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Creamy no-bake dessert

Featured in Bake Something Special.

No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake is a simple and delicious dessert that brings together layers of graham crackers, smooth vanilla pudding, and rich chocolate frosting for a creamy treat everyone will love. Perfect for any occasion, this quick dessert requires no baking and is ideal for summer gatherings or family dinners. Simply assemble the layers, refrigerate for at least four hours (or overnight), and serve chilled. With minimal effort, this dessert is an easy way to impress with its irresistible flavor and creamy texture everyone will enjoy.
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Rose
Updated on Thu, 13 Mar 2025 17:23:28 GMT
No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake Pin it
No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake | lovelylifewithrose.com

Creating a No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake brings back memories of summer gatherings and family celebrations. This delightful dessert transforms simple ingredients into elegant layers of graham crackers, silky vanilla pudding, and rich chocolate frosting. Perfect for those moments when you need an impressive dessert without turning on the oven.

I've made this cake countless times for family gatherings, and it consistently disappears first from the dessert table. My nieces particularly love helping arrange the graham crackers, making it a wonderful family activity.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Creates the creamy filling backbone; always use instant, not cook-and-serve
  • Cold Milk: Must be very cold to properly set the pudding; whole milk produces the richest results
  • Whipped Topping: Lightens the pudding mixture; thaw completely in refrigerator
  • Graham Crackers: Choose fresh, unbroken sheets; honey-flavored works best
  • Cocoa Powder: Dutch-processed gives the smoothest chocolate flavor
  • Powdered Sugar: Sifting prevents lumps in the frosting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Pudding Preparation
Whisk pudding mix with cold milk until it starts to thicken. Fold in whipped topping using gentle, sweeping motions.
Step 2: Layer Assembly
Create base layer with whole graham crackers. Spread half the pudding mixture evenly. Repeat layers, ending with crackers.
Step 3: Frosting Creation
Combine dry ingredients first. Add wet ingredients gradually for smooth consistency. Spread evenly over top layer.

My grandmother always said the secret to this cake's success lies in patience - letting it chill overnight transforms the texture completely. The graham crackers become perfectly tender, just like traditional éclair pastry.

Storage and Serving Tips

  • Cover tightly with plastic wrap while chilling
  • Cut with a sharp knife dipped in hot water
  • Serve straight from the refrigerator

The cake actually improves over the first 24 hours as flavors meld and textures develop.

After years of making this dessert, I've learned that its beauty lies in its simplicity. While fancy desserts have their place, there's something magical about how these humble ingredients come together to create something truly special. It's become my go-to recipe for potlucks and family gatherings, never failing to impress while being refreshingly easy to prepare.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, it's best prepared the day before serving to allow the layers to set.
→ Can I use different pudding flavors?
Yes, you can substitute vanilla pudding with chocolate or butterscotch for variety.
→ What if my frosting is too thick?
Add a bit of extra milk to reach your desired consistency.
→ Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Yes, you can substitute store-bought whipped topping with homemade whipped cream.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake

Creamy layers with pudding and chocolate frosting.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Rose

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 2 packets (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
02 3 cups of chilled milk
03 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
04 1 box of graham crackers

→ Chocolate Frosting

05 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
06 1 cup powdered sugar
07 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
08 3 tablespoons milk
09 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 01

In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla pudding mixes with the cold milk. Whisk the mixture until smooth and thickened, then carefully fold in the whipped topping to create a creamy texture.

Step 02

Using a 9×13-inch dish, place a layer of graham crackers at the bottom. Evenly spread half of the prepared pudding mixture over the crackers. Add another layer of graham crackers on top, followed by the remaining pudding mixture. Finish with a final layer of graham crackers.

Step 03

In a medium bowl, combine the unsweetened cocoa powder and powdered sugar. Stir in the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until the frosting is smooth and easy to spread.

Step 04

Carefully spread the chocolate frosting over the topmost layer of graham crackers. Cover the dish and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight, so the layers can set and soften.

Step 05

Once the dessert is thoroughly chilled and set, cut it into slices and serve it cold!

Notes

  1. The cake requires at least 4 hours of refrigeration, but overnight chilling works best.
  2. If your frosting is too thick, add a little extra milk to make it easy to spread.
  3. For variety, try swapping the vanilla pudding with chocolate or butterscotch pudding.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy
  • May contain gluten (if non-gluten-free graham crackers are used)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~