Description
Strawberry Eclair Cake is a no-bake, layered dessert featuring creamy vanilla pudding, fresh strawberries, and graham crackers topped with a sweet strawberry glaze. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you want a light, fruity treat without heating up the kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding Mixture
- 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
Layers
- 1 (14.4 oz) box graham crackers
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
Topping
- 1 cup strawberry frosting or glaze (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare the pudding mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until smooth and creamy, creating a light and fluffy pudding filling.
- Layer the cake: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange a single layer of graham crackers to cover the bottom evenly. Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the graham crackers. Next, layer half of the sliced fresh strawberries evenly on top of the pudding. Add another layer of graham crackers over the strawberries, then spread the remaining pudding mixture over this layer. Finally, add the remaining strawberries on top to complete the layering.
- Add the strawberry topping: Slightly warm the strawberry frosting or glaze in the microwave for 10–15 seconds until it becomes pourable. Pour it evenly over the top layer of strawberries and use a spatula to spread it gently to cover the surface.
- Chill to set: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the layers to set properly and the graham crackers to soften, resulting in a cake-like texture. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- You can substitute the strawberry frosting with a homemade glaze made from pureed strawberries and powdered sugar for a fresher taste.
- For a lighter version, consider using sugar-free pudding mix and fat-free or reduced-fat whipped topping.
- Make sure to slice the strawberries evenly for uniform layering and better presentation.
- This dessert is best served cold, so keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
