Are you craving a delightful dessert that's both incredibly easy to make and utterly delicious? Look no further! This creamy, dreamy pudding with strawberries recipe is the perfect answer for a quick weeknight treat or a special occasion. It's a classic combination elevated with simple homemade touches, making it a favorite among both novice and experienced cooks. This recipe is perfect for those searching for easy recipes, healthy meals, or quick dinner ideas – it's surprisingly versatile!
Ingredients:
-
For the Pudding:
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
For the Strawberries:
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
Get started with the pudding:
-
Whisk dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
-
Temper the egg yolks: Gradually whisk in about 1/2 cup of the cold milk into the egg yolks until light and frothy. This prevents the yolks from scrambling when added to the hot milk mixture.
-
Combine milk and egg mixture: Pour the remaining milk into the saucepan with the dry ingredients. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer.
-
Thicken the pudding: Reduce heat to low and slowly whisk in the tempered egg yolk mixture. Continue stirring constantly until the pudding thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat.
-
Add flavor: Stir in the vanilla extract.
-
Cool the pudding: Pour the pudding into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill completely.
Prepare the strawberries:
- Macerate the strawberries: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and lemon juice. Gently toss to coat. Let sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices and soften. This step enhances the flavor and creates a delicious strawberry sauce.
Assemble and serve:
-
Layer or combine: Once the pudding is chilled, you can either layer it with the macerated strawberries in individual glasses or bowls, or gently fold the strawberries into the pudding.
-
Garnish (optional): Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.
Tips for the Best Pudding with Strawberries:
-
Use quality ingredients: The flavor of this dessert hinges on the quality of your ingredients. Fresh, ripe strawberries are key.
-
Don't rush the cooling process: Allowing the pudding to chill completely ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
-
Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter pudding, add a little more sugar to both the pudding and the strawberries.
-
Make it ahead: This dessert can be made a day or two in advance, making it perfect for entertaining.
Variations:
-
Chocolate Pudding with Strawberries: Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the pudding mixture for a decadent twist.
-
Berry Bliss: Substitute the strawberries with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or a mix.
-
Spiced Pudding: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pudding for a warm, comforting flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on specific ingredients and serving size. However, a general estimate suggests this dessert is a moderate source of calcium and provides some vitamins and antioxidants from the strawberries. For precise nutritional values, use a nutrition calculator with your specific ingredient measurements.
This simple pudding with strawberries recipe is a delicious and easy dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this homemade treat, and don't forget to share it with your friends and family! It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it one of the best recipes for satisfying sweet cravings.