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Easy Strawberry Rhubarb Pudding Dessert

Easy strawberry rhubarb pudding dessert with a graham crust, creamy instant vanilla pudding, and a thick fruit topping. Layered in a 9x13-inch pan and chilled until sliceable, it’s an easy recipe for potlucks.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Chilling 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 340

Ingredients
  

For crust
  • 2 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.5 cup butter melted
  • 0.25 cup sugar
For pudding layer
  • 2 can (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding
  • 3 cup milk cold
For fruit topping
  • 3 cup rhubarb fresh, diced
  • 2 cup strawberries fresh, sliced
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 0.25 cup water
  • 1 whipped cream for serving

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan
  • 1 Dutch oven

Method
 

Make and bake the graham crust
  1. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until evenly combined, then press firmly into a 9x13-inch pan to form an even layer. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, then cool completely.
Add the vanilla pudding layer
  1. Prepare instant vanilla pudding according to the package directions using cold milk, then spread it over the cooled crust in an even layer. Let the pudding layer set briefly while you make the fruit topping.
Cook the strawberry rhubarb topping
  1. In a Dutch oven, combine diced rhubarb, sliced strawberries, and sugar, then simmer until the fruit is tender. Stir in cornstarch mixed with water, and cook until the mixture turns thick and glossy, about 2–4 minutes.
  2. Cool the fruit mixture completely at room temperature or until no longer warm, then spread it over the pudding layer in an even coat.
Chill and serve
  1. Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours to firm up the layers. Serve chilled with whipped cream on top.

Notes

Pro tip: press the crust firmly and let it cool fully so the pudding layer doesn’t loosen the base. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; freeze is not recommended due to the pudding and fruit texture. For a lighter option, use reduced-fat milk and a reduced-sugar instant pudding mix if available.