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No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake Recipe

4.5 from 108 reviews

This no-bake chocolate eclair cake is an easy and delicious dessert featuring layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fluffy whipped topping, soft graham crackers, and a rich chocolate frosting topping. The graham crackers soften overnight, creating a cake-like texture reminiscent of a classic chocolate eclair. Perfect for a quick dessert that requires no baking and melts in your mouth with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 2 (3.5 oz) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed

Layers

  • 2 sleeves graham cracker squares

Topping

  • 1 (16 oz) tub chocolate frosting

Instructions

  1. Make the Pudding Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until the mixture thickens slightly. Then fold in the thawed whipped topping until the mixture is smooth, thick, and creamy, creating the base creamy filling.
  2. First Layer: Place a single layer of graham crackers evenly at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the prepared pudding mixture over the graham crackers, ensuring even coverage.
  3. Second Layer: Add a second layer of graham crackers on top of the pudding layer. Then spread the remaining pudding mixture evenly over this layer.
  4. Final Graham Cracker Layer: Place a final layer of graham crackers over the remaining pudding mixture to complete the layering. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes to allow the graham crackers to soften slightly and meld with the filling.
  5. Add Chocolate Frosting: Microwave the tub of chocolate frosting for about 15 seconds to soften it slightly for easy spreading. Stir well to smooth it out, then spread evenly over the top graham cracker layer.
  6. Chill Overnight: Cover the dish again and place it in the refrigerator overnight, allowing the layers to fully blend, and the cake to develop the texture and flavor reminiscent of a traditional chocolate eclair.
  7. Serve: Slice the chilled cake into squares and serve cold for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • For best results, allow the cake to chill overnight to ensure the graham crackers soften fully and flavors meld.
  • You can substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative if desired, but pudding texture may vary.
  • Use instant pudding mix, not cook-and-serve, for the correct consistency.
  • If you prefer, you can use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip for a fresher taste.
  • This dessert can be made a day ahead, making it perfect for potlucks and gatherings.

Keywords: No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake, easy dessert, pudding cake, graham cracker dessert, chocolate frosting dessert