The Strawberry Shortcake Pudding is the perfect no-bake dessert that captures the essence of summer. Inspired by the iconic Magnolia Bakery, this layered trifle combines luscious vanilla pudding, fluffy whipped cream, and sweet strawberries tucked between classic Nilla Wafers. Each spoonful is bursting with flavor and nostalgic comfort.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, prepping for the 4th of July, or just craving something light and indulgent, this pudding is your answer. You can even make it the night before for ultimate ease. It’s a showstopper dessert that looks as amazing as it tastes—and guaranteed to have guests coming back for more.
Full Recipe:
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1 (3.4 oz) package Instant Vanilla Pudding
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1 1/2 cups cold water
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1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
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3 cups cold heavy cream
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1 (11 oz) box Nabisco Nilla Wafers
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1 1/2 to 2 lbs. fresh strawberries, diced
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2 tablespoons sugar (optional, for strawberries)
Directions:
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and water until well combined.
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Add the vanilla pudding mix and whisk until smooth. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour until firm.
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In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
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Fold the chilled pudding mixture into the whipped cream, one scoop at a time, until fully incorporated.
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Toss the diced strawberries with the sugar if using, and set aside.
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To assemble, layer the pudding mixture at the bottom of a trifle bowl or glass dish.
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Add a layer of Nilla Wafers, then a layer of strawberries. Repeat the layers until the bowl is filled.
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Top with a final layer of pudding, whipped cream, and a sprinkle of Nilla Wafer crumbles for garnish.
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Cover and chill in the fridge for 4–6 hours or overnight before serving for best flavor and texture.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Chill Time: 4-6 hours | Total Time: ~4 hours 30 minutes
Kcal: 222 kcal | Servings: 10-12 servings
A Modern Classic: The Story Behind Strawberry Shortcake Pudding
Strawberry shortcake has long been a staple of American summer desserts. Its bright, sweet flavor and light, airy texture evoke picnics, backyard BBQs, and sunny days. When the legendary Magnolia Bakery—famed for its iconic banana pudding—introduced a strawberry shortcake version, dessert lovers everywhere rejoiced. Their twist? A luscious no-bake pudding trifle that layers fresh strawberries, vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and Nilla Wafers. It’s a blend of classic charm and modern convenience that has captured hearts across the country.
The popularity of this dessert lies in its ability to be both nostalgic and fresh. While traditional shortcake uses biscuit or sponge cake layers, this version opts for Nilla Wafers, which soften to cake-like perfection as the dessert chills. The result is a creamy, fruity, and slightly crunchy layered treat that feels luxurious but is incredibly easy to prepare.
Why This Dessert Is Perfect for Summer (or Any Season)
Summer calls for cool, no-bake desserts that don’t require turning on the oven. Magnolia’s Strawberry Shortcake Pudding fits the bill perfectly. With strawberries at their peak ripeness during warmer months, this dish is an excellent way to celebrate the season’s bounty.
That said, the dessert is so adaptable it can be enjoyed year-round. Thanks to widely available ingredients—like packaged pudding mix, shelf-stable sweetened condensed milk, and frozen strawberries when fresh are out of season—this treat is always within reach. It’s ideal for holidays, potlucks, birthdays, and weeknight indulgences.
Moreover, the pudding’s aesthetic appeal—vibrant red strawberries against soft layers of cream and cookies—makes it a visually striking centerpiece for any dessert table.
A Versatile Showstopper for Every Occasion
One of the best things about this pudding is its flexibility. Whether you’re preparing it for a large gathering or an intimate family dinner, it scales easily and suits a variety of serving styles. You can present it in a grand trifle bowl for an impressive display or opt for individual glass cups for a more refined touch.
Its make-ahead nature is another huge benefit. In fact, it gets better with time. Allowing it to chill for several hours or overnight gives the layers time to meld and the Nilla Wafers time to soften into a tender, cake-like texture. This not only improves flavor and consistency but also frees up your schedule on the day of the event.
Additionally, the flavor profile is a crowd-pleaser—fresh fruit, vanilla creaminess, and a hint of crunch from the cookies. It’s kid-friendly, adult-approved, and just indulgent enough to satisfy without being overly rich.
