Description
A No-Bake Chocolate Éclair Cake is a dessert that mimics the flavors of a traditional chocolate éclair but in cake form. Instead of a pastry shell, graham crackers form the base layers. Between those crackers, there’s a creamy vanilla pudding filling, and the entire cake is topped with a smooth and decadent chocolate frosting. The result is a rich and creamy dessert that doesn’t require any baking and is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 (3.4 oz) boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 (8 oz) container of whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 box of graham crackers (about 14–16 full sheets)
For the Chocolate Frosting:
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pudding Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until evenly combined.
Step 2: Assemble the Cake
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange a single layer of graham crackers to cover the bottom. Break crackers as needed to fit.
- Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the graham crackers.
- Add a second layer of graham crackers on top of the pudding mixture.
- Spread the remaining pudding mixture over the second layer of graham crackers.
- Finish with a final layer of graham crackers.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Frosting
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is melted and smooth.
- Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
Step 4: Frost the Cake
- Pour the warm chocolate frosting over the top layer of graham crackers and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (or overnight) to allow the graham crackers to soften and the flavors to meld.
Notes
For even richer flavor, let the cake chill overnight—the graham crackers soften beautifully, giving it a true éclair-like texture. You can also switch up the topping with chocolate ganache or sprinkle crushed nuts for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (chilling required)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: No-Bake Éclair Cake, Chocolate Éclair Cake, Easy Éclair Cake Recipe