Strawberry Eclair Cake

Table of Contents

1. Strawberry Eclair Cake Ingredients
2. Strawberry Eclair Cake Substitutions and Additions
3. How To Make This Strawberry Eclair Cake Recipe
4. No Bake Strawberry Eclair Cake Troubleshooting Tips
5. How To Serve Strawberry Shortcake Eclair Cake
6. How To Store This Strawberry Eclair Cake Recipe
7. Why This Strawberry Eclair Cake Is The Best
8. Frequently Asked Questions
9. More Delicious Strawberry Desserts
10. JUMP TO RECIPE
11. Even More Recipes You’ll Love

This strawberry eclair cake is a no-bake dessert that combines simplicity with delicious layers. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both quick to prepare and sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a treat to bring to a gathering or a simple dessert to enjoy at home, this fruity recipe delivers great taste with minimal effort.

This delicious recipe is made of familiar ingredients that blend together perfectly. A graham cracker base soaks up the creamy cheesecake pudding, creating a texture that’s light yet satisfying. Fresh strawberries add a burst of natural sweetness, making each bite refreshing and enjoyable.

Our recipe stands out because of the thoughtful selection of ingredients and precise instructions. We specifically chose cheesecake-flavored pudding for its rich and creamy consistency, which complements the fresh strawberries perfectly. The method we provide ensures the graham crackers soften just right, creating a dessert that’s both easy to make and consistently excellent.

At Spaceships and Laser Beams, we draw on years of hands-on experience in the kitchen to develop recipes that are reliable and approachable. Our expertise in crafting desserts means you can trust this strawberry eclair cake to deliver both taste and texture every time. We’ve tested every step to make sure the process is straightforward, even for those new to baking.

Strawberry Eclair Cake Ingredients

You’ll love how easy it is to make this strawberry eclair cake. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This cake comes together quickly and tastes absolutely amazing.

Strawberry Eclair Cake Substitutions and Additions

You can easily customize this strawberry eclair cake to fit your preferences or to use ingredients you already have on hand. 

Here are some suggestions for substitutions and additions. Keep in mind that any changes may alter the taste and texture of the cake, so use them at your own discretion.

Whole Milk: You can substitute with 2% milk for a lighter texture. For a richer taste, try using half and half.

Instant Cheesecake Pudding Mix: Vanilla or white chocolate pudding mix can be used if you prefer a different flavor.

Thawed Whipped Topping: Substitute with homemade whipped cream (made from heavy cream and confectioners’ sugar) if you prefer a fresher option. Just be aware that the texture might be slightly different.

Graham Crackers: If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits as an alternative.

Fresh Strawberries: Frozen strawberries can be used if fresh ones are not available. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before using to avoid extra moisture.

Strawberry Frosting: You can substitute with vanilla or cream cheese, or even chocolate frosting for a different flavor. Alternatively, you can make your own strawberry frosting for a homemade touch.

How To Make This Strawberry Eclair Cake Recipe

Making this strawberry eclair cake is as straightforward as it is delicious. With a few simple steps, you can create a beautiful dessert that looks impressive and tastes incredible. Follow these detailed instructions to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time.

STEP ONE: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cheesecake-flavored pudding mix and milk until it thickens, which usually takes a couple of minutes. Make sure the pudding is smooth and free of lumps. Set it aside to allow it to firm up slightly.

PRO TIP: Make sure your milk is very cold when you begin, as this will help your mixture firm up quickly.

STEP TWO: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture. Use a spatula to incorporate it fully, ensuring the mixture is light and airy. This step is crucial for achieving the creamy layers in your cake.

STEP THREE: In a baking dish, lay a single layer of graham crackers to cover the bottom. Break the crackers as needed to fit them snugly. This forms the base of your cake.

STEP FOUR: Pour half of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Make sure the layer is smooth and covers all the graham crackers, since this creates a creamy layer that will soak into the crackers.

STEP FIVE: Add a layer of sliced fresh strawberries on top of the pudding mixture. Distribute the slices evenly to ensure each piece of cake gets a good amount of fruit.

PRO TIP: Try to make sure the strawberries are sliced to the same thickness, as that will make your layers much more even.

STEP SIX: Add another layer of graham crackers over the strawberries. Press them down gently to ensure they adhere to the pudding and strawberries below.

STEP SEVEN: Pour the remaining pudding mixture over this second layer of graham crackers. Spread it evenly with a spatula, covering all the graham crackers completely.

STEP EIGHT: Add another layer of strawberries over the pudding mixture. Ensure the strawberries are evenly spread for consistent flavor in each bite.

STEP NINE: Add one more layer of graham crackers on top. This final layer will provide a solid base for the frosting.

STEP TEN: Heat the canned strawberry frosting in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make it pourable. 

