Dreamy Strawberry Eclair Cake Recipe

Heavenly Cloud-Like Strawberry Eclair Cake Recipe

Sweet summer memories dance on the palate with this luscious strawberry eclair cake that brings creamy elegance to classic desserts.

Layers of soft pastry and rich strawberry cream promise pure indulgence with every delectable bite.

The delightful fusion of light choux pastry and silky strawberry filling creates a dessert that whispers sophistication.

Delicate textures meld seamlessly, offering a symphony of flavors that captivate dessert enthusiasts.

Each slice reveals a perfect balance of sweetness and lightness, making this cake an irresistible centerpiece for any gathering.

Prepare to savor a dessert that transforms an ordinary moment into a celebration of culinary artistry.

Your taste buds will thank you for this extraordinary strawberry sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 190 kcal

Servings: 13

Strawberry Eclair Cake – What You’ll Need

For Base Layer:
  • Graham Crackers: Provides a crisp foundation that softens into a tender cake-like texture, perfect for absorbing creamy fillings and adding structure to the dessert.
For Creamy Filling:
  • Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Delivers a smooth, rich base with quick preparation and guaranteed silky consistency.
  • Cold Milk: Activates pudding mix and creates a luscious, velvety filling with perfect blending.
  • Whipped Topping: Adds lightness, creates airy texture, and enhances overall creaminess of the dessert.
For Fruity Elements:
  • Fresh Strawberries: Brings vibrant color, natural sweetness, and juicy freshness to complement the creamy layers.
  • Strawberry Jam: Offers concentrated berry flavor, adds glossy finish, and provides an optional elegant drizzle.

Tools That Help Layer Strawberry Eclair Cake Smoothly

  • Large bowl: Essential for mixing pudding and whipped topping.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending pudding mix and milk smoothly.
  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal for layering graham crackers and filling.
  • Knife: Needed for slicing strawberries and cutting the finished dessert.
  • Spatula: Great for spreading pudding mixture evenly and folding ingredients.
  • Measuring cups: Helpful for accurate milk and pudding mix measurements.

How to Assemble This No-Bake Strawberry Dessert

  • Create Creamy Pudding Mixture

Whip pudding mix with cold milk until it transforms into a luscious, thick blend. Gently fold in whipped topping, creating a silky-smooth consistency that’ll make your taste buds dance.

  • Build Delectable Layers

Grab a baking dish and start your dessert masterpiece. Lay down a foundation of graham crackers, spreading half the pudding mixture like a velvety blanket. Scatter fresh strawberry slices across the surface for bursts of fruity flavor.

  • Continue Layering Magic

Add another graham cracker layer, then pour remaining pudding mixture. Sprinkle more strawberry slices to intensify the fruity goodness. Cap off your creation with a final graham cracker layer.

  • Add Stunning Finishing Touches

Drizzle warmed strawberry jam over the top or crown with extra whipped cream and fresh berries. This step elevates your dessert from delicious to absolutely irresistible.

  • Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, allowing the layers to meld and graham crackers to soften into a dreamy, cake-like texture. When ready, slice and serve this cool, creamy sensation that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tweak the Topping or Filling for Extra Flavor

  • Ensure graham crackers are fully covered by pudding mixture to guarantee a soft, cake-like consistency when chilled.
  • Prepare the cake a day in advance for deeper flavor absorption and easier serving at gatherings or parties.
  • Swap traditional graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers or almond flour-based cookies for celiac-friendly dessert.
  • Enhance pudding mixture by adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for extra depth and complexity.
  • Use sugar-free pudding mix and reduced-fat whipped topping to create a lighter, more diet-friendly version of this delightful dessert.

Serve Strawberry Eclair Cake Chilled for Best Taste

  • Sweet Summer Picnic Companion: Bring this chilled dessert to outdoor gatherings, packed in a cooler for a refreshing treat that beats the heat.
  • Berry Breakfast Twist: Serve small portions alongside morning coffee or brunch as a delightful sweet start to the day, garnished with extra fresh strawberries.
  • Elegant Dessert Plating: Create individual servings in clear glass cups, showcasing beautiful strawberry layers and topping with a mint leaf for a restaurant-style presentation.
  • Kid-Friendly Dessert Station: Let children help assemble layers or drizzle jam, making it a fun family cooking activity that encourages creativity in the kitchen.

Keep This Cake Fresh in the Fridge Without Sogging

  • Keep the cake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors. Best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.
  • Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cake remains delicious for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Assemble the cake a day before your event for deeper flavor fusion. The graham crackers will beautifully absorb the pudding and strawberry moisture, creating a softer, more cake-like consistency.
  • Always keep this dessert chilled below 40°F to maintain food safety and prevent potential bacterial growth. Remove from refrigerator just before serving to maintain its cool, refreshing texture.
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Dreamy Strawberry Eclair Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Sweet strawberry eclair cake brings French bakery magic to home kitchens, blending creamy layers with fresh berry essence. Cool summer desserts never tasted more elegant, inviting you to savor each delightful spoonful of this irresistible treat.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups strawberries, fresh, sliced
  • ½ cup strawberry jam or preserves (optional)
  • 1 box (3.4 oz / 96 g) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) cold milk
  • 1 tub (8 oz / 226 g) whipped topping, thawed
  • 1 box graham crackers
  • Whipped cream for garnish (optional)
  • Extra berries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pudding Preparation: Whisk pudding mix and cold milk vigorously for two minutes until achieving a thick, smooth consistency. Delicately incorporate whipped topping, creating a luxurious, creamy filling with a silky texture.
  2. Layering Technique: Arrange graham crackers as the foundational base in a 9×13-inch dish, ensuring complete bottom coverage. Generously spread half the pudding mixture across the crackers, creating an even layer. Artfully distribute sliced strawberries, providing vibrant color and fresh flavor. Repeat the layering process with another graham cracker sheet, remaining pudding mixture, and additional strawberry slices. Complete the construction with a final graham cracker layer.
  3. Finishing Touches: Gently warm strawberry jam and elegantly drizzle across the top layer. Optional embellishment includes additional whipped topping and fresh strawberry garnish.
  4. Chilling Process: Carefully seal the dish and refrigerate for a minimum of four hours, allowing graham crackers to absorb moisture and transform into a delicate, cake-like consistency. Overnight chilling enhances flavor melding and textural development.
  5. Serving Recommendation: Slice the chilled dessert with precision. Enhance presentation with optional whipped cream or fresh berries for a delightful culinary experience.

Notes

  • Allow graham crackers to absorb moisture gradually by chilling slowly, ensuring a perfect cake-like consistency without becoming overly wet.
  • Choose ripe, firm strawberries without bruises to maintain structural integrity and prevent excess liquid from breaking down the layers.
  • Let the cake rest overnight to allow pudding and strawberries to fully permeate graham crackers, creating a more harmonious and rich taste profile.
  • Substitute instant pudding mix with coconut milk pudding and use dairy-free whipped topping to make the dessert suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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