Description
Strawberries and Cream Eclair Cake is a no-bake, layered dessert featuring creamy cheesecake-flavored pudding, fluffy whipped topping, fresh strawberries, graham crackers, and a luscious strawberry frosting drizzle. It’s refrigerated to allow the graham crackers to soften and absorb the delicious flavors, creating a light and refreshing treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding Mixture
- 3.4 ounces box cheesecake flavored instant pudding mix (Jello brand recommended)
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 8 ounces thawed whipped topping (store brand)
Layers
- 14.4 ounces box graham crackers
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced (about 3 cups)
Topping
- 16 ounces container store-bought strawberry frosting (Pillsbury recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare pudding mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cheesecake-flavored pudding mix and whole milk until the mixture thickens, which usually takes a couple of minutes. Then gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until fully combined and creamy.
- First layer of graham crackers: Spread a single layer of graham crackers evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the base of the cake.
- Layer pudding mixture: Pour half of the prepared pudding mixture over the graham cracker layer and spread it evenly to cover the base.
- Layer strawberries: Add a generous layer of fresh sliced strawberries over the pudding.
- Second graham cracker layer: Add another layer of graham crackers on top of the strawberries, pressing gently to keep them flat.
- Top with remaining pudding: Pour the rest of the pudding mixture over this second graham cracker layer and spread evenly.
- Second strawberry layer: Add a second layer of sliced fresh strawberries on top of the pudding mixture.
- Final graham cracker layer: Place one more layer of graham crackers on top of the strawberries, completing the layering process.
- Heat frosting: Remove any metal seal from the strawberry frosting container, then microwave the frosting for 10-15 seconds until it becomes pourable.
- Top with frosting: Pour and spread the warmed strawberry frosting evenly over the last graham cracker layer, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
- Chill: 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, use a sharp knife to cut the dessert into approximately 12 slices (3 slices by 4 slices). Optionally, garnish with extra fresh strawberries for presentation.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the pudding mixture is thick before layering to prevent sogginess.
- Do not skip the chilling time as it is essential for the graham crackers to soften properly.
- You can substitute fresh strawberries with frozen, but fresh yields the best texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use reduced-fat milk and low-fat whipped topping.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
