The Best No Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake Recipe You’ll Love

Creamy layers of pudding and graham crackers come together in this decadent no bake chocolate eclair cake that promises pure dessert bliss.

Elegant yet incredibly simple, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort.

Silky smooth pudding nestles between crisp crackers, creating a dreamy texture that melts in your mouth.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of rich chocolate and velvety cream.

The dessert chills to perfection, developing deep, luxurious flavors that make it irresistible.

Cool and refreshing, this no-fuss treat requires zero baking and minimal prep time.

Indulge in this heavenly dessert that will surely become your new favorite go-to sweet sensation.

FAQs

• Why use graham crackers in this recipe?

Graham crackers create a perfect cake-like texture when softened in the pudding mixture, acting as a no-bake alternative to traditional cake layers.

• Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this eclair cake actually tastes better when prepared a day in advance, allowing the graham crackers to soften and flavors to blend completely.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly to make?

Absolutely! This dessert requires no baking and minimal ingredients, making it an excellent recipe for children to help prepare under adult supervision.

• How do I know when the dessert is ready to serve?

The cake is ready when the graham crackers have softened completely and the pudding has set, typically after refrigerating overnight.

No Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake Is a Crowd Pleaser

• Customize Your Meal: Swap ingredients easily to match your taste preferences or use what's in your fridge, making this recipe super flexible for any mealtime.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the frittata in advance and store in the refrigerator, perfect for busy mornings or quick grab-and-go lunches during hectic weeks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Pack with nutritious vegetables and protein-rich eggs, this dish satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its delicious and hearty profile.
• Health-Conscious Choice: Loaded with spinach, tomatoes, and mushrooms, this frittata delivers a nutritional punch while keeping the meal light and balanced.

Ingredient List for No Bake Eclair Cake

• Graham Crackers: Classic sweet crackers that provide the cake's structure and layered texture.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Creamy mix that creates a smooth and rich filling for the dessert.
• Milk: Liquid ingredient that helps blend the pudding mix and create a soft consistency.

• Cool Whip: Light and fluffy whipped topping that adds creaminess to the pudding mixture.

• Chocolate Frosting: Sweet and rich topping that provides a decadent chocolate layer for the cake.

Steps for Assembling No Bake Eclair Cake

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Pudding Base

Grab a medium bowl and blend instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and COOL WHIP until the mixture becomes silky smooth. Make sure there are no lumps for a perfect texture.

Step 2: Create the First Graham Cracker Foundation

Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and carefully arrange graham cracker squares to cover the entire bottom. You might need to break some crackers to create a complete base layer.

Step 3: Spread the First Pudding Layer

Generously distribute half of the prepared pudding mixture over the graham cracker base, ensuring an even and consistent coverage.

Step 4: Build the Second Graham Cracker Level

Gently place another complete layer of graham crackers on top of the pudding mixture, creating a sturdy second foundation.

Step 5: Add the Final Pudding Coating

Pour the remaining pudding mixture over the second graham cracker layer, making sure to spread it evenly across the surface.

Step 6: Complete the Graham Cracker Top

Arrange the final layer of graham crackers on top of the pudding, creating a smooth and uniform surface.

Step 7: Initiate Initial Chilling

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour, allowing the pudding to set and flavors to begin melding.

Step 8: Prepare the Chocolate Drizzle

Carefully microwave the chocolate frosting for about 15 seconds (remember to remove lid and foil).

Stir until the frosting becomes easily spreadable and glossy.

Step 9: Apply the Chocolate Topping

Remove the plastic wrap and generously spread the warm chocolate frosting across the top layer of graham crackers, creating a decadent finish.

Step 10: Final Overnight Chill

Cover the dish again with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This allows the graham crackers to soften and the flavors to fully develop.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

When ready, slice the eclair cake into perfect squares and serve this delightful no-bake dessert to eager guests.

