Strawberry Eclair Cake Recipe

 This recipe provides instructions for making a delightful Strawberry Eclair Cake, a no-bake dessert that captures the essence of classic chocolate eclairs but with a refreshing strawberry twist. This cake features layers of graham crackers, a creamy vanilla (often achieved with cheesecake-flavored instant pudding mix) filling studded with fresh strawberries, and a luscious strawberry-flavored whipped topping. The graham crackers soften as they absorb moisture from the creamy layers, creating a cake-like texture without any baking required. This dessert is easy to assemble, making it perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, or any time you crave a light, sweet, and fruity treat that resembles a giant, deconstructed strawberry eclair. The combination of the crunchy graham cracker base, the smooth and tangy pudding filling, the burst of fresh strawberries, and the light whipped topping creates a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that is both satisfying and refreshing.  

The base of the Strawberry Eclair Cake is typically made of graham crackers. These rectangular crackers are layered at the bottom of a baking dish to form the first “cake” layer. As the dessert sits, the graham crackers absorb moisture from the creamy filling, softening and taking on a texture similar to a traditional cake base.

The creamy filling is often made with instant pudding mix, frequently cheesecake-flavored to provide a slightly tangy and rich base. This pudding is usually mixed with cold milk and sometimes cream cheese or whipped topping to enhance its creaminess and stability. Fresh strawberries are a key component of this layer, adding a burst of sweet and slightly tart flavor, as well as a pleasant texture. The strawberries are typically sliced or diced and folded into the pudding mixture.

The top layer of the Strawberry Eclair Cake is a light and airy whipped topping, often flavored with strawberries. This can be achieved by folding strawberry puree or crushed fresh strawberries into whipped cream or using a store-bought whipped topping that has a strawberry flavor. This layer provides a smooth and sweet finish to the cake and complements the creamy filling and fresh strawberries below.

The assembly of the cake involves layering these components in a baking dish. A layer of graham crackers is placed at the bottom, followed by a layer of the creamy strawberry-studded pudding mixture, and finally topped with the strawberry whipped topping. Multiple layers can be created for a taller and more impressive dessert.  

The cake requires chilling in the refrigerator for several hours, ideally overnight, to allow the graham crackers to soften completely and the flavors to meld together. Before serving, the cake can be garnished with additional fresh strawberries, a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, or a drizzle of strawberry sauce for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.  

Strawberry Eclair Cake offers a delightful twist on a classic dessert, providing a no-bake alternative that is both easy to make and incredibly delicious. The combination of the creamy, strawberry-infused filling, the softened graham cracker layers, and the light whipped topping creates a refreshing and satisfying treat that is perfect for any occasion. The image shows a rectangular glass baking dish containing a layered dessert. The bottom layer appears to be graham crackers, followed by a creamy white layer with visible slices of red strawberries, and topped with a light pink, swirled whipped topping. A slice has been removed, revealing the layers. Fresh strawberries and a striped kitchen towel are visible next to the dish.  

The texture of Strawberry Eclair Cake is a delightful combination of soft, cake-like graham cracker layers, a smooth and creamy pudding filling with juicy pieces of fresh strawberries, and a light and airy whipped topping.

The flavor profile is sweet and creamy with a prominent strawberry taste from the fresh fruit and the flavored whipped topping. The cheesecake-flavored pudding adds a subtle tanginess that complements the sweetness, while the graham crackers provide a mild, buttery base.

Strawberry Eclair Cake is a no-bake dessert featuring layers of graham crackers, a creamy filling with fresh strawberries (often made with cheesecake-flavored instant pudding), and a strawberry-flavored whipped topping, chilled until the graham crackers soften and the flavors meld.  

The preparation involves layering graham crackers, a mixture of instant pudding, milk, and fresh strawberries, and a strawberry whipped topping in a dish, then chilling until set.  

Ingredients:

• 14.4 ounces graham crackers (approximately 1 package and a few extra)  
• 3.4 ounces cheesecake flavored instant pudding mix (or vanilla flavored)  
• 3 cups cold milk
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (if using vanilla pudding mix)
• 1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced
• 16 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed (or homemade whipped cream)
• 1/2 cup strawberry puree (from about 1 cup fresh strawberries, blended and strained)
• Optional garnish: extra fresh strawberries, graham cracker crumbs, strawberry sauce

Equipment:

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Blender or food processor (for strawberry puree, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Layers: Line the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish with a single layer of graham crackers. You may need to break some of the crackers to fit snugly in the dish.
2. Make the Pudding Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until the pudding starts to thicken.
3. Add Cream Cheese (Optional): If using cream cheese, beat the softened cream cheese in a separate bowl until smooth. Gradually add the thickened pudding to the cream cheese and mix until well combined and creamy.
4. Add Vanilla (if using vanilla pudding): If you are using vanilla flavored instant pudding mix, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the pudding mixture.
5. Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold in the sliced fresh strawberries into the pudding mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
6. Spread Filling over Graham Crackers: Spread the strawberry pudding mixture evenly over the layer of graham crackers in the baking dish.
7. Prepare Strawberry Whipped Topping: In another mixing bowl, gently fold the thawed whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream) with the strawberry puree until well combined and a light pink color is achieved.
8. Spread Whipped Topping: Spread the strawberry whipped topping evenly over the strawberry pudding layer in the baking dish.
9. Add Second Graham Cracker Layer: Arrange another layer of graham crackers over the whipped topping. Again, break them as needed to cover the surface.
10. Add Remaining Pudding and Strawberries: If you have any remaining strawberry pudding mixture, spread it over the second layer of graham crackers. Arrange any remaining sliced strawberries on top of the pudding.
11. Top with Remaining Whipped Topping: Spread the remaining strawberry whipped topping evenly over the top layer.
12. Chill the Cake: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the Strawberry Eclair Cake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the graham crackers to soften and the flavors to meld together.
13. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, you can garnish the cake with extra fresh strawberries, a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs, or a drizzle of strawberry sauce, if desired. Slice and serve chilled.

Tips and Variations:

• Pudding Flavor: While cheesecake flavor complements the strawberries nicely, you can also use vanilla, white chocolate, or even strawberry flavored instant pudding mix.
• Whipped Cream: For a homemade whipped topping, whip 2 cups of heavy cream with ¼ cup powdered sugar and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Then fold in the strawberry puree.
• Strawberry Sauce: You can make a simple strawberry sauce by simmering chopped strawberries with a little sugar and lemon juice until thickened. Cool before drizzling over the cake.
• Other Fruits: Feel free to experiment with other fruits like sliced bananas, blueberries, or raspberries in place of or in addition to the strawberries. Adjust the flavor of the whipped topping accordingly.
• Chocolate Version: For a more traditional eclair flavor, use vanilla pudding and top with a chocolate ganache instead of strawberry whipped topping.
• Individual Servings: This recipe can also be assembled in individual serving dishes or small glasses for a more elegant presentation.
• Layer Variations: You can create more layers of graham crackers, pudding, and whipped topping depending on the depth of your dish and your preference.

Enjoy this easy and refreshing Strawberry Eclair Cake! It’s a perfect no-bake treat for any occasion.