Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No-bake dessert—super easy to make
- Layers of creamy filling, graham crackers, and chocolate topping
- A great alternative to traditional eclairs
- Can be made ahead of time, perfect for gatherings
- A crowd-pleaser with a rich, indulgent flavor
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Graham crackers
- Vanilla instant pudding mix
- Milk
- Cool Whip
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Chocolate frosting
Directions
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, mix the instant pudding mix with milk and whisk until thickened.
- Add the cream cheese: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Then, fold in the Cool Whip.
- Combine the mixtures: Fold the pudding mixture into the cream cheese and Cool Whip mixture. Stir until smooth.
- Assemble the cake: Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with a layer of graham crackers. Spread half of the creamy mixture over the crackers. Add another layer of graham crackers, then spread the remaining creamy mixture on top.
- Top with frosting: Place another layer of graham crackers on top, then spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top.
- Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and the layers set.
- Serve and enjoy! Slice into squares and enjoy the creamy, indulgent layers.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12–16
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- Flavor Twist: Add a layer of fruit, like sliced bananas or strawberries, between the pudding layers.
- Peanut Butter Variation: Mix in some peanut butter into the pudding filling for a peanut butter eclair cake.
- Chocolate Lovers: Use chocolate pudding mix instead of vanilla for a richer, more chocolatey flavor.
- Lighter Version: Use low-fat cream cheese, sugar-free pudding mix, and reduced-fat Cool Whip for a lighter version of the cake.
- Nutty Topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts or toffee bits on top of the chocolate frosting for a crunchy contrast.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover the cake to keep it fresh.
- Reheating: This is a chilled dessert and should be served cold, so no reheating is necessary.
FAQs
Can I use regular pudding mix instead of instant?
It’s best to use instant pudding mix, as regular pudding requires cooking. Instant pudding sets without heat, making it perfect for this no-bake recipe.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this dessert needs to chill for at least 4 hours, making it perfect for preparing the day before an event.
Do I have to use Cool Whip?
Cool Whip can be substituted with whipped heavy cream, but the texture may be slightly different.
Can I make the chocolate topping from scratch?
Yes, you can make your own chocolate ganache or frosting if you prefer a homemade topping.
What type of graham crackers should I use?
You can use regular graham crackers or cinnamon-flavored ones for a slightly different taste.
Can I freeze this dessert?
While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze the eclair cake for up to a month. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Can I use a different type of frosting?
You can use any type of frosting you prefer, including homemade chocolate ganache or even a caramel topping.
How can I make this gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free graham crackers to make this dessert gluten-free.
Can I use a different type of pudding flavor?
Yes, you can substitute vanilla pudding with other flavors like chocolate, banana, or butterscotch for a fun twist.
Is there a way to make this less sweet?
You can reduce the powdered sugar or use a sugar substitute to lower the sweetness.
Conclusion
Eclair cake is a crowd-pleasing dessert that offers the flavors of a traditional eclair without any baking! With its creamy filling, graham cracker layers, and smooth chocolate frosting, this no-bake treat is perfect for any occasion. Easy to make ahead and loved by all, this recipe is sure to be a family favorite for years to come!
Eclair Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings
- Category: Dessert, No-Bake
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Eclair Cake is a no-bake dessert that brings the classic eclair flavors into an easy-to-make layered cake. With a creamy vanilla filling, soft graham cracker layers, and a rich chocolate frosting, this treat is perfect for gatherings and a family favorite. No baking required—just some chilling time for a delicious, indulgent dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 box graham crackers (about 14 sheets)
- 1 package vanilla instant pudding mix (3.4 oz)
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tub Cool Whip (8 oz)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 can chocolate frosting (16 oz)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and milk until thickened.
- Add the cream cheese: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Then, fold in the Cool Whip.
- Combine the mixtures: Gently fold the pudding mixture into the cream cheese and Cool Whip mixture until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble the cake:
- Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with a layer of graham crackers.
- Spread half of the creamy mixture over the graham crackers.
- Add another layer of graham crackers, followed by the remaining creamy mixture.
- Top with frosting: Place a final layer of graham crackers on top and spread the chocolate frosting evenly across the top.
- Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice into squares and enjoy the creamy, indulgent layers.
Notes
- Flavor Variations:
- Add fruit like sliced bananas or strawberries between the layers for a fresh twist.
- For a peanut butter variation, mix peanut butter into the pudding filling.
- For a chocolate version, use chocolate pudding mix instead of vanilla.
- Make Ahead: This dessert is perfect for making ahead, as it needs chilling time to set.
- Lighter Version: Swap out full-fat ingredients for lighter versions like low-fat cream cheese and sugar-free pudding mix.
