There is something truly magical about the Strawberry Jelly Summer Pudding Recipe that captures the essence of warm sunny days and juicy, vibrant strawberries. This no-bake dessert is a nostalgic British classic, wrapped in soft, white bread and filled with luscious strawberry jelly that’s bursting with fresh berry flavor. Every bite is like a refreshing spoonful of summer, making it perfect for entertaining or a cozy treat on a balmy afternoon. Light yet satisfyingly sweet, this pudding is as delightful to look at as it is to eat, offering a gorgeous ruby-red center that gleams through the bread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this pudding is refreshingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building that perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and color. From fresh strawberries to soft white bread, every component is essential in bringing this classic dessert together.
- Fresh strawberries (4 cups, hulled and sliced): These are the star of the show, providing natural sweetness and juicy freshness.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Perfect for balancing the tartness of the berries and intensifying their flavor as it cooks.
- Water (1/4 cup): Helps to soften the fruit and dissolve the sugar for a luscious syrupy base.
- Strawberry flavor gelatin powder (3 ounces): Gives the pudding its signature jelly texture and vibrant red color while enhancing the strawberry taste.
- Lemon juice (2 teaspoons): Adds a subtle zing and brightness that lifts the flavors beautifully.
- White sandwich bread slices (10 to 12, crusts removed): Acts as the perfect vessel to hold the jelly mixture, creating that classic soft pudding casing.
- Additional fresh berries (optional, for serving): Offers a pretty, fresh garnish and extra bursts of flavor.
- Whipped cream (optional, for serving): Adds a dreamy creaminess that pairs perfectly with the fruity pudding.
How to Make Strawberry Jelly Summer Pudding Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Mixture
Start by combining your fresh sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and water in a medium saucepan. Cook this mixture over medium heat for about five to seven minutes, until the strawberries release their natural juices and soften up beautifully. This step is where the magic begins—the heat helps the fruit break down and mix with the sugar to create a sweet, fragrant base.
Step 2: Add Gelatin and Lemon Juice
Once the strawberries are soft and juicy, take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin powder along with the lemon juice. Stir everything until the gelatin dissolves completely, this will give your pudding the perfect wobble and that irresistible ruby shine. Let this mixture cool slightly so it’s warm but not hot—ready to set once it’s in the bowl lined with bread.
Step 3: Line the Bowl with Bread
Take a 1 1/2-quart bowl and line it with plastic wrap, leaving enough overhang to cover the top later. Begin pressing the soft bread slices into the bowl, trimming where needed, to cover the entire interior with no gaps. The bread creates a cozy edible mold that holds the luscious jelly in place, so make sure the coverage is complete and snug.
Step 4: Layer the Pudding
Spoon half of the cooled strawberry mixture into the bread-lined bowl, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Add another layer of bread over this, pressing gently to cover the jelly. Then pour in the remaining strawberry mixture, followed by a final layer of bread to seal the pudding completely. The layers build a beautiful contrast of soft bread and vibrant strawberry jelly ready to set overnight.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Fold the plastic wrap over the top of the pudding, place a plate on top to weigh it down, and transfer it to the refrigerator. Chill for at least eight hours or overnight—this gives the jelly time to set firmly and allows the bread to soak up the flavorful juices, making every bite tender and flavorful.
How to Serve Strawberry Jelly Summer Pudding Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this pudding with a few fresh berries scattered on top instantly brightens the presentation and adds an extra fresh pop of flavor. A generous dollop of whipped cream adds a silky contrast that perfectly complements the tartness of the jelly. You can also sprinkle a little powdered sugar for a delicate touch that makes this dessert feel extra special.