Fresh vs. Roasted Strawberries: A Flavor Decision
A fascinating variation in this recipe comes in the form of strawberry preparation. The original Magnolia Bakery version, as adapted by home bakers, often encourages experimenting with both fresh and roasted strawberries. Each method offers its own flavor dimension.
Fresh strawberries bring brightness, a juicy pop, and a refreshing contrast to the creamy layers. They retain a natural tartness that balances the sweetness of the pudding and cookies beautifully. They’re also quick to prep—just wash, chop, and toss.
Roasted strawberries, on the other hand, offer a deeper, more concentrated sweetness. When strawberries are roasted with a touch of sugar and vanilla, their juices caramelize, intensifying their flavor and creating a syrupy consistency that seeps into the layers of the pudding. This method brings warmth and complexity, making the dish feel more like a gourmet dessert.
Many bakers have tested both approaches and often end up preferring fresh strawberries for their ease and natural taste, especially in the summer. However, roasted strawberries shine in colder seasons when berries might not be at their best quality.
The Secret Sauce: The Chilling Process
What truly transforms this dessert from a layered dish into a magical trifle is time—specifically chilling time. Magnolia Bakery emphasizes the importance of allowing the pudding to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 to 6 hours, though overnight is often ideal.
During this chilling period, the layers merge: the cookies absorb moisture and soften, the pudding thickens and sets fully, and the strawberries release their juices into the surrounding cream. What was once separate layers becomes a unified, luscious dessert with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Skipping this step results in a disjointed experience—crunchy cookies, runny pudding, and separated flavors. The patience required is well worth the payoff.
Tips for Presentation and Serving
Presentation plays a big role in the appeal of this pudding. A clear glass trifle bowl allows the beautiful layers of red berries, cream, and golden cookies to show through, making it as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate.
For elegant events or dinner parties, serving the dessert in individual parfait glasses or mini mason jars adds charm and convenience. Each guest gets their own picture-perfect serving, and cleanup becomes easier.
Garnishes can include:
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Crushed Nilla Wafers sprinkled on top
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A dollop of whipped cream
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A fan of sliced fresh strawberries
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Mint leaves for a pop of color
For an extra twist, some bakers drizzle strawberry syrup or a touch of melted white chocolate across the top for visual and flavor enhancement.
Creative Variations to Try
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Once you’ve mastered the basic version, the possibilities for variation are endless:
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Swap Pudding Flavors: Try cheesecake or white chocolate pudding mix for a richer flavor.
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Cookie Substitutes: Replace Nilla Wafers with Pepperidge Farm Chessmen cookies, shortbread, or even ladyfingers for a tiramisu-like spin.
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Add a Crunch Layer: Sprinkle crushed almonds, pistachios, or granola between layers.
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Berry Medley: Mix in blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed-berry version.
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Chocolate Lovers’ Edition: Add a layer of chocolate shavings or drizzle chocolate syrup between the cream and strawberries.
These variations allow you to tailor the dessert to different tastes, occasions, or dietary preferences.
Why This Recipe Wins Hearts
This pudding captures everything people love about a homemade dessert. It’s rich but not too heavy, sweet but balanced with fruit, easy yet elegant. It requires no baking skills, which makes it accessible for all levels of home cooks.
Furthermore, it brings a sense of nostalgia—reminding many of strawberry shortcake from their childhoods—but with a modern pudding twist that feels new and exciting. It bridges the gap between comfort food and celebration fare, which is a rare feat.
It’s also a conversation starter. Whether you bring it to a picnic or serve it at a baby shower, people will ask for the recipe. And once they’ve tasted it, they’ll likely return for seconds.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Summer Dessert
Magnolia Bakery’s Strawberry Shortcake Pudding has earned its place among beloved modern desserts for a reason. It combines the simplicity of everyday ingredients with the elegance of a layered trifle, delivering a creamy, fruity, and crave-worthy experience with every spoonful.
Whether you follow the recipe to a T or add your own creative twists, this dessert is a guaranteed success at any gathering. It’s beautiful to serve, delicious to eat, and easy to make ahead—everything you could ask for in a summer treat.
If you’re looking to impress guests without breaking a sweat, or just want a satisfying sweet ending to your own family dinner, this no-bake pudding trifle will be your new favorite go-to recipe.
Let it chill. Let it set. And most importantly—let it wow.