Chocolate Strawberry Pudding Parfait

Name: Chocolate Strawberry Pudding Parfait
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup cocoa powder; 1/4 cup sugar; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 2 cups milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1 cup whipped cream; Chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Recipes

I absolutely adore this Chocolate Strawberry Pudding Parfait! It combines velvety chocolate pudding with fresh strawberries to create a dessert that's not only beautiful but incredibly satisfying. I love how the layers come together to create a delightful balance of flavors and textures. This parfait is perfect for impressing guests or treating myself on a quiet evening. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it's become one of my go-to desserts whenever a chocolate craving strikes.

Created by

Emily Carter

Last updated on 2026-01-07T22:13:32.172Z

When I first made this Chocolate Strawberry Pudding Parfait, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. The rich chocolate pudding blends beautifully with the fresh strawberries, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing. I found that using high-quality cocoa powder made a noticeable difference in flavor, elevating the entire dish.

The layering is what makes this dessert truly special. I love to alternate the creamy chocolate with juicy strawberries, letting each bite offer a taste of both. It might seem simple, but how you layer the parfait can impact the presentation and overall experience. Don’t rush it; take your time to build those beautiful layers.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Decadent chocolate flavor complemented by fresh strawberries
Creamy pudding texture that's incredibly satisfying
Visually stunning layers make it perfect for gatherings

      

Mastering the Chocolate Pudding

The key to achieving a rich and velvety chocolate pudding lies in the combination of cocoa powder and cornstarch. The cocoa powder provides the intense chocolate flavor, while cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, ensuring a smooth texture. When whisking the dry ingredients, make sure there are no lumps to avoid a gritty pudding. Once you add the milk, continue whisking consistently over medium heat until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble gently, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

A gentle simmer is crucial; if the heat is too high, the pudding can scorch or lump. If you notice any lumps forming as you whisk, don't hesitate to reduce the heat or even use an immersion blender briefly to bring the mixture back to a silky texture before cooling. Letting the pudding cool slightly before layering it with the strawberries is essential, as warm pudding can cause your whipped cream to melt, resulting in a less appealing texture.

I recommend preparing the pudding ahead of time, giving it a chance to set further in the refrigerator before assembly. This also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of your parfait. By letting it chill for at least an hour, you'll ensure a firmer pudding that holds up wonderfully when layered.

Strawberry Sorting and Slicing

Choosing the right strawberries is paramount for this recipe. Look for strawberries that are bright red, fragrant, and firm to the touch. Avoid any with white tips or signs of mold. The best fruits will enhance the overall flavor of your parfait, providing a fresh contrast to the rich chocolate. Wash them gently under cold water and pat dry. Hull them by removing the green tops and the white core for the best texture in your layers.

When slicing the strawberries, aim for uniform thickness, about 1/4 inch, which will help them sit nicely in the parfait. Thin slices will adhere better to the pudding, allowing for more elegant layering. If your strawberries are particularly large or juicy, consider tossing them in a teaspoon of sugar to draw out their sweetness without overpowering the chocolate. Letting them sit for a few minutes will create a wonderful syrupy layer that seeps into the pudding below.

You can also try using other berries like raspberries or blueberries if strawberries aren't available. Just keep in mind that each berry has a unique flavor profile, so taste as you go and adjust the sugar if necessary. This flexibility makes the parfait adaptable to seasonal fruits.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your parfait:

For the Chocolate Pudding

1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Parfait Assembly

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 cup whipped cream
Chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)

Make sure to have everything prepped before starting the assembly!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Chocolate Strawberry Pudding Parfait:

Make the Chocolate Pudding

In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add milk while stirring. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.

Prepare the Strawberries

While the pudding is cooling, wash and hull the strawberries. Slice them thinly and set aside.

Layer the Parfait

In serving glasses, start with a layer of chocolate pudding, followed by a layer of sliced strawberries, and a dollop of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with whipped cream on top.

Garnish and Serve

Top each parfait with chocolate shavings if desired, and serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Strawberry Pudding Parfait!

Pro Tips

Using cold whipped cream adds an extra layer of texture. If you want to make this dessert in advance, you can prepare the pudding and strawberries ahead of time, but layer them just before serving for the best texture.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

The Chocolate Strawberry Pudding Parfait is versatile, so feel free to switch up the layers! For a delightful twist, try adding crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits to create an additional crunchy layer between the pudding and whipped cream. This added texture will complement the creaminess of the pudding and the freshness of the strawberries, making each bite exciting. You can even incorporate a layer of chocolate mousse for a richer experience.

If you're looking for a more decadent dessert, drizzle some chocolate sauce between the layers or sprinkle in some mini chocolate chips to enhance the chocolate flavor further. Another idea is to substitute the whipped cream with a light mascarpone or Greek yogurt to add a different richness while keeping it lighter, perfect for those watching their calories.

For a festive touch, consider adding mint leaves as a garnish alongside the chocolate shavings. This will add a pop of color and a fresh note that brightens each layer. Hopefully, these variations inspire you to make this dessert your own!

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're preparing for a gathering, this parfait can be made ahead. You can assemble the pudding and strawberries the night before. Just layer the parfaits up to the whipped cream stage, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This will keep the freshness intact and make for an impressive and hassle-free dessert ready to serve when your guests arrive.

When stored in the fridge, the parfait will stay good for up to two days, but be mindful that the strawberries may become softer over time. If you're planning to store them longer, consider adding the strawberries just before serving to keep their firm texture intact. Similarly, avoid adding any toppings like chocolate shavings until you're ready to serve to prevent them from becoming soggy.

For longer storage, you could also freeze the chocolate pudding in an airtight container. When you're ready to serve, just thaw in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight, then whip some cream and layer with fresh strawberries again for that freshly made experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before adding them to the parfait.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

The parfaits are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just make sure to cover them tightly.

→ Can I replace milk with a non-dairy alternative?

Absolutely! Almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can be great substitutes for regular milk in this recipe.

→ Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Replace the milk with a non-dairy alternative, use a plant-based whipped cream, and substitute the sugar with a vegan-friendly sweetener.