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.
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.
Table of contents
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.
Ingredients
- Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix. Try Homemade Vanilla Pudding Recipe.
- Cool Whip. You can also use Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe.
- Milk. Whole Milk is what I like to use.
- Graham Cracker Squares. Make sure to use honey grahams.
- Chocolate Frosting. Any store-bought brand you like is fine to use.
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
Step 1. Use a medium bowl and mix together the pudding mix, milk and Cool Whip.
Step 2. Line the pan with graham crackers.
Step 3. Next, spread half of the pudding mixture on top of the crackers.
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.
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.
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.
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
- Easy No Bake Cookies
- Quick and Easy Fruity Pebble Bars Recipe
- No Bake Oreo Pie Recipe
- No Bake Twinkie Cake
- Easy No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
This super easy Eclair Cake recipe will be a family favorite. Make it today for a fantastic dessert!
No Bake Eclair Cake Recipe
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
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!
fantastic
I loved these
We loved this easy dessert.
I’ve been making this for years. Always a crowd pleaser
Awesome! We love it too!
I don’t have a microwave, what is another way to make the icing spreadable?
You can heat it up on the oven.
Put icing into small bowl and leave it to soften in a larger bowl with hot water in it.
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!!
I made this for New Year’s Eve and everyone loved it. It was a smash!!! Thank you