No Bake Strawberry Pudding Dessert — Delicious and Easy

There’s nothing quite like a big spoonful of Strawberry Pudding to make you feel right at home. Sweet, creamy, and full of fresh strawberry flavor, this simple dessert is the kind of treat that brings smiles around the table.

Strawberry Pudding

The first time I brought my homemade strawberry pudding to a family get-together, I didn’t even get the dish on the table before folks started asking what it was.

The layers of fresh strawberries, buttery cookies, and creamy pudding looked just too good to resist.

By the end of the night, the pan was scraped clean, and everyone wanted the recipe card so they could make it at home.

That’s the beauty of this fun dessert—it’s not just sweet and refreshing, it’s a great dessert to share.

Whether you’re taking it to church supper, or serving it at a backyard cookout, this fresh strawberry pudding is one of those family favorites you’ll be glad to pass along.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Pudding

• Fresh and Fruity: Made with fresh strawberries, it’s bright, sweet, and perfect for strawberry season.
• Simple to Make: No tricky steps or long cooking times—just layer, mix, and chill.
• Great for Sharing: An easy dessert to take to potlucks, picnics or family gatherings.
• Better the Next Day: The cookies soften overnight, so it tastes even more delicious the next day.

Ingredients for Strawberry Pudding

• Cool Whip: Makes the pudding light, fluffy and extra creamy.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and richness to the pudding.
• Cream Cheese: It adds tangy flavor that balances out the sweet.
• Heavy Cream: Helps create a silky, homemade pudding texture.
• Box of Cheesecake Pudding: Using instant pudding mixes is a great recipe shortcut.
• Fresh Strawberries: They bring a bright, sweet flavor and make this fresh fruit dessert pop with color.
• Pepperidge Farm Verona Strawberry Cookies: Verona shortbread cookies are buttery and crisp, perfect for layering in your pudding.

How to Make Strawberry Pudding

Layer the Cookies: In the bottom of a 9×13 dish, place your Verona shortbread cookies in a single layer to create the base for your pudding layers.

Mix the Pudding: In a large bowl, combine the box of cheesecake pudding with the heavy cream. Stir until smooth, then set it aside.

Blend Cream Cheese and Milk: In another bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend the cream cheese (at room temperature) with the sweetened condensed milk. Mix until it’s silky and lump-free.

Combine Both Mixtures: Add the pudding to the cream cheese mixture. Stir well.

Fold in the Cool Whip gently for a fluffy filling.

Add Fresh Strawberries: Place a layer of freshly sliced strawberries right on top of the cookies.

Spread the Pudding Mixture: Pour the pudding filling evenly over the cookies and strawberries. Smooth out the top. If you’d like, sprinkle crushed cookies across the surface for a little crunch and extra flavor.

Chill and Serve: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight. By the next day, the cookies will soften, and the strawberry pudding will be ready to enjoy.

Ways to Serve Strawberry Pudding

• In a Trifle Bowl: Show off the pretty pudding layers by serving it in a clear glass trifle bowl.
• As Individual Cups: Scoop the mixture into small jars or cups for easy serving. Great for parties, picnics, or when you want a grab-and-go simple dessert.
• With Extra Strawberries on Top: Garnish with ripe strawberries, a drizzle of strawberry sauce, or even a spoonful of strawberry puree.
• Paired with Ice Cream: Add a scoop of ice cream on the side for a cold treat. Vanilla works best, but strawberry ice cream doubles the fun.

How to Store Leftovers

You’ll want to keep any leftover strawberry pudding fresh by covering the dish tightly with plastic wrap or moving it to an airtight container.

Store it in the fridge, and it will stay good for about 2–3 days. The cookies will soften more as it sits, which makes the pudding layers taste even creamier the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other cookies instead of Verona cookies?

Yes, you sure can. If you don’t have shortbread cookies, you can use vanilla wafers—just like you would in a classic banana pudding.

Special Note: Swapping the cookies will change the flavor of the finished product. I tested this recipe with various different cookies and the strawberry Verona shortbread cookies make a big difference. It all marries together after it sits and has a different flavor profile than Nillas.

How long does strawberry pudding last?

When stored in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap, your fresh strawberry pudding will keep well in the fridge for about 2–3 days. After that, the fresh fruit won’t hold up as well, so it’s best enjoyed within that time.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You sure can! This is one of those simple recipes that tastes even better when made the day before. Letting it chill overnight helps the cookies soak up the pudding too.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh is best for the best strawberry flavor, but frozen works in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain off any extra liquid so the pudding doesn’t get watery.

More Sweet Strawberry Recipes

• Viral Dubai Chocolate Strawberry Cup
• Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes
• No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake