Strawberry Cracker Pudding is a beautifully simple, nostalgic dessert that brings together creamy vanilla custard, juicy strawberries, and soft layers of graham crackers for a spoonable, comforting treat. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweetness, freshness, and creaminess, making it an irresistible dessert for any season. Whether served chilled on a warm day or enjoyed as a cozy make-ahead dessert, this pudding-style dish never disappoints.

This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a layered dessert that feels both rustic and elegant. The strawberries release their natural juices, soaking into the graham crackers as the pudding sets, creating a soft, cake-like texture without turning on the oven. It’s the kind of dessert that tastes even better the next day, once all the flavors have had time to meld together.

If you love no-bake desserts, fresh fruit, and easy crowd-pleasers, Strawberry Cracker Pudding will quickly become a favorite. It’s ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or a simple weeknight dessert that feels special with minimal effort. Let’s explore what makes this recipe so delightful and how to prepare it perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Cracker Pudding has all the qualities of a classic comfort dessert with modern simplicity:

• No-Bake Convenience: No oven required, making it perfect for warm weather or busy days
• Fresh and Creamy: Juicy strawberries paired with a smooth, lightly sweetened cream base
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after chilling overnight
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh fruit
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture: Soft, layered, and spoonable with just the right amount of sweetness
• Customizable: Easy to add chocolate, other berries, or flavor twists

This dessert is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special.

Preparation and Chilling Time

This recipe is quick to assemble and relies on chilling time to set perfectly.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 4 hours (or overnight for best results)
Total Time: Approximately 4 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup granulated sugar, divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup crushed graham crackers
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (optional, for chocolate flavor)
• Whipped cream for topping (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Strawberries

In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of the sugar. Toss gently and let sit for about 15 minutes until the strawberries release their natural juices. This step enhances flavor and helps soften the cracker layers later.

Make the Cream Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, whole milk, remaining sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and fully combined.

If using cocoa powder, sift it into the cream mixture and whisk thoroughly until no lumps remain and the mixture is evenly blended.

Assemble the Layers

In a 9×9-inch baking dish, spread half of the crushed graham crackers evenly across the bottom.

Pour half of the cream mixture over the crackers, spreading gently to ensure even coverage. Spoon half of the strawberries and their juices over the cream layer.

Repeat the layers with the remaining graham crackers, cream mixture, and strawberries.

Chill to Set

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, allowing the crackers to soften and the pudding to fully set.

Serve

Before serving, top with whipped cream if desired. Scoop and serve chilled.

How to Serve

Strawberry Cracker Pudding is best served cold and can be presented in several ways:

• Family-Style: Serve straight from the dish for a rustic, comforting presentation
• Individual Portions: Spoon into dessert cups or bowls for a polished look
• Extra Garnish: Add fresh strawberry slices or a light dusting of crushed crackers on top
• Chocolate Version: Drizzle with chocolate syrup if cocoa powder was used

Additional Tips

• Use ripe strawberries for the best natural sweetness and juiciness
• Crush graham crackers finely for a smoother texture or leave slightly chunky for more bite
• Chill overnight for the softest, most cohesive layers
• For extra richness, replace part of the milk with more cream
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for subtle warmth

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Strawberry Pudding: Always include cocoa powder and add chocolate shavings on top
• Mixed Berry Version: Use raspberries or blueberries along with strawberries
• Lemon Strawberry Twist: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the cream mixture
• Vanilla Wafer Swap: Replace graham crackers with vanilla wafers for a different texture

Storage and Make-Ahead

Refrigerator:
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The texture improves over time as layers soften.

Freezing:
Freezing is not recommended, as the dairy and fruit may separate when thawed.

Special Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• 9×9-inch baking dish
• Plastic wrap

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, thaw and drain them first. Fresh strawberries provide the best texture, but frozen can work.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut milk and dairy-free cream alternatives.

Does it need gelatin?
No. The pudding sets naturally as the crackers absorb moisture.

Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely. Adjust to taste, especially if your strawberries are very sweet.