Strawberry Eclair Cake Recipe

Easy Strawberry Eclair Cake Recipe: A Dreamy Sweet Treat

Cool summer days call for a dessert that whispers sweet comfort, and this strawberry eclair cake blends creamy textures with vibrant berry magic.

Layers of delicate pastry and luscious strawberry cream create a dreamy treat that melts in your mouth.

Light, airy, and spectacularly simple, this dessert requires no baking skills beyond basic mixing.

Each spoonful promises a burst of strawberry goodness that dances across your palate.

The recipe transforms humble ingredients into an elegant dessert that looks like it came from a professional bakery.

Rich custard and fresh strawberries intertwine in a symphony of flavors that will delight everyone at the table.

Prepare to fall in love with this effortless yet impressive strawberry eclair cake that’s sure to become your new favorite summer dessert.

Strawberry Eclair Cake That Impresses

  • Burst with Tropical Flavor: Create a zesty, exciting snack that transports your taste buds to a beachy paradise with the tangy coconut lime dip and spicy Tajin seasoning.
  • Quick and Simple Preparation: Slice watermelon, mix dip ingredients, and sprinkle seasoning for a no-fuss treat that comes together in minutes without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Party Snack: Perfect for summer gatherings, poolside hangouts, and casual get-togethers where guests will love the playful twist on traditional fruit servings and dippable format.
  • Healthy Indulgence: Offers a nutritious alternative to deep-fried snacks, packed with hydrating watermelon and protein-rich coconut yogurt, making it a guilt-free pleasure for health-conscious munchers.

Ingredients For Strawberry Eclair Cake

Base Ingredients:
  • Graham Crackers: The foundational layer that provides structure and a sweet, crunchy texture to the dessert.
  • Strawberry Frosting: A sweet, fruity topping that adds vibrant color and extra strawberry flavor.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cheesecake-Flavored Pudding Mix: Creates a creamy, rich base with a tangy cheesecake-like taste.
  • Milk: Helps activate and thicken the pudding mix.
  • Whipped Topping: Adds lightness and creates a smooth, creamy texture to the pudding mixture.
Fruit Ingredients:
  • Fresh Strawberries: Provides natural sweetness, fresh flavor, and adds beautiful color between layers.

Baking Strawberry Eclair Cake Perfectly

Step 1: Create Creamy Pudding Base

Grab a big mixing bowl and whisk together cheesecake pudding mix and milk until the mixture becomes thick and smooth. Let the pudding sit momentarily while preparing other ingredients.

  • Cheesecake pudding mix
  • Milk

Step 2: Blend Whipped Goodness

Gently fold thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture until completely combined and silky.

  • Whipped topping

Step 3: Build First Cracker Foundation

Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with graham crackers, covering the entire surface completely.

Step 4: Spread Initial Pudding Layer

Distribute half of the pudding mixture evenly across the graham cracker base. Carefully arrange sliced strawberries over the pudding.

  • Pudding mixture
  • Fresh strawberries

Step 5: Create Second Cracker Level

Add another layer of graham crackers on top of the strawberries.

Step 6: Add Final Pudding Topping

Spread remaining pudding mixture over the second graham cracker layer.

Top with another layer of sliced strawberries.

Step 7: Complete Cracker Coverage

Place the final layer of graham crackers on top.

Step 8: Transform Frosting

Microwave strawberry frosting for 10-15 seconds until pourable, ensuring metal seal is removed first.

Step 9: Drizzle Frosting Finale

Pour warm frosting over the top layer, spreading evenly across the surface.

Step 10: Chill and Set

Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to blend and crackers to soften.

Step 11: Slice and Serve

Cut into 12 equal portions. Optional: Garnish with fresh strawberry slices before serving.

Tips For Strawberry Eclair Cake

  • Let the cake chill for at least 4 hours to ensure graham crackers become deliciously soft and cake-like.
  • Cut strawberries thinly and evenly to create uniform layers and prevent soggy spots in the dessert.
  • Microwave strawberry frosting briefly to create a pourable consistency that spreads easily across the top layer.
  • Swap cheesecake pudding for vanilla or swap strawberries with other seasonal fruits like raspberries or peaches for variety.
  • Prepare the eclair cake a day in advance to enhance flavor melding and simplify party preparation.