Side Dishes
Strawberry Jelly Summer Pudding pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or a light cucumber mint salad to provide a refreshing balance. A scoop of vanilla ice cream can also turn this dessert into an even more indulgent treat. The key is to keep sides light and fresh to let the pudding’s fruity brilliance truly shine.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow your guests, try unmolding the pudding into individual glass jars or small trifle bowls for personal servings. You can also cut the pudding into fun shapes using cookie cutters after it has set for a playful presentation, especially fun for summer parties or kids’ gatherings. For a rustic look, serve slices right from the bowl with colorful berry garnishes and a sprig of mint.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and believe me, you might not!), keep them covered tightly in the refrigerator. The bread will continue to soak up the juices, becoming even softer and more flavorful. Consume within two days for the best texture and freshness.
Freezing
This pudding isn’t ideal for freezing due to the bread’s delicate texture and the gelatin’s consistency, which may not hold up well after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh after the chilling period for the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled, no-bake dessert, reheating is not recommended. It’s best served cold to maintain the integrity of the strawberry jelly and the soft bread casing, enhancing that fresh summer feeling with every bite.
FAQs
Can I use other berries in this Strawberry Jelly Summer Pudding Recipe?
Absolutely! While strawberries are classic, you can substitute raspberries or a mixed berry blend for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile. Just be sure to adjust the sugar if needed, as some berries are more tart.
What type of bread works best for this pudding?
White sandwich bread is the go-to for this recipe thanks to its softness and neutral flavor. Slightly stale bread actually works best because it soaks up the juices without falling apart, giving the pudding a perfect texture.
Do I need to use plastic wrap to line the bowl?
Yes, lining with plastic wrap makes it much easier to unmold the pudding once set. It also helps keep the bread moist and ensures the pudding holds its shape beautifully when inverted onto a serving plate.
How long should the pudding chill before serving?
It’s important to let it chill for at least eight hours or overnight. This resting time allows the gelatin to fully set and the bread to soak up the flavors, giving you that classic summer pudding texture and taste.
Can I make this pudding vegan?
Traditional gelatin isn’t vegan, but you can try using plant-based gelling agents like agar-agar instead. Keep in mind you’ll need to adjust the quantities and setting times, but it’s definitely possible to create a vegan version with a little experimentation.
Final Thoughts
There is so much joy packed into the Strawberry Jelly Summer Pudding Recipe, from its vibrant colors to its deliciously refreshing taste. It’s a dessert that brings people together, perfect for celebrating summer’s bounty without fuss or complicated techniques. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and find yourself falling in love with it just as I have—each slice a sweet little celebration of sunshine and strawberries.
Print
Strawberry Jelly Summer Pudding Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Jelly Summer Pudding is a refreshing no-bake British dessert featuring layers of fresh strawberries soaked in sweetened strawberry gelatin, encased in soft white bread. Perfect for warm weather, it combines the natural sweetness of berries with a smooth jelly texture, creating a light and fruity treat that’s easy to prepare and visually stunning when inverted for serving.
Ingredients
Fruit and Jelly Mixture
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 ounces strawberry flavor gelatin powder
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
Bread Lining
- 10 to 12 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
Optional for Serving
- Additional fresh berries
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and water. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the strawberries release their juices and soften. Remove from heat and stir in the strawberry gelatin powder and lemon juice until completely dissolved. Allow this mixture to cool slightly.
- Line the Molding Bowl: Line a 1 1/2-quart bowl with plastic wrap, leaving extra overhang. Press slices of bread firmly into the bowl to create a full lining, trimming pieces as needed to ensure the entire interior is covered without any gaps.
- Assemble the Layers: Spoon half of the strawberry jelly mixture into the bread-lined bowl. Add a second layer of bread slices over the mixture. Pour in the remaining strawberry mixture, then top with a final layer of bread to seal the pudding completely.
- Chill to Set: Fold the plastic wrap over the top of the pudding and place a plate on it to weigh it down evenly. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the pudding to set fully.
- Serve: When ready to serve, invert the pudding onto a serving plate. Carefully remove the plastic wrap and slice. Serve with additional fresh berries or whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
- Use slightly stale bread for easier shaping and less tearing.
- For a brighter, more tangy flavor, increase the lemon juice to 1 tablespoon.
- Raspberries or mixed berries can be substituted for some or all of the strawberries to vary the flavor.
