Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups Recipe

The Most Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups Recipe

Sweet memories dance through my kitchen whenever I whip up this delightful strawberry shortcake pudding cups dessert that combines childhood nostalgia with creamy indulgence.

Layers of buttery crumbled biscuits nestled between luscious vanilla custard and fresh, ruby-red strawberries.

Each spoonful promises a delicate balance of textures that melt softly against your palate.

Summer picnics and lazy afternoon treats inspired this simple yet elegant dessert design.

Crisp shortcake crumbles provide a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with silky smooth pudding layers.

The bright, fragrant strawberries bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to every serving.

One bite transports you to sunny afternoons filled with joy and delectable comfort.

Let’s create a dessert that turns an ordinary moment into something spectacular!

Best Way To Store Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups

  • Refrigerate: Store pudding cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Avoid Freezing: Do not freeze these pudding cups, as the texture of strawberries and whipped cream will become watery and lose their delicate consistency.
  • Prevent Sogginess: Keep the shortcake layers separate from liquid ingredients until serving to preserve their crisp texture and prevent them from becoming mushy.
  • Reheating Tips: Enjoy these pudding cups chilled directly from the refrigerator, as reheating will compromise the delicate layers and fresh strawberry flavor.

Yummy Things To Serve With Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups

  • Pair with Crisp Champagne: A light, bubbly champagne complements the sweet strawberry and rich vanilla pudding, cutting through the creamy texture and enhancing the dessert's delicate flavors.
  • Match with Lavender Earl Grey Tea: The subtle floral notes of lavender and bergamot in Earl Grey tea provide a sophisticated contrast to the dessert's sweetness, creating a refreshing palate experience.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Latte: A smooth, creamy latte with real vanilla bean echoes the pudding's vanilla notes while offering a warm, comforting counterpoint to the cool strawberry dessert.
  • Enjoy with Sparkling Rosé: A chilled rosé with light fruit undertones mirrors the strawberry's bright flavor, adding an elegant touch to this delightful dessert presentation.

Fun Ideas To Change Up Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups

  • Berry Bliss Variation: Swap strawberries with a mix of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a vibrant, multi-berry dessert that bursts with color and flavor.
  • Tropical Dream Cups: Replace strawberries with diced mangoes and pineapples, adding a splash of coconut milk to the pudding for a sunny, island-inspired treat.
  • Chocolate Lover's Edition: Mix cocoa powder into the vanilla pudding and use chocolate shortcake crumbs, creating a rich, decadent version that chocolate enthusiasts will adore.
  • Nutty Crunch Upgrade: Sprinkle toasted almonds or crushed pistachios between layers, adding a satisfying crunch and nutty depth to the creamy dessert.

FAQs On Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups

  • What makes this dessert different from a traditional strawberry shortcake?

This pudding cup version transforms the classic dessert into a layered, portable treat that combines the same delicious flavors in a creamy, easy-to-serve format.

  • Can I use fresh or frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Fresh strawberries work best for optimal flavor and texture. Frozen strawberries can be used but might release more liquid, potentially making the layers slightly soggy.

  • How far in advance can I prepare these pudding cups?

You can assemble the cups up to 4-6 hours before serving, keeping them refrigerated. This makes them perfect for preparing ahead of time for parties or gatherings.

  • Is it necessary to macerate the strawberries?

Macerating helps release the strawberries’ natural juices and enhances their sweetness, creating a more intense flavor in the dessert. While optional, it significantly improves the overall taste of the pudding cups.

Why Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups Are A Sweet Favorite

  • Burst with Summer Sweetness: Capture the essence of sunny days with this vibrant strawberry dessert that combines fresh, juicy strawberries and creamy vanilla pudding.
  • Effortless Elegance: Create a stunning dessert in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients and no complicated baking techniques, perfect for last-minute gatherings or quick treats.
  • Texture Wonderland: Experience a delightful contrast of creamy pudding, soft shortcake, and juicy macerated strawberries that dance together in every single bite.
  • Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt the recipe for different preferences by adjusting sweetness levels or adding extra toppings, making it a hit with both kids and adults.

Everything You Need For Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups

Pudding Base:
  • Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Core flavor foundation for the dessert, providing quick and easy pudding preparation.
  • Cold Milk: Liquid base that helps thicken and create smooth pudding consistency.
Cream Ingredients:
  • Heavy Whipping Cream, Powdered Sugar: Lighten pudding texture and add delicate sweetness, creating a fluffy whipped topping.
Fruit Layer:
  • Fresh Strawberries: Vibrant, juicy fruit that brings natural sweetness and bright color to the dessert. Choose ripe, red strawberries without blemishes.
  • Granulated Sugar: Enhances strawberry sweetness and helps release natural fruit juices.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds slight tartness and helps prevent strawberries from browning.
Cake and Topping Components:
  • Shortcake, Melted Butter: Provides delicious crumbly texture and rich buttery flavor. Select store-bought or homemade shortcake for best results.
  • Fresh Strawberry Slices: Decorative and flavorful garnish for visual appeal.

