Creamy Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups Recipe

The Sweetest Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups Recipe Ever

Dessert lovers rejoice as this strawberry shortcake pudding cups recipe delivers a delightful twist on a classic treat.

Creamy layers of velvety pudding dance alongside sweet, ripe strawberries for a mouthwatering experience.

Soft crumbled shortcake adds a delectable crunch that perfectly complements the smooth texture.

Each spoonful promises a burst of summery freshness and nostalgic comfort.

Simple ingredients come together to create an impressive dessert that looks and tastes like a culinary masterpiece.

Children and adults alike will fall in love with these charming pudding cups.

Indulge in this irresistible sweet sensation that brings pure joy to the dessert table.

Extra Flavor Ideas for Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups

  • Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups – Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Crumb Texture Magic: Experiment with different cookie types like graham crackers or vanilla wafers for unique crumb bases. Slightly coarse crumbs add delightful texture and crunch to your dessert.
  • Dairy-Free Twist: Swap whole milk with almond, coconut, or oat milk for a lighter version. Plant-based alternatives work wonderfully and create a delicious dairy-free pudding experience.
  • Berry Boost: Mix in other fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for a vibrant fruit medley. Frozen berries work equally well during off-season months, adding intense fruity flavor.
  • Make-Ahead Wonder: Prepare these pudding cups up to two days in advance for stress-free entertaining. Store covered in the refrigerator and add fresh toppings just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and presentation.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups in Layers

  • Picnic Perfect Delight: Pack these pudding cups in small mason jars for a stunning outdoor dessert that travels easily and looks Instagram-worthy.
  • Sweet Brunch Showstopper: Serve these elegant cups as a decadent finale to a weekend brunch, impressing guests with the beautiful layered presentation and fresh strawberry garnish.
  • Dessert Bar Magic: Create a DIY pudding cup station at parties where guests can add extra toppings like chocolate shavings, mini marshmallows, or crushed nuts to customize their treat.
  • Kid-Friendly Treat Hack: Let children help assemble the pudding cups, turning dessert preparation into a fun family activity that teaches basic cooking skills and encourages creativity.

Tips to Keep Strawberry Pudding Cups Chilled

  • Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store these delightful pudding cups in sealed containers within the refrigerator for maximum freshness. They maintain their delicious texture and flavor for up to 3 days when properly covered.
  • Smart Make-Ahead Technique: Prepare the crumb mixture and pudding layers the night before your event. This approach saves time and allows flavors to meld beautifully, creating an even more intense taste experience.
  • Clever Container Selection: Use clear glass jars or transparent cups to showcase beautiful layers. Mason jars, dessert glasses, or small parfait containers work perfectly for creating stunning visual presentations.
  • Freezing Option: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze these pudding cups for up to 2 weeks. Simply wrap each cup tightly with plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours before serving to maintain optimal texture and taste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 9

Key Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups

For Cookie Base:
  • Golden Vanilla Oreos: Crunchy foundation that adds sweet, rich vanilla flavor and creates a delightful textural contrast in the pudding cups.
  • Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Intensely concentrated strawberry essence that provides a crisp, fruity crunch and vibrant color to the base layer.
For Creamy Filling:
  • Instant Jell-O Cheesecake Pudding: Quick-setting mix that delivers a silky, tangy cheesecake flavor without complicated preparation.
  • Cold Whole Milk: Ensures smooth, luxurious pudding texture and helps activate the instant pudding mix perfectly.
For Fresh Topping:
  • Fresh Strawberries: Juicy, bright fruit that brings natural sweetness and a burst of garden-fresh flavor to the dessert.
  • Whipped Cream: Light, airy topping that adds a cloud-like softness and rich, creamy finish to the pudding cups.
  • Plastic Cups or Jars: Convenient serving vessels that make individual portioning and presentation effortless.

Tools to Assemble Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups

  • Food Processor or Rolling Pin: Crucial for crushing Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries into fine crumbs.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for whisking pudding mix and milk, creating a smooth base.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending pudding mix and milk without lumps.
  • Clear Cups or Jars: Necessary for layering and presenting the dessert beautifully.
  • Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurate milk and ingredient measurements.
  • Spoon: Great for adding crumb layers and transferring pudding between containers.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups from Scratch

  • Crumb Creation

Crush Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries into fine, delicate pieces using a food processor or by placing them in a ziplock bag and gently smashing with a rolling pin.

  • Pudding Magic

Whisk instant cheesecake pudding mix with cold whole milk until silky smooth. Fold in fresh strawberry chunks and let the mixture settle and thicken.

  • Layering Delight

Create beautiful layers in clear cups or jars. Start with a sprinkle of crumb mixture, then add a generous pudding layer. Repeat the process to build stunning, colorful dessert cups.

  • Chill Time

Refrigerate the pudding cups for one hour, allowing flavors to meld and texture to become perfectly chilled and creamy.

  • Final Touch

Just before serving, crown each cup with a dollop of fluffy whipped cream. Sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture and garnish with a fresh strawberry slice for an elegant, Instagram-worthy dessert.

Print
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Creamy Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups Recipe

Creamy Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups


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4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Delightful strawberry shortcake pudding cups blend creamy layers of sweetness with classic dessert charm. Homemade pudding and fresh strawberries create an irresistible treat you will savor to the last spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups strawberries, diced
  • ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries
  • 20 golden vanilla oreos
  • 4 cups cold whole milk
  • 2 packages (3.4 oz / 96 g) instant jell-o cheesecake pudding
  • 1 cup whipped cream
  • 810 plastic cups or jars (4 oz / 118 ml)

Instructions

  1. Crumb Preparation: Pulverize Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries into ultrafine particles using a food processor or manual crushing technique within a sealed bag.
  2. Pudding Fusion: Vigorously whisk instant cheesecake pudding mix with cold whole milk until achieving a luxuriously smooth and robust consistency.
  3. Flavor Integration: Delicately fold diced strawberries into the pudding, allowing ingredients to harmonize and develop complementary taste profiles.
  4. Foundation Layer: Distribute a precise stratum of Oreo-strawberry crumb mixture across the base of serving vessels, establishing a textural cornerstone.
  5. Pudding Layering: Cascade cheesecake pudding over the crumb foundation, ensuring uniform distribution and creating elegant visual stratification.
  6. Textural Complexity: Alternate between pudding and crumb layers, building multidimensional sensory experience with each successive tier.
  7. Chilling and Refinement: Refrigerate assembled dessert cups for one hour, allowing molecular interactions to intensify flavors and stabilize structural integrity.
  8. Final Embellishment: Crown each pudding cup with a delicate whipped cream summit, then artfully garnish with residual crumb mixture and a pristine strawberry slice.

Notes

  • Crush Technique: Use a food processor or ziplock bag with a rolling pin to create fine, uniform crumbs for a perfect texture and even distribution of flavors.
  • Pudding Preparation: Whisk instant cheesecake pudding mix with cold whole milk thoroughly to achieve a smooth, thick consistency without lumps.
  • Layering Strategy: Build multiple layers alternating between crumb mixture and pudding to create visual appeal and balanced flavor profile in each bite.
  • Chilling Importance: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld, textures to set, and enhance overall taste experience of the dessert.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 19g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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