PRO TIP: Be sure to remove all of the metal seal before heating, or it will spark in the microwave. If you prefer not to microwave in the plastic container, you can scoop the frosting into a small glass bowl, then microwave.

STEP ELEVEN: Pour the warm strawberry frosting over the top layer of graham crackers, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.

STEP TWELVE: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or heavy-duty aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the graham crackers to soften and the flavors to meld. 

STEP THIRTEEN: When ready to serve, carefully use a sharp knife to slice the cake into 12 pieces. You can garnish it with a few extra fresh berries for a beautiful presentation, if you prefer.

No Bake Strawberry Eclair Cake Troubleshooting Tips

Problem: Pudding mixture is too runny. 

Solution: Let the pudding sit in the fridge for a few minutes to thicken before folding in the whipped topping.

Problem: Graham crackers don’t fit perfectly in the dish. 

Solution: Carefully break the graham crackers to fit into the dish snugly.

Problem: Strawberries release too much juice. 

Solution: Pat the strawberry slices dry with paper towels before layering them to prevent excess moisture.

Problem: Frosting is too thick to pour. 

Solution: Heat the frosting in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until it becomes pourable, but avoid overheating. Stir after heating to create an even consistency.

Problem: Layers slide when cutting the cake. 

Solution: Chill the cake for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the layers to set properly. This softens the graham crackers so they are easy to cut through.

Problem: Cake is difficult to slice cleanly. 

Solution: Use a sharp knife and run it under hot water before slicing to make clean cuts.

Problem: Whipped topping deflates during mixing. 

Solution: Gently fold the whipped topping into the pudding mixture to maintain its airy texture.

Problem: Graham crackers remain crunchy. 

Solution: Ensure the cake chills long enough for the graham crackers to soften and meld with the pudding.

Problem: Top layer of graham crackers is dry. 

Solution: Make sure the top layer is fully covered with frosting to prevent it from drying out.

How To Serve Strawberry Shortcake Eclair Cake

Now that your strawberry eclair no bake cake is perfectly chilled and ready, it’s time to think about how to serve it. This dessert is versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Here are some ideas on how to make the most of this delicious cake.

Classically Served: Serve the strawberry eclair cake straight from the pan, garnished with extra fresh strawberries. This simple presentation highlights the layers and makes it easy to serve at family gatherings or casual get-togethers.

With Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. For an extra indulgence, serve with strawberry sorbet.

Afternoon Tea Delight: This cake is perfect for hosting an afternoon tea with friends. Serve it with a selection of teas and freshly brewed coffee for a delightful mid-day snack. 

Family Gatherings: Bring this cake to your next family gathering. It’s beautifully homemade and sure to impress. Serve it on a tiered cake stand surrounded by other desserts like strawberry cookies, cheesecake bites, and chocolate truffles.

Beverage Pairings: A glass of milk is a classic choice to serve with this creamy cake. For a more grown-up option, consider pairing it with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of Bailey’s Irish Cream and coffee. The rich and creamy drink complements the dessert perfectly.

Brunch Option: Incorporate the strawberry eclair cake into a brunch spread. Serve it following a simple meal of eggs, bacon, and fried potatoes. The cake adds a sweet note to the brunch table and is sure to be a hit.

Celebrations: Whether it’s a birthday party, Mother’s Day dinner, or even a Valentine’s date night, this cake is ready to impress. Its layers of graham crackers, creamy pudding, and fresh strawberries make it a standout dessert for any occasion.

How To Store This Strawberry Eclair Cake Recipe

Storing your no bake strawberry cake properly will ensure it stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Whether you want to make it ahead of time, keep it in the fridge, or freeze it for later, here are some tips on how to store and reheat your cake.

MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare this strawberry graham cracker dessert a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld together and the graham crackers to soften perfectly.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store the strawberry eclair cake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, to keep it fresh. It will last for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep it well-covered to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any odors from other foods.

IN THE FREEZER: You can try to freeze this dessert, but the eclair cake with cream cheese and fresh fruit may not thaw very well. If you want to freeze the cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Why This Strawberry Eclair Cake Is The Best

Strawberry eclair cake is a favorite among our recipe development team, and for good reason. It’s not just about the delicious taste; it’s also about the simplicity of this tasty strawberry dessert.

Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this dessert is perfect even for beginners.

No-Bake Convenience: No need to heat up the kitchen, making it ideal for warm weather.

Kid-Friendly: The simple assembly makes it a great recipe for little helpers to get involved.

Visually Appealing: The layers of strawberries and cream look beautiful and impressive.

This strawberry eclair cake is an easy, no-bake dessert that combines creamy layers and fresh strawberries for a delicious treat. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to impress and satisfy everyone.

More Delicious Strawberry Desserts

• Twinkie Cake
• Strawberry Fudge
• Strawberry Brownies
• Strawberry Mudslide
• Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Cones

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