Layered Strawberry Vanilla Pudding Trifle
A fresh, no-bake trifle with layers of vanilla pudding, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream for a light dessert. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers (3.4 oz) vanilla instant pudding mix, cold milk, fresh strawberries, sliced into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 package (3.4 oz) vanilla instant pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup whipped cream
- 3 cups angel food cake, cubed
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 package vanilla instant pudding mix and 2 cups cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 2: In a large clear trifle bowl or glass serving dish, place a layer of 1 cup cubed angel food cake at the bottom.
- Step 3: Spread one-third of the prepared vanilla pudding evenly over the cake cubes.
- Step 4: Add a layer of 2/3 cup sliced fresh strawberries on top of the pudding.
- Step 5: Dollop one-third of 1 cup whipped cream over the strawberries and spread gently.
- Step 6: Repeat layering with remaining cake cubes, pudding, strawberries, and whipped cream until all ingredients are used.
- Step 7: Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Layered Strawberry Vanilla Pudding Trifle take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Layered Strawberry Vanilla Pudding Trifle?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Layered Strawberry Vanilla Pudding Trifle?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Layered Strawberry Vanilla Pudding Trifle for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Layered Strawberry Vanilla Pudding Trifle?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
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