Strawberry Eclair Cake

There’s a special kind of magic in my Strawberry Eclair Cake, a no-bake dessert that vanishes faster than you can say “sweet tooth.” Perfect for potlucks, baby showers, or those urgent dessert cravings, it layers crunchy graham crackers, creamy cheesecake pudding, juicy strawberries, and a luscious strawberry frosting that keeps everyone coming back for more.

I whipped this up on a whim for my sister’s backyard barbecue, using pantry staples and zero oven time, and it was an instant hit. What makes it shine is the way the graham crackers soften overnight, turning into cake-like layers soaking up all that fruity, creamy goodness. Easy enough to make with one hand while wrangling kids, yet fancy enough to impress every guest, this Strawberry Eclair Cake will quickly become your go-to for any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Eclair Cake

Let me count the ways this dessert will become your new best friend:

• No oven required! On hot summer days when baking sounds like torture, this Strawberry Eclair Cake comes together in minutes without turning your kitchen into a sauna.
• Crowd-pleasing magic. The combo of creamy cheesecake pudding and fresh strawberries makes people go wild – I’ve seen grown adults lick their plates clean at potlucks!
• Perfect make-ahead dessert. It actually gets better as it chills, so you can prep it the night before and grab it whenever you need something impressive.
• That addictive texture. The graham crackers soften just enough to mimic real eclair pastry – but without any fussy baking skills needed.

Seriously, this Strawberry Eclair Cake checks all the boxes, easy, delicious, and always a hit!

Ingredients for Strawberry Eclair Cake

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dreamy dessert:

• 1 (3.4 oz) box cheesecake-flavored instant pudding mix – I use Jello brand, but any brand works
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk – The fat content helps the pudding set up nice and thick
• 8 oz thawed whipped topping – Let it sit in the fridge overnight so it’s perfectly thawed
• 1 (14.4 oz) box graham crackers – You’ll need about 24 whole crackers
• 1 lb fresh strawberries – Washed, hulled, and sliced (about 3 cups)
• 1 (16 oz) container store-bought strawberry frosting – Pillsbury works great, but any brand is fine

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Don’t stress if you don’t have exactly what’s listed! Here are some easy swaps:

• No cheesecake pudding? Vanilla works almost as well – just add 1/2 tsp extra vanilla extract
• Fresh strawberries frozen? Thaw and drain them well before using
• Want to go homemade? You can make your own whipped topping with heavy cream and powdered sugar
• Not a fan of store-bought frosting? Try mixing 1 cup powdered sugar with 4 oz softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup strawberry jam
• For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and sugar-free pudding mix – it still tastes amazing!

How to Make Strawberry Eclair Cake

Okay, let’s get to the fun part – assembling this beauty! Don’t let the layers intimidate you – it’s just like building a delicious sandwich. Here’s exactly how I make my Strawberry Eclair Cake every time:

Prepare the Pudding Mixture

• Grab your biggest mixing bowl and whisk together the cheesecake pudding mix and milk for a full 2 minutes.
• You want it nice and thick, no runny pudding allowed! Then gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until it’s completely combined.
• Pro tip: Use a rubber spatula and fold slowly to keep it fluffy.

Layer the Dessert

• In your 9×13-inch baking dish (I use glass so you can see the pretty layers), arrange a single layer of graham crackers to cover the bottom completely.
• Break some crackers if needed to fill gaps.
• Now spread half of that dreamy pudding mixture evenly over the crackers, I like using an offset spatula for this.
• Next comes the strawberries! Scatter about 1 1/2 cups sliced berries evenly over the pudding.
• Repeat with another layer of graham crackers, the remaining pudding mixture, and another layer of strawberries.
• Finish with one last layer of graham crackers on top.

Add the Strawberry Frosting

• Here’s the magic touch! Remove the metal seal from your frosting container and microwave it for just 10-15 seconds, you want it pourable but not hot.
• Pour it over the top graham cracker layer and spread it evenly with a spatula.
• Watch how it seeps into all those little cracks, that’s what makes every bite perfect!

Chill and Serve

• Cover your masterpiece with plastic wrap (press it right onto the frosting to prevent a skin from forming) and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better.
• When you’re ready to serve, use a sharp knife to cut into 12 squares.
• I like garnishing with extra fresh strawberries for that wow factor.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Eclair Cake

After making this dozens of times, here are my can’t-live-without tips:

• Measure your dish first! Some 9×13 pans are slightly different sizes. If yours runs small, you might need to trim graham crackers to fit perfectly.
• Spread layers evenly – take your time smoothing each pudding layer so every bite has the perfect cream-to-cracker ratio.
• Chill overnight if possible – those graham crackers soften into something magical with extra time.
• Slice with a hot knife – run your knife under hot water and wipe dry between cuts for clean slices.

Serving and Storing Strawberry Eclair Cake

Here’s how to show off your gorgeous Strawberry Eclair Cake like a pro!

• When it’s time to serve, I love using a sharp knife dipped in hot water; it glides right through those layers without making a mess.
• Cut into 12 perfect squares (or go bigger if you’re feeling generous) and plate them with a few extra strawberry slices on top.
• A dusting of powdered sugar looks pretty too!
• For storage, just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the fridge.
• It stays fresh for up to 3 days, if it lasts that long! The flavors actually get better the next day as everything melds together.
• Just be warned, you might catch family members sneaking spoonfuls straight from the pan when they think you’re not looking.
• Not that I’d ever do that… maybe.

Nutritional Information for Strawberry Eclair Cake

Just so you know, these numbers are estimates; your exact counts might vary depending on brands and how generous you are with the strawberries! A typical slice of this Strawberry Eclair Cake has about 350 calories, 25g sugar, 12g fat (6g saturated), and 50g carbs.

Not too bad for a dessert that tastes this decadent, right? The fresh strawberries give you a nice 2g fiber boost too.

Remember, everything in moderation – though good luck stopping at just one piece!

FAQs About Strawberry Eclair Cake

More Refreshing and Easy Strawberry Desserts to Try

If you enjoy the light, creamy delight of Strawberry Eclair Cake, these other fruity and no-bake desserts will be perfect additions to your dessert collection.

• Taste the crunch and creaminess of Strawberry Cheesecake Crumble Cookies for a sweet snack.
• Indulge in the layered richness of Strawberry Tiramisu with its luscious flavors.
• Try the tropical sweetness of Coconut Cream Pie for a creamy treat.
• Bake the Italian-inspired Cannoli Cookies filled with rich flavor and texture.

Give these recipes a try and add more delicious strawberry treats to your baking repertoire!

Why This is the Best Strawberry Eclair Cake Recipe

This Strawberry Eclair Cake stands out because it combines the perfect balance of creamy cheesecake pudding, fresh strawberries, and crunchy graham crackers, all topped with luscious strawberry frosting. The no-bake method means it’s incredibly easy to make, yet the end result feels special enough for any occasion. The graham crackers soften overnight, creating cake-like layers that soak up all that creamy, fruity goodness. It’s fast, fuss-free, and made with affordable ingredients you probably have on hand.

Give this recipe a try and see why it’s become a favorite for potlucks, parties, and quick homemade desserts. I’d love to see your photos and hear how it turns out! Leave a comment and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more delicious recipe inspiration.

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