Flavor Twists For Strawberry Eclair Cake

  • Chocolate Eclair Twist: Replace strawberry frosting with chocolate frosting and add cocoa powder to the pudding mix for a rich chocolate version.
  • Berry Blends Variation: Swap strawberries with mixed berries like raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for a colorful fruity dessert.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers or substitute with almond flour cookies to create a celiac-friendly cake.
  • Low-Sugar Adaptation: Select sugar-free pudding mix, whipped topping, and sugar-free frosting to reduce overall sugar content for diabetic-friendly preparation.

Presentation Ideas For Strawberry Eclair Cake

  • Harmonize Flavor Profiles: Pair the sweet strawberry eclair cake with a crisp, light prosecco that complements the dessert's fruity notes and cuts through its creamy richness.
  • Create Contrast: Serve alongside a cold brew coffee or espresso, which provides a bold, slightly bitter counterpoint to the cake's sugary sweetness.
  • Balance Texture and Taste: Accompany the dessert with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, enhancing the creamy pudding layers and adding a cool, smooth element to each bite.
  • Elevate Fruit Essence: Offer a chilled strawberry mint mocktail that mirrors the cake's fresh strawberry flavor and provides a refreshing, palate-cleansing companion.

Storing Strawberry Eclair Cake Correctly

  • Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
  • Wrap individual slices or whole cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Store in freezer for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Best enjoyed cold directly from refrigerator. Avoid microwave as it might make graham crackers soggy. Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
  • When removing from refrigerator, garnish with fresh strawberry slices to restore visual appeal and add a burst of freshness to chilled dessert.

FAQs

  • Is this dessert difficult to make?

No, it’s super easy! You only need a few simple ingredients and basic mixing skills. No baking is required, making it perfect for beginners or those who want a quick dessert.

  • Can I use different pudding flavors?

Absolutely! While cheesecake flavor works great, you can experiment with vanilla or white chocolate pudding mix for a different taste profile.

  • How long will this cake stay fresh?

The strawberry eclair cake typically stays delicious for 3-4 days when stored covered in the refrigerator. Just make sure to keep it chilled to maintain its texture and flavor.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Strawberry Eclair Cake Recipe

Strawberry Eclair Cake Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent layers of strawberry bliss meld perfectly in this no-bake Strawberry Eclair Cake, blending creamy textures with sweet fruity notes. Cool summer desserts find their champion in this simple yet elegant treat that promises delightful moments of pure culinary pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (3 cups) fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced
  • 14.4 oz graham crackers
  • 16 oz store-bought strawberry frosting (Pillsbury recommended)

Dairy and Creamy Components:

  • 3.4 oz cheesecake-flavored instant pudding mix (Jello brand preferred)
  • 1.5 cups whole milk
  • 8 oz whipped topping, thawed

Instructions

  1. Craft a luxurious pudding base by whisking cheesecake-flavored pudding mix with milk until smooth and thickened within 2 minutes.
  2. Incorporate thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture, blending gently until uniform and creamy.
  3. Arrange a foundational layer of graham crackers across the entire bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  4. Distribute half of the pudding mixture evenly over the graham cracker base, creating a rich, even coating.
  5. Artfully scatter fresh strawberry slices across the pudding layer, ensuring consistent coverage.
  6. Create a second graham cracker layer atop the strawberries, maintaining full surface coverage.
  7. Spread the remaining pudding mixture uniformly over the new graham cracker layer.
  8. Embellish with another decorative layer of sliced strawberries, dispersing them evenly.
  9. Crown the dessert with a final graham cracker layer.
  10. Warm the strawberry frosting in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, removing the metal seal beforehand to ensure pourable consistency.
  11. Drizzle and spread the heated frosting across the top layer, ensuring complete and smooth coverage.
  12. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing flavors to meld and graham crackers to soften.
  13. When ready to serve, slice into 12 equal portions and optionally garnish with additional fresh strawberries for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

  • Prevent Soggy Texture by using slightly stale graham crackers, which absorb the pudding mixture more effectively without becoming overly mushy.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth by selecting ripe, in-season strawberries that provide natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dessert.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative can be achieved by substituting instant pudding mix with coconut milk-based pudding and using non-dairy whipped topping.
  • Reduce Sugar Content by choosing sugar-free pudding mix and low-sugar frosting for a lighter version of this decadent dessert.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Chilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 260 kcal
  • Sugar: 23 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star