Ingredients:

For the Creamy Pudding:

• Strawberries – 250 grams
• Sugar – 80 grams
• Milk – 600 ml
• Cornstarch – 50 grams

For the Strawberry Compote:

• Strawberries – 200 grams
• Sugar – 60 grams
• Butter – 20 grams

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Strawberry Pudding

1. Blend the Strawberries: Start by washing and hulling 250 grams of fresh strawberries. Blend the strawberries until smooth using a blender or food processor. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can blend less or mash them with a fork.
2. Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, pour 600 ml of milk and heat it over medium heat. Do not let it boil; you just want it warm.
3. Mix the Cornstarch and Sugar: In a separate bowl, combine 50 grams of cornstarch with 80 grams of sugar. Gradually whisk in a small amount of the warmed milk to create a smooth slurry. This prevents any lumps from forming when you add the mixture to the milk.
4. Thicken the Pudding: Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the pot with the remaining milk, whisking constantly. Stir in the blended strawberries, and continue cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. Cool the Pudding: Once the pudding has thickened, remove it from the heat and pour it into individual serving dishes or a large bowl. Let it cool slightly before placing it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set and chill.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Compote

1. Cook the Strawberries: While the pudding is chilling, prepare the strawberry compote. Take 200 grams of fresh strawberries, wash and hull them, and chop them into small pieces.
2. Heat the Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries and 60 grams of sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries release their juices and soften. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Butter: Once the strawberries are soft, add 20 grams of butter to the mixture and stir until it melts and fully incorporates. The butter adds richness and a smooth texture to the compote.
4. Simmer the Compote: Let the compote simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly. Remove the compote from the heat and allow it to cool completely.
5. Chill the Compote: Once cooled, place the compote in the refrigerator and chill for about 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop further.

Step 3: Assemble the Dessert

1. Layer the Pudding and Compote: After both the pudding and compote have chilled, take the pudding out of the fridge and give it a quick stir to ensure it’s smooth. Spoon the chilled strawberry compote over the top of the creamy pudding in each serving dish, creating a beautiful layer of fruit on top of the creamy base.
2. Garnish and Serve: For a finishing touch, you can garnish the dessert with fresh strawberry slices, a sprig of mint, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve the dessert immediately or keep it in the fridge until ready to serve.

Cooking Tips:

• Pudding Texture: Make sure to stir the pudding constantly while it’s cooking to prevent lumps from forming. If you notice lumps, you can pass the pudding through a fine-mesh sieve for a smoother texture.
• Strawberry Compote: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the compote based on the ripeness of your strawberries. If they’re very sweet, you may want to reduce the sugar slightly.
• Thickening: The cornstarch is key to thickening the pudding, but if you prefer a firmer texture, you can add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch. Conversely, for a looser pudding, reduce the cornstarch slightly.
• Serving Suggestions: This dessert can be served as is, but it also pairs well with shortbread cookies or biscuit crumbs for added texture. You can layer these in the bottom of the serving dish before adding the pudding for a crunchy contrast.
• Make Ahead: Both the pudding and the compote can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This makes it an ideal dessert for entertaining, as it can be prepared in advance.

Storage:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the pudding and compote chilled to preserve freshness.
• Freezing: The pudding is not recommended for freezing, as the cornstarch can cause the texture to become grainy once thawed. However, the compote can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge before using.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 220-250 kcal
• Protein: 4-6 g
• Fat: 8-10 g
• Carbohydrates: 32-36 g
• Sugar: 25-28 g
• Fiber: 2-3 g
• Calcium: 100-120 mg

This dessert is relatively light, with fresh strawberries providing a source of vitamin C and fiber, while the milk adds calcium and protein. The cornstarch and sugar provide most of the carbohydrates, making it a balanced yet indulgent treat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, you can use frozen strawberries for both the pudding and compote. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before using them to prevent the dessert from becoming too watery.

2. Can I make this dessert dairy-free? Absolutely! You can substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk. Use a dairy-free butter alternative for the compote as well.

3. What if my pudding doesn’t thicken? If your pudding doesn’t thicken as expected, it may be due to not cooking it long enough or the cornstarch not being fully incorporated. Simply return the pudding to the heat and stir for a few more minutes until it thickens.

4. Can I add other flavors to the pudding? Yes, you can add a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to the pudding for extra flavor. Lemon zest also works well if you want to enhance the citrus note in the dessert.

5. Can I serve the compote warm instead of chilled? Yes, you can serve the strawberry compote warm if you prefer a contrast between the cold pudding and warm compote. Just be sure to allow it to cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the pudding.

Conclusion:

This Creamy Strawberry Dessert with Strawberry Compote is the perfect combination of rich, velvety pudding and fresh, fruity compote, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing. The silky texture of the pudding pairs beautifully with the slight tartness of the strawberries, while the hint of butter in the compote adds depth to the flavors. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, this dessert is ideal for those looking for a fuss-free yet impressive treat. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying it as a family dessert, its balance of sweetness and creaminess is sure to please everyone. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be adapted with different fruits or flavorings, making it a recipe you’ll want to return to time and again!