Description
Strawberry Éclair Cake is a delightful no-bake dessert featuring layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fluffy whipped topping, fresh strawberries, and graham crackers, topped with a sweet strawberry glaze. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion when you want a light, fruity dessert without turning on the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding Mixture
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Layers
- 1 sleeve graham crackers (about 9 full sheets)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
Topping
- ½ cup strawberry jam or preserves
- 1 tablespoon water
- Optional powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the pudding mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Layer the base: In an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch baking dish, arrange a single layer of graham crackers at the bottom, breaking them as necessary to fit the shape of the dish.
- Add pudding and strawberries: Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the graham cracker layer. Then, layer half of the sliced strawberries evenly over the pudding.
- Repeat layers: Add another layer of graham crackers on top of the strawberries, followed by the remaining pudding mixture spread evenly over the crackers. Top this with the rest of the sliced strawberries.
- Prepare strawberry glaze: In a small bowl, mix the strawberry jam and water until smooth and drizzle it evenly over the top strawberry layer.
- Chill the cake: Cover the dish and refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the layers to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Before serving, dust with powdered sugar if desired for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- This no-bake dessert tastes even better when prepared a day ahead to allow the graham crackers to fully absorb the pudding.
- For an extra indulgent version, add a thin layer of cream cheese between the pudding and the strawberries.
- Use sugar-free pudding mix and light whipped topping to create a lighter version suitable for health-conscious dessert lovers.
