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No-bake Strawberry Eclair Cake with layers of pudding, graham crackers, and strawberries.

Strawberry Eclair Cake

A no-bake dessert that's cool, creamy, and full of strawberry flavor, perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 6 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the cake layers
  • 2 packages Graham crackers You'll use them as the cake layers.
For the filling
  • 2 small boxes Instant vanilla pudding mix You can also use 1 large box.
  • 2 cups Cold milk To whisk with the pudding.
  • 1 container Whipped topping Like Cool Whip, thawed.
  • 8 oz Cream cheese Optional, for a thicker, tangier filling.
  • 2 cups Fresh strawberries Sliced, plus extra for topping.
  • 1/4 cup Strawberry jam Optional, for a stronger strawberry punch.
For the topping
  • 1 cup Frosting Store bought vanilla or a quick homemade glaze.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, whisk the instant pudding mix with cold milk until it thickens, usually about 2 minutes.
  2. If using cream cheese, beat it first until smooth, then mix it into the pudding to avoid lumps. Fold in the whipped topping gently.
  3. Fold in chopped strawberries. For stronger flavor, stir in a few spoonfuls of strawberry jam.
Layering
  1. In a 9 by 13 inch dish, lay down a single layer of graham crackers, breaking a few to fill gaps.
  2. Spread about one-third of the strawberry cream mixture over the crackers.
  3. Repeat the layering with graham crackers and filling until you end with a final layer of crackers on top.
  4. Spread frosting over the top layer. If it's thick, microwave it for about 10 seconds to make it easier to spread.
Chilling
  1. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best for clean slices.

Notes

The cake gets better after chilling as the texture changes from crunchy to a soft cake-like bite. Optional decorating ideas include fresh strawberry fans, white chocolate drizzle, a border of crushed graham crackers, or additional whipped topping.