Quick Steps To Make Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups

Step 1: Whip Up Dreamy Vanilla Pudding

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
  • Instant vanilla pudding mix
  • Cold milk
Stir until smooth and silky. Pop it in the refrigerator for a quick 5-minute chill. In another bowl, grab your electric mixer and whip:
  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Powdered sugar

Beat until fluffy peaks stand tall. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding, creating a cloud-like mixture that’ll make taste buds dance.

Step 2: Transform Strawberries into Sweet Magic

Grab a bowl and toss together:
  • Freshly diced strawberries
  • Granulated sugar
  • Fresh lemon juice

Let the berries sit and get juicy for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and create a luscious strawberry sauce.

Step 3: Build Your Pudding Masterpiece

Grab clear glasses or mason jars. Start layering your delightful creation:
  • Crumble shortcake as the first layer
  • Optional: Drizzle with melted butter for extra richness
  • Spoon in the vanilla pudding mixture
  • Add a generous layer of macerated strawberries

Repeat these layers until your cups are bursting with goodness, making sure to finish with a strawberry flourish.

Step 4: Create the Crowning Glory

Top each pudding cup with:
  • Fluffy whipped cream
  • Fresh strawberry slices
  • Sprinkle of crumbled shortcake

Serve immediately and watch eyes light up with pure joy!

Helpful Tricks For Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups

  • Whip Cream Perfectly: Use cold heavy cream and chill your mixing bowl beforehand to achieve stiff, voluminous peaks that hold their shape beautifully.
  • Macerate Strawberries Smartly: Let strawberries sit with sugar to release natural juices, creating a sweet syrup that intensifies their flavor and adds moisture to the dessert.
  • Prevent Soggy Layers: Sprinkle shortcake crumbs lightly to maintain crispness and prevent them from becoming too wet when mixed with pudding and strawberries.
  • Make Ahead Safely: Assemble pudding cups up to 4 hours before serving, storing them covered in the refrigerator to keep the layers fresh and textures intact.
  • Customize Creatively: Swap vanilla pudding for chocolate or add a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor profile of your dessert.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp And Broccoli Skillet Recipe

Garlic Butter Shrimp And Broccoli Skillet Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Garlic butter shrimp and broccoli skillet delivers a quick, restaurant-worthy meal packed with bold flavors and simple ingredients. Sizzling shrimp and crisp broccoli combine in a silky butter sauce that draws you into a delightful culinary experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins and Vegetables:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cups broccoli florets

Fats and Oils:

  • 3 tablespoons (3 tbsp) butter
  • 2 tablespoons (2 tbsp) olive oil

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ teaspoon (½ tsp) smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon (¼ tsp) red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) lemon juice (from ½ lemon)
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Carefully pat the shrimp dry using paper towels, then generously season with salt, cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of smoky paprika for enhanced flavor complexity.
  2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, introducing broccoli florets with a delicate salt dusting. Gently sauté the verdant vegetable, rotating periodically, until achieving a vibrant green color with slight tenderness, approximately 4-5 minutes. Transfer the perfectly cooked broccoli to a separate plate.
  3. Utilizing the same skillet, drizzle additional olive oil and melt a portion of butter, creating a golden cooking surface. Introduce seasoned shrimp, allowing them to dance across the pan for roughly 2 minutes per side until transforming into a beautiful pink hue and becoming translucent. Carefully extract the shrimp and reserve.
  4. Reduce the skillet’s temperature to a gentle medium-low, melting the remaining butter. Incorporate finely minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, releasing their aromatic essence for approximately 60 seconds.
  5. Reunite the sautéed shrimp and broccoli within the fragrant skillet, gently coating each morsel with the luxurious garlic butter sauce. Brighten the dish with a fresh squeeze of zesty lemon juice, delicately stirring to harmonize the flavors.
  6. Present the skillet immediately, adorned with freshly chopped parsley, ready to be savored alongside your preferred accompaniments.

Notes

  • Maximize shrimp flavor by thoroughly patting them dry before seasoning, ensuring a perfect sear and preventing soggy texture.
  • Adjust cooking time for broccoli based on preferred tenderness; crisp-tender means slightly crunchy with a vibrant green color.
  • Use high-quality butter and fresh garlic for an intense, rich flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
  • Customize the recipe for different dietary needs by substituting shrimp with tofu or chicken, and using gluten-free alternatives if required.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 285
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 220 mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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