Description
Sweet French pastry magic meets summer dessert bliss in this strawberry eclair cake. Creamy layers and luscious strawberries create an irresistible treat you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Strawberry Ingredients:
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- ½ cup strawberry jam or preserves (optional, for topping)
Dairy and Cream Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
- 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- Whipped cream or extra berries for garnish (optional)
Base and Pudding Ingredients:
- 1 box (3.4 ounces/96 grams) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 box graham crackers (about 1 sleeve for each layer)
Instructions
- Prepare the luscious pudding base by whisking instant pudding mix with cold milk for approximately two minutes until the mixture transforms into a thick, velvety consistency.
- Incorporate whipped topping into the pudding, folding gently to create a smooth, airy cream with consistent texture.
- Select a rectangular baking dish and strategically arrange the first layer of graham crackers, ensuring complete bottom coverage without gaps.
- Generously spread half of the prepared pudding mixture over the graham cracker foundation, creating an even, creamy surface.
- Delicately arrange sliced strawberries across the pudding layer, distributing them evenly for balanced flavor and visual appeal.
- Construct the next stratum by placing another set of graham crackers atop the strawberry layer.
- Repeat the process by spreading the remaining pudding mixture and adding another layer of strawberry slices.
- Complete the dessert assembly with a final layer of graham crackers as the crowning element.
- Optional enhancement involves gently warming strawberry jam and artfully drizzling it over the top graham cracker layer.
- Refrigerate the assembled dessert, covering it securely, for a minimum of four hours or ideally overnight to allow graham crackers to soften and meld with the creamy filling.
- When ready to serve, slice the chilled dessert and garnish with additional whipped cream or fresh strawberries for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives for a celiac-friendly dessert, ensuring everyone can enjoy this sweet treat.
- Use sugar-free pudding mix and low-fat whipped topping to create a lighter version without compromising delicious flavor.
- Experiment with different fruit combinations like raspberries or mixed berries to add variety and personalize the dessert.
- For a more stable consistency, drain strawberries slightly before layering to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Desserts
- Method: None
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg