the Best no bake dessert!

the Best no bake dessert! is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Kristin's Friends Cooking on YouTube.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 35 min

Cost: $17.36 total, $2.17 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups Whole Milk (full‑fat or 2%)
  • 1 box Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix (standard 3.4 oz vanilla flavor)
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt (vanilla flavored, full‑fat preferred)
  • 1 cake (approx 1 lb) Frozen Pound Cake (store‑bought frozen pound cake, thawed slightly for cutting)
  • 1 can (21 oz) Strawberry Pie Filling (canned strawberry pie filling)
  • 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip (whipped topping, keep refrigerated)
  • 1 cup Fresh Strawberries (sliced)
  • 0.5 cup Fresh Blueberries (whole)

Instructions

  1. Cube the Pound Cake

    Place the frozen pound cake on a cutting board and cut it into bite‑size cubes (about 1‑inch pieces).

    Time: PT5M

  2. Arrange Cake Cubes

    Transfer the cake cubes to a 9×13 glass baking dish and spread them in an even layer.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Make Pudding Base

    In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1½ cups whole milk and the vanilla instant pudding mix until smooth and thick.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Add Greek Yogurt

    Stir in 1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt until the mixture is fully incorporated and creamy.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Pour Over Cake

    Evenly pour the pudding‑yogurt mixture over the cake cubes, spreading with a spatula to cover all pieces.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Add Strawberry Filling

    Spoon the entire can of strawberry pie filling over the top, allowing it to spread naturally or gently spreading with a spatula.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Spread Cool Whip

    Spread a generous layer of Cool Whip over the strawberry layer, creating a thick, even topping.

    Time: PT3M

  8. Add Fresh Fruit Garnish

    Arrange sliced fresh strawberries and fresh blueberries decoratively on top of the Cool Whip.

    Time: PT3M

  9. Chill

    Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
5g
Carbohydrates
35g
Fat
10g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Eggs

Last updated: April 2, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

the Best no bake dessert!

Recipe by Kristin's Friends Cooking

A light, refreshing no‑bake summer dessert made with frozen pound cake, vanilla pudding, Greek yogurt, strawberry pie filling, Cool Whip and fresh berries. Easy to assemble and perfect for holidays or casual gatherings.

EasyAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
23m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
33m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$17.36
Total cost
$2.17
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cutting the frozen pound cake into uniform bite‑size cubes
  • Mixing the instant pudding with milk until smooth
  • Incorporating Greek yogurt into the pudding mixture
  • Pouring the pudding‑yogurt mixture evenly over the cake layer
  • Allowing the dessert to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour

Safety Warnings

  • Use a sharp knife carefully when cutting frozen cake.
  • Keep perishable ingredients refrigerated until ready to use.
  • Do not consume if the dessert has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of no‑bake strawberry yogurt pound cake dessert in American cuisine?

A

No‑bake layered desserts became popular in mid‑20th‑century America as convenient, refrigerator‑friendly treats. Combining instant pudding, Cool Whip and pre‑made cake reflects the era’s love for quick, crowd‑pleasing sweets, especially for summer picnics and holiday gatherings.

cultural
Q

What are traditional regional variations of this type of no‑bake cake in the United States?

A

In the South, similar desserts often use angel food cake and peach or blackberry fillings. In the Midwest, a “pudding parfait” may layer vanilla pudding with crushed graham crackers instead of pound cake. The strawberry‑yogurt version is a modern, cross‑regional twist.

cultural
Q

How is this dessert traditionally served during summer holidays in American culture?

A

It is typically served chilled, cut into squares, and presented on a decorative platter. Families often garnish with fresh berries and sometimes a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive, colorful look at barbecues, Fourth of July picnics, or backyard parties.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is this no‑bake strawberry yogurt dessert commonly associated with in the U.S.?

A

It’s a favorite for summer gatherings, Fourth of July celebrations, birthday parties, and pot‑luck desserts because it requires no oven and can be made ahead, making it convenient for busy hosts.

cultural
Q

What makes this no‑bake strawberry yogurt pound cake dessert special or unique in American dessert tradition?

A

The combination of tangy Greek yogurt with sweet instant pudding creates a creamy yet light texture, while the layered fresh and canned strawberries add both visual appeal and a balance of fresh and preserved fruit flavors—a hallmark of modern American comfort desserts.

cultural
Q

How has the use of instant pudding and Cool Whip evolved in American home desserts over time?

A

Instant pudding, introduced in the 1950s, allowed quick thickening without cooking, and Cool Whip, launched in the 1990s, gave a stable, shelf‑stable whipped topping. Together they enabled no‑bake desserts that are fast, stable, and kid‑friendly, a trend that continues today.

cultural
Q

What are common misconceptions about no‑bake desserts like this one?

