Strawberry Eclair Layered No-Bake Cake
A nostalgic no-bake dessert layering fluffy whipped cream, vanilla pudding, and fresh strawberries on a crunchy cookie base. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 15 minutes layers wafers vanilla wafers, strawberries, sliced, (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 40 wafers vanilla wafers
- 2 cups strawberries, sliced
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 2 cups whipped topping
- 2 tbsp (for dusting) powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix and 2 cups cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Step 2: Fold 2 cups whipped topping gently into the pudding mixture until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: In a 9x13-inch dish, spread a single layer of about 20 vanilla wafers evenly across the bottom.
- Step 4: Top wafers with half of the pudding-whipped mixture, spreading evenly.
- Step 5: Layer 1 cup sliced strawberries over the pudding, then add another layer of 20 vanilla wafers on top.
- Step 6: Spread the remaining pudding mixture over the second wafer layer, then top with the remaining 1 cup sliced strawberries.
- Step 7: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow wafers to soften.
- Step 8: Before serving, dust the top with 2 tbsp powdered sugar for a delicate finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Strawberry Eclair Layered No-Bake Cake take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Strawberry Eclair Layered No-Bake Cake?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Strawberry Eclair Layered No-Bake Cake?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Strawberry Eclair Layered No-Bake Cake for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Strawberry Eclair Layered No-Bake Cake?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
