Strawberry Éclair Cake

Let me tell you about this Strawberry Éclair Cake—it’s one of those desserts that’s so simple to make, yet so delicious, that it almost feels like magic. Imagine layers of buttery graham crackers, creamy vanilla pudding, and juicy strawberries all coming together in perfect harmony. It’s the kind of dessert that gives you all the comfort of a homemade treat without the fuss. The best part? You don’t have to turn on the oven! Just layer, chill, and you’re good to go.

Whether you’re craving something sweet after dinner, hosting friends, or planning a special occasion, this cake is a total crowd-pleaser. The light, fluffy layers and fresh fruit create a refreshing twist on a classic dessert. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to put together—and how quickly it disappears once it’s on the table. Trust me, this is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Éclair Cake

Alright, friends, let’s talk about this Strawberry Éclair Cake—the dessert that is going to steal the show at your next gathering or cozy evening at home. Imagine layers of creamy goodness, buttery graham crackers, and a burst of sweet, juicy strawberries all coming together in one easy-to-make, no-bake masterpiece. Trust me, this one’s a total game-changer.

You know how some desserts seem too complicated or fancy to even think about making? Well, not this one! It’s got that show-stopping look without any of the hard work, and it’s perfect for when you want to impress your guests—or just indulge yourself in a moment of sweet heaven.

Versatile:

This dessert is so flexible, you can make it for pretty much any occasion. Family dinners? Check. A casual get-together with friends? Absolutely. Or, you know, just because you deserve a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee on a lazy afternoon. It’s got you covered.

Budget-Friendly:

No need for extravagant ingredients or expensive specialty items here. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, meaning you’re only a few steps away from dessert bliss, without having to break the bank.

Quick and Easy:

We all love a good shortcut when it comes to desserts, and this one doesn’t disappoint. There’s no baking involved—just layering, chilling, and enjoying the end result. And with just a few basic ingredients, it’s perfect even if you’re not an experienced baker.

Customizable:

Feel free to play around with the flavors. Prefer raspberries over strawberries? Go for it! You can even add a drizzle of chocolate on top if you’re feeling extra fancy. This recipe is totally adaptable to your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing:

Trust me, everyone will love it. The creamy layers, crunchy graham crackers, and fresh fruit will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s a dessert that never fails to impress, and it’s guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this strawberry delight:

Graham Crackers

These little guys form the base of the cake and give it that signature crunch. They’re the perfect complement to the creamy filling.

Vanilla Pudding Mix

The magic behind that luscious, creamy filling. It gives the cake its smooth texture and a hint of sweetness.

Whipped Topping

The light, fluffy topping that makes everything feel indulgent without being heavy.

Milk

The key to getting that perfect consistency for the pudding filling.

Fresh Strawberries

The star of the show. They add a juicy, tart contrast that cuts through the creaminess and gives this dessert that refreshing fruit burst.

Butter

For richness and flavor in the pudding layer.

Powdered Sugar

To sweeten up the whipped topping and give it a little extra fluff.

Instructions

Here’s how to put it all together:

1. Prepare the Pudding Layer

In a large bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and milk until it thickens up. This should take just a couple of minutes. Stir in the melted butter to add a little richness and set aside.

2. Assemble the Base

Grab a 9×13 baking dish and line the bottom with a layer of graham crackers. You want them to cover the entire surface, so break a few to fit, if needed.

3. Add the Pudding

Spread half of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers, smoothing it out evenly. No need to rush—take your time so every cracker gets covered.

4. Layer on the Strawberries

Top the pudding with a layer of fresh, sliced strawberries. You want them spread out nicely to add a little burst of flavor in every bite.

5. Repeat the Layers

Next, repeat the process: layer more graham crackers, followed by the remaining pudding mixture, and finish with another layer of strawberries on top.

6. Chill and Set

Now comes the hardest part (and it’s not even that hard)—cover the dish and pop it in the fridge for about 4 hours (or overnight, if you’ve got the time). This lets everything set and meld together into the most delightful, creamy layers.

7. Serve and Enjoy

When you’re ready to serve, slice it up and enjoy the sweet, creamy, berry-filled goodness you just created. You’ll feel like a dessert genius!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 315
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 165mg
Total Carbohydrate: 43g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 28g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin D: 4%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 4%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

How to Serve Strawberry Éclair Cake

This cake is perfect as a standalone treat, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are some ideas to serve it alongside:

Fresh Salads

Pair this with a light, fresh salad, like a spinach or mixed greens salad, to balance out the sweetness with some refreshing crunch.

Crispy Pastries

If you want to make things even more indulgent, add a side of buttery croissants or warm, flaky pastries. A little savory, a little sweet—perfect balance!

Whipped Cream or Ice Cream

Feeling extra? Serve it with a dollop of extra whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that next-level dessert experience.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of your Strawberry Éclair Cake:

Prep Ahead

This dessert is the perfect make-ahead treat. Prepare it the day before, so you don’t have to worry about dessert on the day of your gathering. It only gets better as it chills.

Spice It Up

Switch up the berries! You can use blueberries, raspberries, or even blackberries for a different twist on the flavor.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers (if there are any!) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cake stays fresh and delicious, so don’t worry about it going to waste.

Double the Batch

If you’re feeding a crowd, don’t be shy—make a double batch! This cake is loved by everyone, and you’ll be glad to have more to share.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the graham crackers with something else?
A1: Absolutely! If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or even Nilla wafers for a different flavor.

Q2: Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Make it the night before and let it chill in the fridge overnight. It actually tastes even better after it has time to set.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s just as delicious the next day!

Q4: Can I freeze this cake?
A4: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap it tightly before freezing.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this cake?
A5: This cake is best served chilled, but if you want to soften it a bit, just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Of course! Just make sure to use a larger baking dish, and the prep time will be about the same.

Q7: Is this recipe suitable for [specific diet]?
A7: You can make it dairy-free by using plant-based alternatives for the pudding and whipped topping, and gluten-free by swapping the graham crackers for gluten-free ones.

Q8: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A8: It pairs wonderfully with light salads or a fresh fruit platter.

Q9: How can I make this dish healthier?
A9: For a lighter version, use low-fat pudding mix and sugar-free whipped topping. You can also add more fruit for a healthy twist.

Q10: What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A10: A standard 9×13 baking dish works perfectly for this dessert.

Conclusion

There you have it—a no-bake dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious. This Strawberry Éclair Cake is one of those recipes that’ll leave everyone asking for the recipe. Whether it’s a family dinner or a party, this dessert is sure to shine! So go ahead, give it a try—you won’t regret it!

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Strawberry Éclair Cake


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1216 servings 1x

Description

This Strawberry Éclair Cake is a no-bake, easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion! With layers of graham crackers, a creamy vanilla filling, and fresh strawberries, this cake tastes just like a traditional éclair but is so much easier to prepare. It’s a refreshing, creamy, and fruity treat everyone will love!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (14.4 oz) graham crackers
  • 2 packages (3.4 oz each) vanilla instant pudding mix
  • 3 cups cold milk
  • 8 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 lb fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1/2 cup chocolate syrup (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pudding Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the vanilla instant pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until it begins to thicken. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to fully set.
  2. Mix the Cream: Fold the whipped topping, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract into the pudding mixture until smooth and combined.
  3. Layer the Cake: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange a layer of graham crackers at the bottom. Spread half of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers, smoothing it into an even layer. Add another layer of graham crackers, then top with the remaining pudding mixture.
  4. Top with Strawberries: Place a final layer of graham crackers on top, then arrange the sliced fresh strawberries evenly over the top.
  5. Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the layers to set and the graham crackers to soften.
  6. Serve: Just before serving, drizzle with chocolate syrup for a finishing touch.

Notes

  • The graham crackers will soften as the cake chills, creating a cake-like texture.
  • For added flavor, you can sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar on top before serving.
  • You can substitute the strawberries with other fresh fruits like raspberries or blueberries, depending on your preference.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Layering, Chilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 170mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

 

 

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