how customizable they are. You can switch up the shortcake with graham cracker crumbs or crushed cookies, or swap out the strawberries for other fresh fruits like raspberries or blueberries. Top them with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgence. No matter how you make them, these pudding cups are an easy, charming dessert that will make any occasion feel just a little more special.

Perfect for:

  • Summer gatherings
  • BBQs and picnics
  • Family dinners
  • Potlucks
  • Dessert lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups will become your new favorite dessert:

  • Light and Refreshing: The combination of fresh strawberries and creamy vanilla pudding offers a refreshing balance of sweetness and creaminess.
  • Individual Servings: Serve in individual cups for a fun and personal touch that guests will love.
  • Easy to Make: These pudding cups come together quickly, requiring no baking, which means less time in the kitchen.
  • Customizable Layers: The layers can be adjusted to your preference, with more or less strawberries, pudding, or shortcake crumbles.
  • Perfect for All Ages: The familiar flavors of strawberry shortcake make this dessert a hit with both kids and adults.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Chilling Time: 10 minutes
  • Servings: 6-8 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups:

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup vanilla pudding mix (instant)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 package shortcake or sponge cake, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (for strawberries)
  • Optional: Whipped cream for topping

Ingredient Highlights

  • Heavy Cream and Milk: The combination creates a rich and creamy pudding base that complements the lightness of the shortcake.
  • Vanilla Pudding Mix: Instant pudding mix simplifies the preparation process and adds a smooth, creamy layer.
  • Fresh Strawberries: The star of the dessert, fresh strawberries add juiciness and a burst of natural sweetness.
  • Shortcake or Sponge Cake: Crumbled cake adds a soft, slightly sweet texture, resembling the biscuit layer of a traditional shortcake.
  • Whipped Cream: For a finishing touch, whipped cream adds extra richness and a bit of lightness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pudding:

  1. Mix the Pudding: In a medium bowl, combine the heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla pudding mix, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture thickens, about 2 minutes. Set aside to firm up for 5 minutes.
  2. Chill the Pudding: Cover the pudding and refrigerate for 10 minutes to allow it to fully set.

Prepare the Strawberries:

  1. Slice the Strawberries: Hull and slice the strawberries into thin pieces.
  2. Sweeten the Strawberries: Sprinkle the sliced strawberries with sugar and stir. Let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out the juices and sweeten them.

Assemble the Pudding Cups:

  1. Layer the Cake: In individual cups, start by placing a layer of crumbled shortcake or sponge cake at the bottom.
  2. Add the Pudding: Spoon a layer of the chilled vanilla pudding over the cake layer, smoothing it into an even layer.
  3. Layer the Strawberries: Add a layer of the sweetened strawberries on top of the pudding.
  4. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers, adding another layer of cake, pudding, and strawberries, finishing with a final layer of strawberries.

Top and Serve:

  1. Garnish with Whipped Cream: Optionally, top with a dollop of whipped cream or additional cake crumbles for extra flavor and texture.
  2. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled cups for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

How to Serve

  • Individual Cups: Serve in small glass jars or clear plastic cups for a fun and casual presentation.
  • Family-Style: For a larger gathering, serve the dessert in a large trifle dish and scoop into individual bowls.
  • With Fresh Mint: Garnish each cup with a fresh mint sprig for a pop of color and refreshing flavor.
  • For a Summer Picnic: These pudding cups are perfect for a portable and mess-free dessert, making them ideal for picnics or BBQs.
  • As a Light Dessert: Serve as a refreshing end to a light summer meal or alongside other fruit-based desserts.

Additional Tips

  • Adjust the Layers: Feel free to customize the layers based on your preferences, adding more cake, pudding, or strawberries to suit your taste.
  • Use a Trifle Dish: For a more dramatic presentation, use a trifle dish to layer the pudding, cake, and strawberries.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the cups in advance and refrigerate them for several hours or overnight for the flavors to meld together.
  • Fruit Variations: Swap strawberries for other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a different twist on the classic.
  • Serve Cold: Serve these pudding cups chilled for the best refreshing taste.

Recipe Variations

  1. Mixed Berry Shortcake Pudding Cups: Use a combination of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a colorful and tangy twist.
  2. Peach Shortcake Pudding Cups: Replace strawberries with fresh sliced peaches for a summery, sweet variation.
  3. Chocolate Strawberry Shortcake Cups: Add layers of chocolate pudding or ganache for a decadent twist.
  4. Lemon Shortcake Pudding Cups: Incorporate lemon zest into the pudding for a bright, citrusy flavor.
  5. Coconut Shortcake Pudding Cups: Add shredded coconut to the cake layers for a tropical flavor.
  6. Chocolate Chip Shortcake Cups: Fold mini chocolate chips into the pudding or sprinkle between layers for added texture and flavor.
  7. Caramel Shortcake Pudding Cups: Drizzle caramel sauce over the layers for a rich, buttery sweetness.
  8. Key Lime Shortcake Pudding Cups: Replace vanilla pudding with key lime pudding for a tart twist on the classic.
  9. Banana Shortcake Pudding Cups: Add sliced bananas as an extra layer for a creamy and fruity variation.
  10. Nutty Shortcake Pudding Cups: Sprinkle crushed nuts (such as almonds or pecans) between the layers for added crunch.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: These pudding cups are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the individual cups for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
  • Storage: Store leftover pudding cups in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to cover them tightly to prevent the pudding from drying out.

Special Equipment

  • Pudding Cups or Serving Glasses: Clear glass cups or mason jars allow you to showcase the layers of the pudding and strawberries.
  • Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a few bowls to mix the pudding, whipped cream, and other components separately.
  • Electric Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: To make whipped cream or to mix the pudding more efficiently.
  • Whisk: For stirring and incorporating ingredients into the pudding and whipped cream without lumps.
  • Strainer or Sifter: To sift dry ingredients like powdered sugar or cornstarch, ensuring a smooth pudding texture.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements will help you get the perfect balance of flavors and consistency.
  • Rubber Spatula: Useful for scraping the sides of bowls and folding in ingredients like whipped cream.
  • Paring Knife: For slicing strawberries evenly to create neat layers in the pudding cups.
  • Pastry Bag or Plastic Sandwich Bag: If you want to pipe whipped cream or pudding for a more decorative finish.
  • Grater: A microplane grater can be used to zest citrus for added flavor in the pudding or whipped cream.

FAQ

  1. Can I use non-dairy milk? Yes, you can substitute dairy milk with almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
  2. Can I use frozen strawberries? Fresh strawberries are preferred, but frozen strawberries can be used if thawed and drained properly.
  3. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, these pudding cups can be made in advance and refrigerated for several hours or overnight.
  4. Can I use store-bought shortcake? Yes, you can use store-bought shortcake or sponge cake if you’re short on time.
  5. How do I prevent the cake from becoming soggy? Be sure to layer the cake first and not let it sit in the pudding or strawberry juice too long.

Conclusion

Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups are a simple, yet elegant dessert that brings all the delightful flavors of classic strawberry shortcake into individual, easy-to-serve portions. Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a party, picnic, or casual family gathering—these pudding cups are sure to impress with their refreshing taste and beautiful presentation.

With layers of creamy pudding, fresh strawberries, and crumbled shortcake or sponge cake, these cups offer a delicious twist on the beloved dessert. You can customize the layers to your liking, adding a variety of flavors or textures to suit your taste.

I can’t wait to see your Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cup creations! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you make these cups your own. Don’t forget to share your tips and flavor variations in the comments. Happy baking!

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