Name: No-Bake Strawberry Eclair Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3.4 ounces cheesecake flavored instant pudding mix; 1 1/2 cups whole milk; 8 ounces thawed whipped topping; 14.4 oz graham crackers; 1 pound fresh strawberries (washed, hulled, and sliced); 16 ounces store-bought strawberry frosting

This delightful no-bake Strawberry Eclair Cake combines layers of graham crackers, creamy cheesecake pudding, fresh strawberries, and sweet strawberry frosting to create a dessert that’s both impressive and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for summer gatherings or whenever you need a quick, crowd-pleasing treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No baking required – perfect for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven
Simple ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store
Make-ahead friendly – actually tastes better when made in advance
Impressive presentation with minimal effort
Adaptable to different seasons and flavor preferences
Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults too
Light and refreshing dessert option that isn’t too heavy
Perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fruity textures

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cheesecake flavored instant pudding mix provides the creamy base for this dessert with its rich, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the sweet strawberries. If you can’t find cheesecake flavor, vanilla pudding mix works well too.

Whole milk helps create the perfect pudding consistency. The fat content in whole milk makes for a richer, creamier pudding layer, but 2% milk can be substituted if preferred.

Whipped topping lightens the pudding mixture and creates that airy, mousse-like texture that makes this dessert so special. Make sure it’s fully thawed before folding it in for the smoothest incorporation.

Graham crackers form the “cake” layers of this eclair cake. As they sit in the refrigerator, they absorb moisture from the pudding and transform into soft, cake-like layers. Their subtle honey sweetness works beautifully with the other flavors.

Fresh strawberries bring bright color and fresh, juicy flavor to this dessert. Choose ripe, fragrant berries for the best flavor, and make sure they’re well dried after washing to prevent excess moisture.

Strawberry frosting adds a sweet finishing touch and beautiful pink color to the top of the cake. The brief heating makes it spreadable for a smooth, even coating that seals in the freshness.

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cheesecake-flavored pudding mix and milk until it thickens, usually within a couple of minutes. Set aside.
Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping.
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, lay a single layer of graham crackers to cover the bottom.
Pour half the pudding mixture over the graham crackers, spreading it evenly.
Add a layer of sliced fresh strawberries on top of the pudding mixture.
Add another layer of graham crackers over the strawberries.
Pour the remaining pudding mixture over this second layer of graham crackers.
Add another layer of sliced strawberries.
Add one more layer of graham crackers on top.
Heat the canned strawberry frosting in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make it pourable. (Be sure to remove all of the metal seal before heating in the microwave.)
Pour the warm strawberry frosting over the top of the cake, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
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.
When ready to serve, carefully use a sharp knife to slice 12 pieces of cake. You can garnish it with a few extra fresh strawberries if preferred.

Servings and Timing

This Strawberry Eclair Cake recipe yields 12 generous servings, making it perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. Each serving contains approximately 405 calories.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 4 hours (minimum)
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

While the hands-on preparation is quick and easy, this dessert does require at least 4 hours of refrigeration time to achieve the perfect texture, so plan accordingly. For best results, make it the night before serving.

Variations

Berry Medley Eclair Cake: Substitute the strawberries with a mixture of berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries for a colorful variation.

Chocolate Strawberry Eclair Cake: Use chocolate graham crackers instead of regular ones and top with chocolate frosting for a chocolate-covered strawberry flavor profile.

Tropical Eclair Cake: Replace strawberries with a combination of diced mango and pineapple, and use vanilla frosting with a bit of coconut extract mixed in.

Banana Pudding Eclair Cake: Substitute vanilla pudding for the cheesecake flavor, use sliced bananas instead of strawberries, and top with vanilla frosting.

Lemon Berry Eclair Cake: Add lemon zest to the pudding mixture and use a mixture of blueberries and strawberries for a refreshing citrus twist.

Nutella Eclair Cake: Spread a thin layer of Nutella between some of the layers and use chocolate frosting on top for a hazelnut-chocolate version.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator Storage: This Strawberry Eclair Cake must be kept refrigerated. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. The graham crackers will continue to soften over time.

Freezing: While possible, freezing is not recommended as the texture of the strawberries and pudding mixture may change upon thawing, resulting in excess moisture and a potentially soggy cake.

Make Ahead: This dessert is actually better when made ahead! Prepare it 12-24 hours before serving for the best flavor and texture, as this gives the graham crackers time to properly soften.

Serving After Storage: No reheating is necessary or recommended. Simply remove from the refrigerator about 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off slightly, which will enhance the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Yes, you can substitute homemade whipped cream for the whipped topping. For best results, whip 2 cups of heavy cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. However, note that homemade whipped cream may not hold up as long as store-bought whipped topping, so the cake might not last as many days in the refrigerator.

My graham crackers won’t stay in place. Any tips?

When building your first layer, you can spread a small amount of the pudding mixture on the bottom of the dish to help the graham crackers stay in place. Don’t worry if they shift slightly while assembling—once refrigerated, everything will set nicely.

Can I make this dessert dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free milk, dairy-free whipped topping, and check that your pudding mix and frosting are dairy-free. Many brands now offer these alternatives, though the texture may vary slightly from the original recipe.

How far in advance can I make this eclair cake?

You can prepare this cake up to 24 hours in advance for optimal texture. The graham crackers need at least 4 hours to soften properly, but making it the day before serving allows the flavors to meld perfectly.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries work best for this recipe. Frozen strawberries tend to release too much moisture as they thaw, which can make the cake soggy. If you must use frozen, thaw them completely and drain well before using.

Why is my eclair cake soggy?

Some moisture is expected as the graham crackers soften, but excessive sogginess might be due to not draining the strawberries well enough after washing or using frozen berries without draining properly. Make sure to pat the washed strawberries dry before adding them to the cake.

Can I use a different flavor of pudding?

Absolutely! Vanilla, French vanilla, or white chocolate pudding mixes would all work well in this recipe. Feel free to experiment with flavors that complement strawberries.

Is there a way to make this recipe without artificial frosting?

Yes, you can make a simple glaze by mixing 2 cups of powdered sugar with 3-4 tablespoons of strawberry puree (from fresh or frozen strawberries) and a splash of lemon juice until you reach a pourable consistency.

How do I get clean slices when serving?

For the cleanest slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Dipping the knife in hot water and wiping it dry before each cut can also help create cleaner edges.

Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with many fruits. Try peaches, raspberries, blueberries, or a combination. Just make sure whatever fruit you choose isn’t too watery, or pat it dry before adding it to the layers.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Eclair Cake is the perfect balance of simplicity and impression. The layers of graham crackers transform into a cake-like texture, while the creamy cheesecake pudding, fresh strawberries, and sweet frosting create a dessert that’s reminiscent of a classic eclair but in an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing form.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and convenience. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, need a last-minute dessert for a potluck, or simply want to treat your family to something special without spending hours in the kitchen, this no-bake wonder delivers on all fronts.

The make-ahead nature of this dessert is an added bonus, allowing you to prepare it well in advance of your gathering so you can focus on enjoying time with your guests. Give this Strawberry Eclair Cake a try – it might just become your new go-to dessert for any occasion!