Dairy-Free Creamy Strawberry Lime Pudding

A refreshing dairy-free pudding that combines sweet strawberries with bright lime zest for a perfect balance of flavors. Made with plant-based milk and natural gelatin, this smooth dessert sets beautifully and offers a light, creamy texture. Perfect for warm weather entertaining or as a healthy dessert option that feels indulgent without dairy or eggs. The fresh lime zest adds aromatic citrus notes that complement the berry sweetness beautifully.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dairy-free milk of choice
- 2 tablespoons dairy-free milk of choice
- 2 teaspoons sustainably-sourced gelatin, certified glyphosate-free
- 1 lime, just the zest
- 8 organic strawberries, large
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, fresh
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 pinches sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon liquid stevia extract, or to taste
Instructions
- 1
Combine dairy-free milk and gelatin in a small bowl, stir until gelatin dissolves
- 2
Heat dairy-free milk and lime zest in a saucepan over medium heat until hot and steaming but not boiling
- 3
Puree strawberries until smooth to make about 1 cup of puree
- 4
Combine strawberry puree, lime juice, vanilla extract, and salt in a medium bowl
- 5
Strain lime zest from hot milk
- 6
Whisk gelatin mixture into hot milk until completely dissolved
- 7
Stir in strawberry mixture until thoroughly combined
- 8
Add stevia gradually, tasting for desired sweetness
- 9
Cover and chill for several hours or overnight until set
- 10
Whisk until smooth before serving
Tips
Use a high-powered blender for the smoothest strawberry puree, though a regular blender or stick blender will work fine
Strain the lime zest thoroughly to prevent any bitter pieces in the final pudding
Add stevia gradually and taste frequently as the sweetness can vary between brands
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered for up to 4 days
Best made 4-24 hours ahead to allow proper setting
Serve chilled, whisked smooth if needed
Common Mistakes
Don't boil the milk to avoid curdling
Strain lime zest completely to avoid bitter pieces
Dissolve gelatin fully to prevent lumps
Substitutions
Vegan Options
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use agar instead of gelatin?
Yes, use 1 teaspoon agar powder instead of 2 teaspoons gelatin. Dissolve in hot milk and follow same process for vegan option.
How long does this pudding keep?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Whisk smooth before serving if it separates slightly.
Can I freeze this pudding?
Freezing isn't recommended as gelatin-based puddings can become grainy and separate when thawed.