Okay, friends, let’s talk about dessert. Specifically, let’s talk about the easiest, most impressive dessert you’ll make all summer: Strawberry Eclair Cake. Seriously, forget complicated layer cakes or fussy pastries. This is like the lazy-day version of a classic eclair, but even better because it’s bursting with fresh strawberries and has that creamy, dreamy filling we all crave. Think of it as a cross between a strawberry shortcake and an eclair, and you’re already halfway to understanding how ridiculously good this is. I promise, once you make this, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!
What Is Strawberry Eclair Cake?
Imagine an eclair, but instead of individual pastries filled with cream, we’re layering everything together in a pan, chilling it, and then slicing into it like a cake. That’s the magic of Strawberry Eclair Cake! It’s essentially a no-bake dessert made with graham crackers, a Creamy vanilla filling, tons of fresh strawberries, and a decadent chocolate glaze. Think of it as an icebox cake, but with a twist. The graham crackers soften in the refrigerator, mimicking that soft, chewy eclair pastry. Seriously, it’s pure genius and tastes just like an authentic eclair without all the fuss.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I even begin? First off, the flavor is out of this world. You have the creamy vanilla filling playing against the slight tanginess of the fresh strawberries, all rounded out by that rich chocolate glaze. It’s sweet, but not overly so, and every bite is just a perfect balance of textures and flavors. What I love most about this is how incredibly simple it is to Make. Seriously, anyone can do it! It requires minimal effort and no baking at all! This is a life saver on a hot summer day when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
And let’s talk about cost-efficiency, shall we? All of the ingredients are super affordable, and you probably already have a lot of them in your pantry. It’s a far cry from those fancy bakery eclairs, both in effort *and* price. Plus, it’s unbelievably versatile! You can easily swap out the strawberries for other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches. If you’re a chocolate lover, you can add a layer of chocolate shavings or even a drizzle of melted white chocolate. Trust me, this is one of those recipes that you can easily customize to your liking. Honestly, between you and me, it’s even BETTER than traditional eclairs sometimes, because it has so much strawberry flavor throughout. My kids ask for this every single week, and it disappears in minutes at any potluck or BBQ.
How to Make Strawberry Eclair Cake
Quick Overview
Ready for the easiest dessert recipe ever? You’ll start by whipping up a simple vanilla cream filling. Then, you’ll layer graham crackers, the filling, and sliced strawberries in a pan, repeating until you run out of ingredients. Pop it in the fridge to chill and let those graham crackers soften up. Finally, you’ll drizzle it with a luscious chocolate glaze. Seriously, it’s that easy! It’s a perfect make-ahead dessert, which is always a bonus in my book.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
- 1 (14.4 ounce) package graham crackers: Use the regular ones, not the honey-flavored.
For the Filling:
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened: 1/8 oz. Make sure it’s soft, or you’ll end up with lumps.
- I usually use Jell-O brand instant vanilla pudding mix. 1 (3.4 ounce) package.
- How many cups cold milk should I use? Whole milk is best for richness, but you can use almond milk in a pinch. I’ve tested it with almond milk, and it’s actually really good!
- 1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed: What are some ways to make your own whipped cream?
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Good quality chocolate makes a big difference here.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: This is what gives the glaze that smooth, glossy finish.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds shine and richness to the glaze.
And of course…
- What’s the star of the show? 1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
No preheating needed, because this is a no-bake wonder! What’s the best way to remove cake from a 9×13 pan?
Step 2: Prepare Filling
In a large bowl, beat the Cream Cheese until smooth. Add the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. Beat until the mixture is thick and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps! Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Arrange a layer of graham crackers on the bottom of the prepared pan, breaking them as needed to make crumbs. Spread half of the cream filling evenly over the graham crackers. Arrange a layer of sliced strawberries over the filling. Repeat layers: What is the cream filling for graham crackers, and the rest of the strawberries? What are some good graham crackers?
Step 4: Chill
Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. What is the best way to soften graham crackers?
Step 5: Make the Glaze
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter. Set aside. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until chocolate is melted and smooth. Do not overheat. What is the best way to avoid overheating chocolate? Is it possible to melt chocolate in a double boiler on stovetop?
