Strawberry Eclair Cake

Strawberry Eclair Cake is a no-bake, chilled dessert that layers fresh strawberries, creamy vanilla filling, and soft graham crackers into a treat that tastes just like a strawberry éclair—but with way less effort. Every bite is cool, creamy, and bursting with real strawberry flavor. Whether I’m making it for a potluck, holiday, or just a weekend treat, this cake is always a refreshing hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dessert because it looks impressive but couldn’t be easier to make. There’s no baking, no complicated steps, and no fancy equipment needed. The graham crackers soften into a cake-like texture as they chill, and the combination of vanilla pudding, whipped topping, and fresh strawberries is absolutely irresistible. It’s light, fruity, and perfect for spring and summer—or honestly, any time I want a sweet treat straight from the fridge.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Graham crackers

• Instant vanilla pudding mix

• Cold milk

• Whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

• Fresh strawberries, sliced

• Strawberry glaze or strawberry jam (optional for topping)

• Cream cheese (optional for a richer filling)

directions

1. I start by whisking the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until thickened. If I want a richer filling, I beat in softened cream cheese until smooth.

2. I fold in the whipped topping gently to keep the filling light and fluffy.

3. In a 9×13-inch dish, I layer graham crackers on the bottom, breaking them as needed to fit.

4. I spread half of the pudding mixture over the crackers, then top with a layer of sliced strawberries.

5. I repeat the layers—graham crackers, pudding mixture, strawberries—until I reach the top of the dish.

6. For the final layer, I add a smooth layer of whipped topping and decorate with more sliced strawberries. I drizzle strawberry glaze or warmed strawberry jam on top if I’m feeling extra fancy.

7. I cover the cake and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours (or overnight) so the graham crackers can soften and the flavors can meld.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 12 and takes only 15–20 minutes to assemble, plus at least 4 hours to chill. It’s perfect to make ahead for parties or gatherings.

Variations

Sometimes I use chocolate graham crackers for a twist, or mix chopped strawberries into the pudding layer. When I want extra richness, I use a mix of vanilla pudding and cream cheese. For a more vibrant finish, I top the cake with strawberry slices arranged in a pattern or add blueberries for a red-white-blue theme.

storage/reheating

I store the cake covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. It gets softer over time, but that just makes it more delicious. I never freeze it, as the texture of the whipped topping and strawberries changes too much when thawed. It’s best served chilled, straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, I’ve used homemade whipped cream before. I just make sure it’s stabilized (with a little gelatin or cream cheese) so it holds up in the fridge.

Do I have to use instant pudding?

Instant pudding is the fastest, but I’ve made this with homemade vanilla pudding too—it just adds a bit more prep time.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

I prefer fresh for the best texture, but if I use frozen, I thaw and drain them very well to prevent sogginess.

How far ahead can I make this?

I usually make it the night before I need it. It tastes even better after chilling overnight, as the layers really set and the graham crackers soften perfectly.

Can I make this in individual cups?

Absolutely. I layer the ingredients into clear cups or jars for single-serve portions—great for parties or picnics.

Conclusion

Strawberry Eclair Cake is a sweet, simple, and stunning dessert that’s always a crowd-pleaser. With its layers of creamy vanilla filling, juicy strawberries, and soft graham crackers, it’s everything I want in a no-bake treat. Whether I’m making it for a gathering or just because I’m craving something cool and fruity, this cake never disappoints.