No Bake Eclair Cake Recipe is an easy no bake treat with delicious layers of pudding, chocolate and more. This can be assembled in no time at all for an easy dessert that is so decadent.

Close up im age of slice of eclair cake on a white plate.
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Chocolate Eclair Cake is so simple to make but one of those desserts everyone asks for the recipe. The chocolate is heavenly on top, and the layers of pudding and graham crackers come together for a great no bake dessert recipe.

Also try ​​Eclair Cupcakes and Eclair Cookies. These make the best Graduation Desserts.

Why We Love This Recipe

The Eclair Cake is a crowd pleaser. I love when it is requested because it only requires 5 ingredients. This no bake cake is layered with graham crackers, instant vanilla pudding, whipped topping, milk and chocolate frosting.

Just a few simple ingredients is all you need. It really is an easy and delicious dessert.

Close up image of slice of eclair cake on a white plate.

Ingredients

Ingredients needed - graham crackers, vanilla pudding mix, cool whip, milk, chocolate frosting

Find the complete list of ingredients at the bottom of the page for this easy recipe.

Variations

  • Change the Flavored Pudding – Try using banana pudding instead of french vanilla pudding. Cheesecake pudding is also so delicious.
  • Use different flavors of graham crackers – You can use cinnamon graham crackers or chocolate graham crackers. Chocolate lovers might like chocolate pudding and chocolate graham crackers.
  • Try Lemon Pudding – Lemon pudding is really good if you like lemon desserts. The layers would be amazing with lemon pudding and cool whip.
  • Make different flavors – Try pumpkin flavored eclair cake in the fall for all those pumpkin spice fans. I bet you could even do strawberry and that would be so tasty.
  • Chocolate Ganache – We love using chocolate ganache frosting for the top of this cake.

How to Make Eclair Cake

Mixing the vanilla pudding mixture in a bowl with a whisk.

Step 1. Use a medium bowl and mix together the pudding mix, milk and Cool Whip.

Laying the pan with graham crackers

Step 2. Line the pan with graham crackers.

Layering the graham crackers with vanilla pudding.

Step 3. Next, spread half of the pudding mixture on top of the crackers.

Topping the pudding with graham crackers in a baking dish.

Step 4. Then layer with graham crackers over the pudding mixture. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the pudding to set.

Layering chocolate on the graham crackers

Step 5. Put the tub of chocolate frosting in the microwave for about 15 seconds to soften without the foil or lid. Then evenly spread it all over the top layer of graham crackers.

Close up image of slice of eclair cake on a white plate.

Step 6. Refrigerate the completed eclair cake.

Expert Tips

  • Melt Frosting – You definitely want to melt the icing for a few seconds. Don’t attempt to spread this on the cake without melting it first. It will make a huge mess and not look smooth.
  • Make Homemade Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe – You can also use homemade whipped cream if you have a few extra minutes. It is pretty simple and tastes great.
  • Make in advance – The graham crackers need time to soften. This recipe is perfect to make the day before.
  • Refrigerate before topping with frosting. Once assembled, make sure to refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the pudding to set. Then you can top with the frosting.
Close up image of slice of eclair cake on a white plate.

Storage

Store leftovers is in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Make sure to cover with plastic wrap. We actually like it better the next day as the graham crackers softened and the ingredients add flavor to the crackers.

Can You Freeze Eclair Cake?

We do not recommend freezing Eclair Cake. It doesn’t freeze well and when you thaw it, the texture becomes mushy, and it doesn’t taste good.

Try More Easy No Bake Desserts

This super easy Eclair Cake recipe will be a family favorite. Make it today for a fantastic dessert!

Close up image of slice of eclair cake on a white plate.

No Bake Eclair Cake Recipe

4.87 from 30 votes
No Bake Eclair Cake Recipe is an easy no bake treat with delicious layers of pudding, chocolate and more. This can be assembled in no time at all for an easy dessert that is so decadent.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Refrigerate 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings 9
Cuisine American
Course Dessert
Calories 260

Ingredients

  • 2 3.5 oz package of instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 8 oz container of COOL WHIP, thawed
  • 3 cups milk
  • 2 sleeves graham cracker squares
  • 1 tub chocolate frosting
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Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, mix together the pudding mix, milk and Cool Whip.
  • In an 9 x 13 baking dish, arrange a single layer of graham cracker squares on the bottom.
  • Break them up to get enough crackers to cover the bottom of your dish.
  • Spread half of the pudding mixture on top of the crackers.
  • Layer another layer of graham crackers over the pudding mixture.
  • Then layer the other half of the pudding mixture on top of crackers.
  • Top with a final layer of graham crackers.
  • Put plastic wrap over dish and put in fridge for about 30 min to an hour to allow pudding to set.
  • When ready, put the tub of chocolate frosting in the microwave for about 15 seconds to soften without the foil or lid
  • Stir frosting. It should be easily spreadable now.
  • Remove plastic wrap from dish and evenly spread chocolate frosting all over the top layer of graham crackers.
  • Place plastic wrap over top of dish and put back in fridge overnight.
  • This gets better over time. The graham crackers need time to soften up.
  • When ready, slice and serve!

Nutrition Facts

Calories 260kcal, Carbohydrates 44g, Protein 4g, Fat 8g, Saturated Fat 4g, Cholesterol 12mg, Sodium 234mg, Potassium 183mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 37g, Vitamin A 176IU, Calcium 123mg, Iron 1mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Desserts on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you create delicious desserts on a budget and do not require a ton of time. Together, we are going to make something sweet that the entire family will love!

4.87 from 30 votes (25 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Carrie says:

    5 stars
    fantastic

  2. Roger says:

    5 stars
    I loved these

  3. Brandy says:

    5 stars
    We loved this easy dessert.

  4. Sarah says:

    5 stars
    I’ve been making this for years. Always a crowd pleaser

    1. Carrie says:

      Awesome! We love it too!

  5. Alesha says:

    I don’t have a microwave, what is another way to make the icing spreadable?

    1. Carrie says:

      You can heat it up on the oven.

    2. Zelda says:

      Put icing into small bowl and leave it to soften in a larger bowl with hot water in it.

  6. Sydney schmidt says:

    I have making this dessert for at least 30 years. It’s my go to dessert for all gathering. My grandkids always request it. Its delicious!!

  7. Sandra Grissett says:

    5 stars
    I made this for New Year’s Eve and everyone loved it. It was a smash!!! Thank you