Step 6: Glaze & Serve
Once the cake has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. How do you spread the chocolate glaze over the top of a cake? Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving. I like to add a few extra strawberry slices on top for garnish.
Step 7: Slice & Serve
Use a sharp knife to cut the cake into squares. Serve chilled.
What do you serve it with?
How do I make strawberry eclair cake? What makes this special: the ‘
For Breakfast:Okay, maybe not every morning, but this is amazing with a strong cup of coffee. If you’re feeling extra fancy, dust the top with a little powdered sugar.
For Brunch:Serve with a mimosa or sparkling wine. The sweetness of the cake pairs perfectly with the bubbly drinks.
As Dessert:What is the perfect end to any meal? What is better with vanilla Ice Cream?
For Cozy Snacks:Why do I need a slice of strawberry eclair cake at 10pm? What is a good snack? Pair it with cold milk. In my family, we always have this at birthdays instead of a traditional cake. My aunt used to make it, and now I do. It’s a tradition that has been going on for years. What is your favorite dish and why?
How do I make a strawberry eclair cake?
How do I make strawberry eclair cake?
Cream Cheese softening: How doIf your cream cheese isn’t soft enough, you’ll end up with a lumpy filling. I usually leave it out at room temperature for at least an hour before I start.
Strawberry Prep: WhatIs it safe to slice strawberries before slicing? How do I prevent a cake from becoming soggy?
Glaze Consistency If the glaze is too thick, add a little more heavy cream. If it’s too thin, add a few more chocolate chips. You want it to be pourable, but not too runny.
Graham Cracker Placement: Don’t be afraid to break the graham crackers to fit snugly in the pan. You want to cover the entire bottom of the pan to prevent the filling from seeping through.
Chilling Time: Don’t rush the chilling process! This is what allows the graham crackers to soften and the flavors to meld. I usually make it the night before I plan to serve it.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to experiment with other fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or even bananas would be delicious. You can also use different flavors of pudding mix. Chocolate pudding would be amazing!
Whipped Topping Options: Feel free to make your own Whipped Cream! It is a great addition to the dessert, and it provides the best flavor!
I learned the hard way about the Cream Cheese – one time I was impatient and tried to mix it when it was still cold. Big mistake! The filling was lumpy, and it just didn’t have that smooth, creamy texture. Now, I always make sure it’s properly softened. And trust me on this one: good quality chocolate chips in the glaze make a huge difference. The cheap ones just don’t melt as nicely, and the flavor isn’t as rich. The smell alone brings everyone to the kitchen!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your Strawberry Eclair Cake fresh and delicious:
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend storing this at room temperature. The cream filling will spoil quickly.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The graham crackers may soften slightly over time, but it will still taste amazing.
Freezer Instructions: You can freeze this cake, but the texture may change slightly. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the cake, it’s best to add the glaze after thawing. This will prevent the glaze from cracking or becoming sticky. I also find that freezing it without the glaze is so much easier to handle. The glaze can melt and be a disaster!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for Strawberry Eclair Cake! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s so easy to make that you’ll find yourself whipping it up all the time. Whether you’re looking for a simple dessert for a weeknight dinner or a show-stopping treat for a special occasion, this cake is sure to impress. Plus, it’s just so darn delicious! The combination of creamy filling, sweet strawberries, and rich chocolate glaze is simply irresistible. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other no-bake desserts. Happy baking! (Or, in this case, happy *no-baking*!) I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you tried it, and how you liked it, or share your own variations. Don’t forget to rate this recipe if you loved it!
How to Make a Strawberry Eclair Cake in Just 7 Simple Steps
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box Graham Crackers
- 3.4 oz Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
- 3 cups Milk Cold
- 8 oz Whipped Topping Thawed
- 1 lb Fresh Strawberries Sliced
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth. Let stand for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping.
- Line the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish with a layer of graham crackers. You may need to break some crackers to fit.
- Spread half of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers.
- Arrange a layer of sliced strawberries over the pudding mixture.
- Repeat layers: graham crackers, pudding mixture, and strawberries.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the graham crackers to soften.
