Strawberry Shortcake Pudding Cups

This homemade strawberry shortcake pudding cups recipe brings all the flavors of a classic dessert into an easy, no-bake treat that's perfect for any occasion. Creamy cheesecake pudding combines with fragrant strawberries and crunchy cookie crumbs to create layers of texture and taste that will quickly become a family favorite.

I first made this during a summer gathering, and it was such a hit that it became my go-to for last-minute dessert plans. The kids and adults alike love how light yet satisfying it feels after a big meal.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Golden Vanilla Oreos: Twenty cookies provide a sweet, buttery base with a subtle vanilla flavor that complements the fruit
• Instant Jell-o Cheesecake Pudding: two 3.4-ounce packages create a creamy tangy filling that feels rich without being heavy
• Whole milk: four cups cold milk is necessary for achieving the pudding's perfect silky texture—choose whole milk for best creaminess
• Strawberries: one and a half cups diced fresh strawberries add a burst of natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color
• Whipped cream: one cup to add lightness and a touch of elegance to the final dessert
• Plastic cups or jars: eight to ten 4-ounce containers for assembling and serving individual portions; reusable glass jars work well too

How to Make It

Crush the Cookies:

Place Golden Vanilla Oreos and dried strawberries in a food processor and pulse until finely crushed. If you do not have a processor, put the cookies and strawberries in a sturdy ziplock bag and crush them finely with a rolling pin. Make sure the crumbs are even and not chunked to provide consistent texture.

Prepare the Pudding Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the instant cheesecake pudding powder with four cups of cold whole milk until smooth and thickened. This usually takes about a minute or two. Gently fold in the diced fresh strawberries to combine evenly without breaking them down too much. Let this mixture sit for five minutes to set slightly.

Assemble the Cups:

Spoon a layer of the cookie and strawberry crumb mixture into the bottom of each plastic cup. Add a generous layer of the strawberry cheesecake pudding on top. Repeat by adding another layer of crumbs, then a final layer of pudding. This layering creates the classic shortcake effect with visible layers of cream and crumb.

Chill Before Serving:

Place the assembled cups in the refrigerator and chill for at least 20 minutes or until you are ready to serve. This helps everything set and meld the flavors. Before serving, top each cup with a dollop of whipped cream for a creamy, fresh finish that elevates the dessert.

One of my favorite parts is the Golden Vanilla Oreos because they add such a unique vanilla flavor that other cookies do not capture. I remember making this for a picnic where everyone raved about the balance of creamy and crumbly textures and asked for the recipe right away.

Flavor Boosters

For the best results, pick ripe but firm strawberries to avoid mushy bites, and opt for quality vanilla cookies if Oreos are not available.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these pudding cups chilled with a sprig of fresh mint or a light dusting of crushed nuts for texture contrast. They pair wonderfully with iced tea or light sparkling beverages on a warm day. For kids’ parties, consider adding colorful sprinkles or small edible flowers on top for a festive touch.

Creative Twists

You can swap Golden Vanilla Oreos with regular vanilla wafers or another plain cookie, although this changes the flavor slightly. For the pudding, any instant cheesecake or vanilla flavored pudding mix will work. If fresh strawberries are not in season, consider using frozen thawed strawberries or even raspberries for a tart twist.

This recipe is a perfect balance of sweet and fresh flavors, ideal for any season or occasion.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ What type of Oreos should I use?

Golden Vanilla Oreos are recommended for a complementary vanilla flavor that blends well with the cheesecake pudding and strawberries.

→ Can I use fresh or frozen strawberries?

Fresh diced strawberries are preferred for the best flavor and texture, but thawed frozen strawberries can be used if fresh ones aren’t available.

→ How long should the pudding cups chill before serving?

Chill the cups for at least 30 minutes to allow layers to set properly and flavors to meld.

→ Can I prepare this dessert in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the pudding cups a few hours ahead or even the day before. Keep them refrigerated until serving.

→ Are the pudding cups suitable for individual servings?

Yes, using 4-ounce cups or jars makes it easy to serve and enjoy individual portions.