Tips for Chilling Chocolate Eclair Cake

• Whisk pudding mix, milk, and COOL WHIP thoroughly to eliminate lumps and create a silky, creamy texture.
• Break graham crackers strategically to create an even, complete bottom layer without gaps in the baking dish.
• Let the cake rest overnight to allow graham crackers to absorb moisture and develop a cake-like consistency.
• Warm chocolate frosting briefly in microwave for easier spreading, ensuring a smooth, even chocolate topping.
• Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, precise cake slices that showcase beautiful layered presentation.

Variations to Try on Chocolate Eclair Cake

• Gluten-Free Eclair Cake: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers or almond flour cookies for a celiac-friendly version.
• Tropical Fruit Eclair Cake: Swap chocolate frosting with passion fruit glaze and add diced mango or pineapple between pudding layers for a fruity refresh.
• Low-Sugar Wellness Edition: Use sugar-free pudding mix, sugar-free whipped topping, and dark chocolate frosting with stevia for a diabetes-friendly alternative.
• Vegan Coconut Dream Variation: Substitute dairy milk with coconut milk, use vegan pudding mix, coconut whipped cream, and dairy-free chocolate topping for plant-based enjoyment.

Sips and Treats With No Bake Eclair Cake

• Pair with Creamy Cappuccino: A rich, velvety cappuccino complements the chocolate eclair cake's sweet creaminess, creating a delightful contrast in textures and temperatures.
• Enhance with Fresh Berries: Serve a small side of mixed berries like raspberries and strawberries to add a tart, refreshing element that cuts through the dessert's richness.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake provides an extra layer of cool, smooth indulgence that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Complement with Coffee Liqueur: A small shot of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa offers a sophisticated adult twist, harmonizing beautifully with the chocolate and vanilla flavors.

Storage Guide for Chocolate Eclair Cake Leftovers

• Place leftover chocolate eclair cake in an airtight container, covering tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months, maintaining texture and flavor.
• Transfer frozen cake to refrigerator overnight, allowing slow and gentle defrosting. Avoid room temperature thawing to prevent moisture loss and texture changes.
• Enjoy chilled directly from refrigerator, as this dessert is best served cold. Gently warm individual slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired, but be cautious to prevent graham crackers from becoming soggy.

No Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent no bake chocolate eclair cake delights dessert enthusiasts with its creamy layers and rich chocolate glaze. Crisp graham crackers and silky vanilla pudding blend seamlessly, creating a dreamy treat you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups milk
• 2 sleeves graham cracker squares

Dairy and Cream:

• 2 (3.5 ounces / 99 grams) packages of instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 (8 ounces / 227 grams) container of whipped topping, thawed

Topping:

• 1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) tub chocolate frosting

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Instructions

1. Whisk instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, and COOL WHIP in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy, creating a luscious base for the eclair cake.
2. Select a 9×13 inch baking dish and create the first foundation layer by carefully positioning graham cracker squares, breaking pieces as needed to ensure complete coverage.
3. Generously distribute half of the pudding mixture across the graham cracker base, ensuring an even, consistent layer.
4. Construct a second graham cracker layer directly over the initial pudding layer, maintaining complete surface coverage.
5. Spread the remaining pudding mixture uniformly across the second graham cracker layer, creating a rich, creamy intermediate section.
6. Complete the layering process with a final graham cracker top layer, providing structural integrity to the dessert.
7. Refrigerate the assembled cake for 30-60 minutes, allowing initial setting and flavor integration.
8. Soften chocolate frosting in microwave for approximately 15 seconds, stirring until easily spreadable and glossy.
9. Remove cake from refrigerator and meticulously spread chocolate frosting across the top layer, creating a smooth, enticing surface.
10. Return cake to refrigerator and allow to chill overnight, enabling graham crackers to absorb moisture and flavors to harmonize.
11. When ready to serve, slice into elegant portions and enjoy the decadent, no-bake dessert.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives for those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this sweet treat.
• Use sugar-free pudding mix and whipped topping to create a lower-calorie version that doesn’t compromise on deliciousness.
• Try different frosting flavors like caramel or vanilla to personalize the dessert and add your unique twist.
• Prevent soggy layers by ensuring pudding mixture is thick and not too runny, which helps maintain the cake’s perfect texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 337 kcal
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 185 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg