If you’re searching for a delightful dessert that feels like a hug in cake form, this Strawberry Eclair Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a luscious, no-bake layered dessert that combines a crisp graham cracker crust with creamy vanilla pudding, fresh strawberry slices, and a rich chocolate drizzle. Every bite brings a perfect balance of textures and flavors — from the buttery crust to the fluffy pudding and juicy strawberries. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a staple at your family gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Eclair Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity and the fresh, classic ingredients that each play their part in turning it into a crowd-pleaser. Nothing fancy or hard to find, just easy-to-get items that create magic once combined.
- Graham cracker crumbs: Provides the crunchy, buttery base that’s both sturdy and flavorful.
- Melted butter: Binds the crust ingredients together and adds richness.
- Sugar: Sweetens the crust just enough to complement the creamy layers.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to fluffy perfection to make the filling light and airy.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Adds classic pudding flavor and helps the filling thicken perfectly.
- Milk: For mixing the pudding, ensuring smooth, creamy texture.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream while keeping it silky smooth.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, comforting note.
- Chocolate chips: Melted into a glossy glaze that crowns the cake with chocolatey goodness.
- Heavy cream (for glaze): Smooths the chocolate and adds shine to the top layer.
- Fresh strawberries: The star fruit that brightens every bite with natural sweetness and vibrant color.
How to Make Strawberry Eclair Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by mixing graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a medium bowl until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan to create the crunchy, buttery foundation of your cake. This crust sets the stage for all the luscious layers to come, giving the dessert its satisfying crisp texture.
Step 2: Whip Up the Filling
In a separate bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth and fluffy. This creamy filling is the heart of the Strawberry Eclair Cake Recipe and gives it that classic eclair-like melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
Step 3: Layer the First Filling and Strawberries
Spoon half of the pudding mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust. Then, layer fresh sliced strawberries on top of this creamy base. The strawberries add a juicy, sweet burst and a gorgeous visual pop, making every slice as beautiful as it is tasty.
Step 4: Add the Second Layer of Filling
Spread the remaining half of the pudding mixture over the strawberries, smoothing it out carefully so the fruit stays in place. This second creamy layer locks in the strawberries and creates the luscious, dreamy texture that sets this cake apart.
Step 5: Make the Chocolate Glaze
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips together with the heavy cream in 30-second increments, stirring between each until smooth. This silky glaze adds a decadent finish that echoes the classic chocolate eclair but with a fresh strawberry twist.
Step 6: Drizzle and Chill
Drizzle the warm chocolate glaze evenly over the top of the cake. Then, cover and refrigerate the Strawberry Eclair Cake Recipe for at least four hours or overnight. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld together and the layers to set perfectly for clean slices and the best texture.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, adorn your cake with extra fresh strawberries. These final touches add freshness and a stunning presentation that invites everyone to dig in with joy.
How to Serve Strawberry Eclair Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberries are a no-brainer to enhance both the flavor and the look of the cake. You might also consider a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few small mint leaves to add a refreshing color contrast and a subtle hint of aroma. These simple garnishes take your presentation from lovely to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even a dollop of freshly whipped cream for those craving an extra indulgent experience. For a lighter touch, a crisp fruit salad or a tart lemon sorbet can cut through the sweetness and bring balance to the dessert course.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Strawberry Eclair Cake Recipe in individual glasses or parfait dishes layered with the same ingredients for a personalized touch. You could also use themed toppers or edible flowers to match holidays or celebrations, making this already delightful cake feel even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Strawberry Eclair Cake Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cover it tightly to protect the texture and prevent the crust from getting soggy. This way, every slice stays fresh and creamy, just like when you first served it.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t ideal because the texture of the fresh strawberries and pudding can change, you can freeze the cake for up to one month if needed. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving, then gently refresh the chocolate glaze if it looks dull.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled no-bake dessert, it’s best enjoyed cold. Avoid reheating, as the cream and fruit layers lose their delicate texture and the graham cracker crust may soften too much. Simply allow it to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this cake?
Fresh strawberries are best because they hold their shape and texture, keeping the cake from becoming watery. However, if you must use frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before layering to avoid excess moisture.
Is this cake gluten-free?
Traditional graham cracker crumbs contain gluten, so this version is not gluten-free. To make it gluten-free, choose gluten-free graham crackers or substitute with crushed gluten-free cookies for the crust.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the heavy cream, milk, and butter with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream, almond milk, and dairy-free margarine, and use a dairy-free pudding mix. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How long does the cake need to chill?
Chilling the cake for at least four hours is important to let the layers set nicely. Overnight refrigeration is even better for the best texture and flavor melding.
Can I make this recipe in a smaller pan?
You can scale the ingredients down for smaller pans, but keep the layering proportions and chilling time similar to maintain the cake’s quality and structure.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Eclair Cake Recipe is one of those rare desserts that feels show-stopping but is actually quite simple to make. Its creamy layers, fresh berries, and chocolate glaze come together in perfect harmony, sure to make anyone smile. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll find it’s a comforting classic that never goes out of style and a beautiful way to celebrate any occasion.
Print
Strawberry Eclair Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Strawberry Eclair Cake is a delightful no-bake layered dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy vanilla pudding whipped with heavy cream, fresh sliced strawberries, and a luscious chocolate glaze. This chilled treat is perfect for gatherings and offers a rich, creamy texture with a refreshing strawberry touch.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
Filling
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh strawberries (for layering and garnish)
Chocolate Glaze
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix well until combined, then firmly press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan to form an even crust layer.
- Make the pudding mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy whipping cream, instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, resembling a creamy filling.
- Layer pudding and strawberries: Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust. Arrange a layer of fresh sliced strawberries over this pudding layer.
- Add remaining pudding: Spread the remaining pudding mixture smoothly over the strawberry layer to cover the berries completely.
- Prepare chocolate glaze: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and heavy cream together in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Top with chocolate and chill: Drizzle the melted chocolate glaze evenly over the top of the cake. Place the cake in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the dessert to set properly.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, garnish the top with additional fresh strawberries for an attractive finish and added freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
- For a quicker set, you can refrigerate the cake overnight.
- To make slicing easier, run a warm knife under hot water and dry it before cutting.
- Chocolate glaze can also be made using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference.
- This dessert can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
