Description
Strawberry Eclair Cake is a no-bake, layered dessert combining creamy cheesecake-flavored pudding, fresh strawberries, graham crackers, and a sweet strawberry frosting topping. This refreshing treat is assembled in layers and chilled for several hours to allow the graham crackers to soften, creating a cake-like texture that’s perfect for warm weather or as a crowd-pleasing party dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding Mixture
- 3.4 ounces cheesecake flavored instant pudding mix
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 8 ounces thawed whipped topping
Layers
- 14.4 ounces graham crackers
- 1 pound fresh strawberries (washed, hulled, and sliced)
Topping
- 16 ounces store-bought strawberry frosting
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cheesecake-flavored instant pudding mix with the whole milk until it thickens, usually within a couple of minutes. Set this mixture aside.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture until well combined and smooth, creating a creamy filling.
- First Graham Cracker Layer: Arrange a single layer of graham crackers evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the base of the cake.
- Add First Pudding Layer: Pour half of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers and spread it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- First Strawberry Layer: Place a layer of sliced fresh strawberries evenly over the pudding layer, enhancing the flavor and texture.
- Second Graham Cracker Layer: Add another layer of graham crackers on top of the strawberries, covering them completely.
- Second Pudding Layer: Pour the remaining pudding mixture over this second graham cracker layer, spreading it evenly.
- Second Strawberry Layer: Add another layer of sliced strawberries over the pudding mixture.
- Final Graham Cracker Layer: Top the strawberries with one more layer of graham crackers to finish the layers.
- Heat the Frosting: Remove any metal seal from the store-bought strawberry frosting can and heat the frosting in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until it becomes pourable.
- Top with Frosting: Pour the warmed strawberry frosting evenly over the top graham cracker layer, spreading to cover the entire surface.
- Chill the Cake: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or heavy-duty aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the graham crackers to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: When ready to serve, use a sharp knife to slice the cake into 12 pieces. Optionally, garnish with extra sliced strawberries on top for presentation.
Notes
- Be sure to fully thaw the whipped topping before folding into the pudding mixture to achieve a smooth cream.
- Use a 9×13-inch dish for proper layering and portioning.
- Chilling the cake overnight enhances flavor melding and ensures the graham crackers soften perfectly.
- For an extra touch, garnish with additional fresh strawberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
- This dessert is best served cold and should be kept refrigerated until serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry Eclair Cake, no-bake dessert, layered pudding cake, summer dessert, graham cracker cake, cheesecake pudding dessert
