Introduction

Oh, the memories! There’s something so comforting and nostalgic about a classic strawberry shortcake. But sometimes, you’re craving that deliciousness without all the fuss of baking. That’s where this incredible Strawberry Shortcake Pudding comes in! It’s like a creamy, dreamy hug in a bowl, bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and those iconic Nilla Wafer crumbles. The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to whip up, perfect for those spontaneous dessert cravings or when you need a crowd-pleaser in a flash.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Ready to chill in minutes!
Easy: No baking required, just simple assembly.
Giftable: Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Crowd-pleasing: Everyone, from kids to grandparents, will adore this sweet treat.

Ingredients

Gather ’round, friends! Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dessert:

1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding: The base of our creamy dream. Make sure it’s the instant kind for ultimate ease!
1 1/2 cups cold water: This is a little twist – we’re using water instead of milk for a lighter, super-smooth pudding texture.
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk: This adds that touch of luscious sweetness and helps create our wonderfully rich pudding.
3 cups heavy cream: For that airy, cloud-like whipped cream we all love. Make sure it’s nice and cold!
1 (11 ounce) box Nilla Wafers: The classic crunch and subtle vanilla flavor that makes this dessert sing.
1 1/2 to 2 lbs. strawberries: The star of the show! Fresh, ripe strawberries are key for that vibrant, fruity flavor.
2 tablespoons sugar: Just a touch to bring out the natural sweetness of the strawberries.

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get our aprons on and make some magic happen!

Start with the Pudding: First things first, grab your instant vanilla pudding and the cold water. Prepare the pudding according to the package directions, but remember to use the 1 1/2 cups of cold water instead of milk. Give it a good whisk until it’s smooth and starts to thicken up.
Sweeten Things Up: Now, pour that can of sweetened condensed milk into the bowl with your prepared pudding. Whisk them together until they’re beautifully combined and you have a lovely, creamy mixture.
Whip That Cream: In a separate, clean bowl, pour in your cold heavy cream. Whip it up until you get those gorgeous stiff peaks. You know, when you lift the whisk and the cream stands up straight? That’s what we’re going for!
Gently Fold: Now for the delicate part! Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding and condensed milk mixture. You want to keep all that lovely airiness, so use a spatula and a light hand. Don’t overmix!
Layer Up! Grab your prettiest serving dish. Start by arranging a single layer of Nilla Wafers at the bottom. They’ll soften up beautifully in the pudding, creating a delicious base.
Add the Strawberries: Next, arrange a generous layer of your sliced strawberries right on top of those wafers.
Pudding Time: Spoon a big dollop of your creamy pudding mixture over the strawberries. Don’t be shy!
Repeat and Conquer: Keep layering! Alternate between Nilla Wafers, sliced strawberries, and that luscious pudding mixture until you’ve used up all your yummy ingredients.
Sugared Strawberry Crown: For that extra special touch, take any remaining strawberries. You can lightly mash them with a fork or dice them into smaller pieces. Toss them with the 2 tablespoons of sugar in a small bowl. This helps them release some of their juices and creates a beautiful, glossy topping.
Garnish and Chill: Spoon those lovely sugared strawberries over the very top layer of your pudding. It looks so pretty!
Chill Out: The hardest part is waiting! Cover your masterpiece and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This allows all those flavors to meld together and the dessert to set up perfectly.

Substitutions & Additions

Feeling creative? You can totally make this recipe your own!

Different Berries: While strawberries are classic, don’t be afraid to mix in blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry delight!
Cookie Swap: If you can’t find Nilla Wafers, graham crackers or even shortbread cookies would be a delicious alternative.
Lemon Zest: For a brighter, tangier flavor, add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the pudding mixture.
Whipped Topping: If you’re short on heavy cream, a good quality whipped topping can be folded in as well.

Tips for Success

Let’s make sure this comes out perfectly every time!

Chill Your Cream: Make sure your heavy cream is super cold before whipping. This is the secret to getting those nice stiff peaks.
Don’t Over-Whip: Be careful not to over-whip the heavy cream. Once it forms stiff peaks, stop! Over-whipped cream can become grainy.
Gentle Folding is Key: When combining the whipped cream and pudding mixture, fold gently to keep the pudding light and airy.
Prep Ahead: You can slice the strawberries and prepare the pudding mixture a few hours in advance. Just assemble and chill right before serving for the freshest wafers.

How to Store It

Leftovers? Lucky you! This pudding keeps well in the refrigerator. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days, although the Nilla Wafers might soften up a bit more over time, which some people actually prefer!

FAQs

Q: Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can assemble the whole dessert and chill it for up to 24 hours. The wafers will soften, which is part of the deliciousness!

Q: Can I use fresh milk instead of condensed milk?

A: No, the sweetened condensed milk is essential for the sweetness and creamy texture of this specific pudding recipe. Regular milk won’t provide the same result.

Q: What if my strawberries aren’t very sweet?

A: If your strawberries are a bit tart, you can increase the sugar in the topping slightly, or even add a tiny bit more to the pudding mixture if you like it sweeter.

Easy Strawberry Shortcake Pudding

A no-bake, creamy, and dreamy dessert bursting with fresh strawberry flavor and Nilla Wafer crumbles, perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Equipment

bowl for preparing pudding
Whisk
bowl for whipping cream
Spatula for folding
Serving dish prettiest one
Fork for mashing strawberries

Ingredients

Pudding Base

3.4 ounce instant vanilla pudding package Make sure it's the instant kind
1.5 cups cold water Instead of milk for a lighter, super-smooth texture
14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk Adds sweetness and rich texture

Cream and Wafers

3 cups heavy cream Make sure it's nice and cold!
11 ounce box Nilla Wafers The classic crunch and subtle vanilla flavor

Strawberries

1.5 to 2 lbs. strawberries Fresh, ripe strawberries are key
2 tablespoons sugar To bring out the natural sweetness of the strawberries

Instructions

Prepare the instant vanilla pudding according to package directions, using 1 1/2 cups of cold water instead of milk. Whisk until smooth and starting to thicken.
Add the sweetened condensed milk to the prepared pudding and whisk until beautifully combined.
In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding and condensed milk mixture.
Layer Nilla Wafers at the bottom of a serving dish.
Add a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the wafers.
Spoon a dollop of the pudding mixture over the strawberries.
Repeat layering Nilla Wafers, strawberries, and pudding until all ingredients are used.
Lightly mash or dice any remaining strawberries and toss with 2 tablespoons of sugar in a small bowl.
Spoon the sugared strawberries over the top layer of pudding for garnish.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and set.

Notes

Make sure your heavy cream is super cold before whipping. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding to keep it light and airy. You can prep the strawberries and pudding mixture a few hours ahead of time.