Strawberry Pudding Dessert
A creamy strawberry pudding dessert layered with angel food cake, vanilla pudding, and fresh berries, perfect for gatherings and sweet cravings with light, fruity flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Break the angel food cake into bite-sized pieces and place in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, beat the instant vanilla pudding with 1 cup of milk until smooth.
- Add the softened vanilla ice cream to the pudding mixture and stir until combined.
- Pour the pudding and ice cream mixture over the cake pieces in the dish.
- Refrigerate for 10 minutes to set.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in 1 cup of hot water.
- Add the thawed strawberries and juice to the gelatin mixture and stir.
- Pour the strawberry gelatin mixture over the cake and pudding layers.
- Refrigerate until the dessert is firm, preferably overnight.
- Frost the top with whipped topping before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat pudding and ice cream. You can also substitute fresh strawberries for thawed ones for a fresher taste. If you're short on time, skip the overnight refrigeration and set the dessert for at least 4 hours. Adding a splash of lemon juice to the strawberries can enhance their flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This strawberry pudding dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing finish to any meal. It pairs beautifully with Tarheel Hush Puppies as a side dish. Serve it chilled, garnished with fresh strawberries or mint leaves for an elegant touch, and consider adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dessert is best enjoyed cold, but if you prefer, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry Pudding Dessert contains roughly 326 calories, with 6g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (23% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A.
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 a different flavor of jello?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different flavors of jello to create a variety of tastes. Raspberry or peach jello can be excellent substitutes, adding unique flavor profiles to the dessert.
Is it necessary to use instant pudding?
Yes, instant pudding is recommended for this recipe as it sets quickly and provides the right texture. If you want to use cooked pudding, be aware that it may alter the consistency and require more time to set.
Can I freeze this dessert?
While it's not ideal to freeze this dessert due to the texture changes in the whipped topping and ice cream, you can freeze individual portions. Just be sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
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).