Strawberry Pudding from Scratch

Name: Strawberry Pudding from Scratch - Classic, Eggless, Vegan or Healthy
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 195 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Milk; 1 cup Whipping cream; 1/2 cup Sugar; 2 Egg yolks; 2 tbsp Cornstarch; 1 tbsp Vanilla; 1/2 cup Strawberry puree (10 strawberries); 1 cup Milk; 1 cup Whipping cream; 1/2 cup Sugar; 4 tbsp Cornstarch; 1 tbsp Vanilla; 1/2 cup Strawberry puree (10 strawberries); 2 cup Almond Milk; 1/2 cup Sugar; 4 tbsp Cornstarch; 1 tbsp Vanilla; 1/2 cup Strawberry puree (10 strawberries); 2 cup Milk; 1/4 cup Honey; 3 tbsp Cornstarch; 1/2 cup Strawberry puree (10 strawberries); 1 tbsp Vanilla extract

Recipe Video Print

How to Make Strawberry Pudding from Scratch - Classic, Eggless, vegan or Healthy

Have you ever wanted to make a strawberry pudding but had no pudding mix on hand? Well, you don't need it! This strawberry pudding needs only four ingredients and five minutes to make. And you can make it classic, eggless, vegan or healthy by simply switching an ingredient. With this recipe, you will never buy pudding mix again.

This is the best pudding recipe from scratch with 4 ingredients and just 5 minutes with strawberry puree — How to Make Homemade Pudding from Scratch - Classic Strawberry Flavor

Growing up, our favorite desserts use to be pudding. Of course, chocolate was my favorite while my brother loved the vanilla and my sister loved her caramel. My mom also made strawberry, pineapple, and mango puddings.

My kids love pudding and I make these often. The best thing about pudding is you can eat them warm or cold. I think they taste better cold but my kids have no patience so they often eat it warm. And this week, Rhea added banana slices to her strawberry pudding.

Table of Contents

About this Strawberry Pudding

A dessert with just 4 ingredients you probably already have in the kitchen and gets done in just 5 minutes. How easy is that?

As you can see, I have given you the recipe for classic strawberry pudding that can be easily made into an eggless strawberry pudding by omitting the eggs and adding more cornstarch. You can also make this a vegan strawberry pudding by using almond or coconut milk. So you see, just using the same classic recipe and switching one or two ingredients is all you need to create great variations.

I used to always make the classic strawberry pudding with egg yolks. And yet, over the years, I've found that the egg yolks are unnecessary and the pudding is more fool-proof without egg yolks.

When I make this for the kids I use half cream and half milk, so it's nice and rich. But in winter, when we have one too many puddings, I use all milk. I have also given you the option to make this a healthy strawberry pudding without cream or egg yolks.

Let's talk ingredients and substitutes (Save/Pin)

Milk - I use whole milk, not low fat. You want the rich flavor of milk in the pudding, not just sugar and cornstarch. And yet, you can use almond milk or coconut milk for a vegan version. I will give you the recipe below.
Cream - I use a good 35% fat cream, but you can also use low-fat cream. If you want to make this pudding with only milk it is possible, and I will also share the recipe for a healthy strawberry pudding below.
Egg yolks - Add richness and help make the custard thicker. But so does cornstarch. So ideally, if you want to omit the egg yolks you can just add 1 tbsp cornstarch for every two yolks.
Sugar - I've used white sugar but you can use brown sugar for a caramel flavor. You can even use 1/4 cup honey or 1/4 cup agave syrup.
Strawberries - You can use fresh or frozen. I always have frozen in my freezer, so I just pulse a few in the food processor.

Useful Tips and Tools

When heating milk it's best to use a heavy bottom sauce pan to prevent scorching.
I like to use a whisk from time to time to keep things well combined.
And a wooden spoon can be used as well, but make sure it's not been used for curry before.
Also, I find a rubber spatula does a great job of cleaning the sides and scraping the bottom.
Use a clean glass bowl to remove the pudding.
Lastly, I like to use my fancy glass wear to serve these puddings in.

How to Make Strawberry Pudding - Classic, Eggless, Vegan or Healthy (Save/Pin)

Pulse the strawberries in a food processor.
Strain through a sieve to remove seeds (optional).
In a saucepan - combine all ingredients except strawberry puree - starting with the sugar or honey, cornstarch (egg yolks and cocoa powder if using) - combine well.
Gradually pour in the cream while whisking at the same time. Make sure you get the corners of the pot so no dry powder is stuck there.
Next, add in the milk and vanilla, and give it a mix.
Place the pan on a medium heat stirring to ensure it does not stick to the bottom.
Once the milk is heated thru, turn the heat to low and continue to stir.
I like to switch between a whisk and a spatula. The whisk makes sure there are no lumps and the spatula helps scratch the sides and bottom well.
The mixture will soon become thick - you want to cook it until it comes to a low boil. The boil is what will cook the cornstarch and make it thicker.
NOTE - do not use high heat - you can scorch the milk on the bottom which will give you a burnt smell, and if you are using egg yolks, they will scramble with high heat.
Once you reach a boil, you will have a thick mixture that will coat the back of your spoon or spatula (see video).
Take it off the heat.
Now, add the strawberry puree and combine well.
Pour into serving cups.
Lightly tap the cup on the counter to help the pudding settle.
Place in the fridge for at least 3 to 4 hours to chill completely.
(the pudding is ready in an hour but you do need at least 4 hours for them to chill)
Serve as is or topped with a dollop of whipped cream, or chocolate shavings.

Frequently asked questions?

How long will this strawberry pudding keep?

This strawberry pudding will keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

Can I use freezer dried strawberry powder instead of fresh strawberries?

Yes, 2 tbsp of strawberry powder works just as well.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, you can replace the cream with milk and add 1 tbsp more cornstarch to help with the thickening.

Can I add the fruit to this strawberry pudding?

Yes, you can add up to 1/2 cup chopped fruit to the mix before you pour the pudding into individual serving cups.

Is strawberry pudding the same as strawberry mousse?

Both strawberry pudding and strawberry mousse have custard as an ingredient. A mousse is light and airy, while the pudding is thick and dense. Classic mousse has whipped cream, and egg whites added to make it richer, light and airy while pudding has just custard.

Can I substitute pudding for custard?

In most cases, you can use pudding for custard as an ingredient. In fact, in UK puddings are called custard and made with egg yolks for thickening.

Are pudding, custard and pastry cream the same?

Similar. Pudding is thick and dense. Custard is firm and creamy made with egg yolks, milk, and cream. Pastry cream is thicker because it also has cornstarch in addition to eggs, milk, and cream. The main difference between custard and pastry cream is the way you use it. Custard can be served warm while pastry cream is always served cold.

Can I make this an eggless strawberry pudding?

Absolutely. In fact, I have given you a detailed recipe for eggless strawberry pudding below.

Can I use almond milk to make this a vegan strawberry pudding?

Yes, just switch the milk to almond or coconut. In fact, I have given you a detailed recipe for vegan strawberry pudding below.

Can I omit the cream to make a healthy strawberry pudding?

Of course, you can replace the cream with milk and I have given you a detailed recipe below for a healthy strawberry pudding.

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