Strawberries & Cream
A luscious layered dessert featuring strawberries, whipped cream, vanilla pudding, and cake, perfect for summer gatherings and family celebrations with sweet, creamy, and fruity flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix condensed milk with ice water, add vanilla pudding, mix well, and chill.
- While pudding chills, dice the pound cake.
- Combine Cool Whip with the chilled pudding.
- Layer in a large bowl starting with cake, then strawberries, then pudding mixture.
- Repeat layers as desired, ending with pudding on top.
- Chill until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the pudding mixture. If strawberries are out of season, you can substitute with thawed frozen strawberries or even fresh raspberries for a twist. To make this dessert gluten-free, use a gluten-free pound cake. This recipe can be made a day in advance for the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled for a refreshing dessert on warm days. It pairs beautifully with a light fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. For a fun twist, consider serving alongside a slice of Peanut Crunch Cake to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best to keep the layers intact until serving to maintain the cake's texture. If you need to freeze it, consider freezing the layers separately, but note that the texture may change once thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberries & Cream contains roughly 180 calories, with 3g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of thawed?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries can be used in place of thawed ones, just make sure to wash and slice them before layering. You may want to add a bit of sugar to fresh strawberries to enhance their sweetness, especially if they are slightly tart.
How can I make this dessert lighter?
To lighten up this dessert, you can use low-fat or sugar-free pudding mix and Cool Whip. Additionally, you can opt for a lighter pound cake or even a sponge cake for a fluffier texture. This way, you can enjoy a delicious treat without the extra calories.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead! Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will have time to meld, resulting in an even more delicious treat when you're ready to serve.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).