Strawberry Pudding Trifle

Strawberry Pudding Trifle is exactly like a banana pudding, but with fresh strawberries! My friends and family just go nuts when I make it. It looks pretty and serves as an excellent centerpiece before we dig in, but after that first spoon hits, it is gone in minutes!

Strawberry Pudding Trifle dessert is just like classic banana pudding, but with strawberries. Layers of wafer, pudding, strawberry and cream cheese <a class=


 

Wait? Strawberry Pudding?

Strawberry Pudding Trifle dessert is just like classic banana pudding, but with strawberries. Layers of wafer, pudding, strawberry and cream cheese whipped cream make this easy dessert recipe a winner!

Trifle desserts are an excellent choice for any large party, gathering or potluck. They are assembled with just a handful of ingredients and relatively short amount time, with no baking.

Even if you choose to make a homemade custard, the time commitment is still low by dessert standards.

Strawberry Pudding Trifle dessert is just like classic banana pudding, but with strawberries. Layers of wafer, pudding, strawberry and cream cheese whipped cream make this easy dessert recipe a winner! #strawberrypuddingtrifle #trifledessert www.savoryexperiments.com

And trifles are so gosh darn pretty! They are a fabulously colorful centerpiece and serve many people on a low budget. They do require a special trifle dish, but then you can make trifle desserts or wafer pudding, as some call them, your “thing”.

People will ask for your signature trifle creations and call you to get the recipe for a trifle. You will have a new nickname: Trifle Jessica or Jessica the Trifle Lady.

Strawberry Pudding Trifle dessert is just like classic banana pudding, but with strawberries. Layers of wafer, pudding, strawberry and cream cheese whipped cream make this easy dessert recipe a winner! #strawberrypuddingtrifle #trifledessert www.savoryexperiments.com

Am I taking this too far? Sorry, I’ll pull it back a few notches.

Clearly when you make a banana pudding, the bananas have a different texture than strawberries, which are firmer and don’t mush as well, but I like the textural difference and slight tartness they have to offer.

Strawberry Pudding Trifle dessert is just like classic banana pudding, but with strawberries. Layers of wafer, pudding, strawberry and cream cheese whipped cream make this easy dessert recipe a winner! #strawberrypuddingtrifle #trifledessert www.savoryexperiments.com

Adding cream cheese to the whipped cream layer makes for a welcomed zestiness that other pudding desserts lack. It isn’t overly sweet, but still fulfills the sweet tooth.

Easily swap out vanilla custard with chocolate pudding for a different trifle treat!

More easy dessert ideas!

scoop taken out of chocolate chip cheese ball

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

4.94 from 62 votes
With soft flavored cream cheese, this Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball is so delicious, you’d think it was actual cookie dough!
See The Recipe!
close up of three peanut butter blossoms

Peanut Butter Blossoms

4.98 from 37 votes
Soft Peanut Butter Cookies rolled in sugar and topped with a chocolate kiss.
See The Recipe!
Strawberry Pudding Trifle dessert is just like classic banana pudding, but with strawberries. Layers of wafer, pudding, strawberry and cream cheese whipped cream make this easy dessert recipe a winner! #strawberrypuddingtrifle #trifledessert www.savoryexperiments.com
Strawberry Pudding Trifle dessert is just like classic banana pudding, but with strawberries. Layers of wafer, pudding, strawberry and cream cheese whipped cream make this easy dessert recipe a winner! #strawberrypuddingtrifle #trifledessert www.savoryexperiments.com

Strawberry Pudding Trifle Recipe

4.09 from 12 votes
Strawberry Pudding Trifle dessert is just like classic banana pudding, but with strawberries. Layers of wafer, pudding, strawberry and cream cheese whipped cream make this easy dessert recipe a winner!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 12

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds strawberries cleaned and hulled
  • 4 cups homemade custard *see note for using instant pudding mix
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 8 ounces whipped cream topping
  • 11 ounces Nilla wafer cookies
  • Mint for garnish, optional

Instructions

  • Set aside 12-15 whole hulled strawberries for garnishing. Thinly slice the remaining strawberries and set aside.
  • Whether using instant boxed pudding or homemade vanilla custard, make sure it is prepared and slightly chilled.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese well so it is fluffy and smooth. Slowly, fold in whipped cream topping, mixing well so there are little to no little cream cheese flecks.
  • Start your first layer with Nilla Wafers. Top with a thin layer of vanilla custard/pudding, then whipped cream cream cheese. They key to a good trifle is to make sure there is a creamy layer touching each crunchy layer. The moisture from the creamy layer will turn the crunchy layer into a cake-like consistency. Top with strawberry slices. Repeat all layers until you reach the top, ending with a vanilla custard layer.
  • Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours before serving. Optimal time is 6 hours, but can be as long as overnight. Do not make more than 24 hours before serving. The Nilla Wafers just turn mushy after much longer.
  • Garnish with whole strawberries, fresh mint leaves and additional Nilla Wafers.
  • To serve, just spoon into a serving dish. Enjoy your Strawberry Pudding Trifle!
  • If you’ve tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was! 

Notes

I use either 2 3.4-ounce boxes of vanilla pudding or the large 5.1-ounce box. Make sure you buy the ingredients to prepare these, just milk. Just use more or less depending on what size box you use.

Nutrition

Calories: 372 kcal, Carbohydrates: 44 g, Protein: 7 g, Fat: 19 g, Saturated Fat: 9 g, Cholesterol: 83 mg, Sodium: 246 mg, Potassium: 385 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 18 g, Vitamin A: 565 IU, Vitamin C: 44.6 mg, Calcium: 180 mg, Iron: 0.7 mg
Author: Jessica Formicola
Calories: 372
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: pudding trifle, trifle dessert
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!
Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Jessica Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and food lover behind Savory Experiments. She is obsessed with butter, salt and bacon and spends all her time in the kitchen and behind a camera. Jessica is a contributor to PopKitchen by Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal Food + Travel and more!

Read More About Jessica

Join The Discussion

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Questions and Reviews