Creamy Vanilla Pudding Fruit Salad Recipe Easy Fresh Berry Dessert
A refreshing and indulgent fruit salad combining creamy homemade vanilla pudding with fresh berries, perfect for a quick and easy dessert or side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups whole milk (480 ml) or 2% milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 g)
- 3.4 oz (96 g) vanilla pudding mix or homemade pudding powder
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thicker pudding)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 cup fresh blackberries (optional)
- 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
- Optional: handful fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- Optional mix-ins:
- ½ cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Make the Vanilla Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding mix, sugar, and cornstarch (if using). Slowly add the cold milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract. The pudding should be creamy and smooth, thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it feels too thin, let it rest in the fridge for 10 minutes to set up more.
- Prepare the Fruit: While the pudding thickens, wash all the fresh berries and grapes thoroughly. Hull and quarter the strawberries, halve the grapes, and gently pat the raspberries and blackberries dry with paper towels to avoid extra moisture in the salad.
- Combine Fruit and Pudding: In a large mixing bowl, carefully fold the fruit into the vanilla pudding. Use a gentle folding motion to keep berries intact and avoid crushing. If adding nuts or coconut, gently fold them in now.
- Chill and Serve: Transfer the fruit salad to a serving bowl or individual cups. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors marry and the pudding firm up a bit.
Notes
Use whole milk for best creaminess but 2% milk works fine. For thicker pudding, add cornstarch. Be gentle when folding fruit to avoid crushing berries. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and vegan pudding mix. Nuts and shredded coconut add extra texture if desired. Serve chilled and consume within 2 days for best freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 4
- Saturated Fat: 2.5
- Carbohydrates: 33
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 4
Keywords: vanilla pudding, fruit salad, fresh berries, easy dessert, creamy pudding, summer dessert, berry salad