A

Many think no‑bake desserts are less tasty, but the right balance of dairy, fruit, and texture can be just as satisfying as baked cakes. Another myth is that they don’t need refrigeration; in fact, they must stay chilled to maintain structure and safety.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the no‑bake strawberry yogurt pound cake dessert?

A

Common errors include cutting the cake while it’s still rock‑hard, which creates uneven cubes, and over‑mixing the pudding which can cause a grainy texture. Also, skipping the chilling step results in a soggy top and weak flavor integration.

technical
Q

How do I know when the pudding‑yogurt mixture is properly set before pouring over the cake?

A

The mixture should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and hold a soft peak when lifted. If it’s still runny, let it sit a minute longer while whisking; it will thicken as the instant pudding hydrates.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Kristin's Friends Cooking specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Kristin's Friends Cooking specializes in easy, family‑friendly American comfort food recipes, often focusing on quick, no‑fuss meals and desserts that can be made with pantry staples and minimal equipment.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

No-Bake Chocolate Crunch Layered Dessert
8

No-Bake Chocolate Crunch Layered Dessert

A decadent, multi-layered no-bake chocolate dessert featuring a crunchy biscuit base, honeycomb toffee, chocolate mousse, and a glossy chocolate ganache. This recipe combines classic patisserie techniques with approachable steps for home cooks.

3 hrs 10 minServes 6$10
Western/European
No-Bake Chocolate Crunch Layered Dessert
7

No-Bake Chocolate Crunch Layered Dessert

A decadent, multi-layered no-bake chocolate dessert featuring a crunchy biscuit base, honeycomb toffee, chocolate mousse, and a glossy chocolate ganache. This recipe combines classic patisserie techniques with approachable steps for home cooks.

3 hrs 10 minServes 6$10
Western/European
baker TRIES to recreate the VIRAL fruit dessert at home
60

baker TRIES to recreate the VIRAL fruit dessert at home

A playful, fruit‑shaped dessert inspired by French entrées. Ripe mango puree is turned into a sweet confit core, surrounded by light mango mousse, set on buttery shortbread biscuits, and finished with a thin, crunchy white‑chocolate shell. The result is a bite‑size mango cake with a satisfying crack and fresh fruit flavor.

12 hrs 18 minServes 5$48
French
Lotus Biscoff Dessert Cups in 5 minutes! 3 Ingredient NO BAKE Dessert. Easy and Yummy!
4

Lotus Biscoff Dessert Cups in 5 minutes! 3 Ingredient NO BAKE Dessert. Easy and Yummy!

A quick and elegant no‑bake dessert featuring crunchy Lotus Biscoff biscuit crumbs, fluffy whipped cream, and a silky layer of melted Biscoff spread. Perfect for serving in individual cups for a party or a sweet treat any time of day.

1 hrServes 4$9
International
Dessert for breakfast? Enter our Almond Croissant Baked Oats 🥐
33

Dessert for breakfast? Enter our Almond Croissant Baked Oats 🥐

A wholesome, plant‑based breakfast that tastes like dessert. Baked oats are combined with cooked quinoa, almond flour, almond milk and a hint of maple syrup, then topped with toasted almond flakes and a light dusting of icing sugar for caramelisation.

50 minServes 4$5
Irish
Stop Eating Boring Breakfast! 2 Healthy Baked Oatmeal Recipes That Are Better Than Dessert
23

Stop Eating Boring Breakfast! 2 Healthy Baked Oatmeal Recipes That Are Better Than Dessert

A warm, spiced, plant‑based baked oatmeal that tastes like carrot cake. Made with rolled oats, shredded carrots and apple, pecans, and a maple‑sweetened flax‑egg binder, it’s high in protein, free of refined sugar, and perfect for a hearty breakfast or snack.

1 hr 28 minServes 6$17
American
Lotus Biscoff Dessert Cups - NO BAKE Dessert. Very Easy and Yummy!
7

Lotus Biscoff Dessert Cups - NO BAKE Dessert. Very Easy and Yummy!

A quick, no‑bake layered dessert featuring crushed Lotus Biscoff biscuits, creamy vanilla custard, and fluffy whipped cream. Perfect for a sweet treat that anyone can make in under an hour.

55 minServes 4$6
Belgian
5 Lazy Desserts for When You're Too Tired to Bake
3

5 Lazy Desserts for When You're Too Tired to Bake

A lazy, no‑bake dessert that mimics a chocolate éclair in layers of graham crackers, creamy vanilla pudding, and a silky chocolate ganache. Perfect for potlucks, it can be made the day before and served chilled.

35 minServes 12$12
American