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A 9x13 inch pan of layered eclair dessert before the chocolate topping is added, showing the creamy vanilla filling and graham crackers.
FL Recipes

No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake: The Ultimate Easy Dessert

This No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake recipe is the ultimate easy dessert! Featuring layers of graham crackers, creamy vanilla pudding, and a rich chocolate ganache, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Eclair Cake Layers
  • 1 box (16 oz) graham crackers
  • 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix Ensure it is instant, not cook-and-serve.
  • 3.5 cups cold whole milk
  • 1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip) Thawed.
Rich Chocolate Ganache Topping
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • 2 Mixing Bowls
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Small Saucepan

Method
 

Cake Assembly
  1. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers across the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish, breaking crackers as needed to cover the entire surface.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and the cold milk for about 2 minutes, until it starts to thicken.
  3. Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture until it's fully combined and smooth.
  4. Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the graham cracker base. Top with a second layer of graham crackers.
  5. Spread the remaining pudding mixture over the second layer of crackers. Finish with a third and final layer of graham crackers.
  6. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes while you prepare the ganache.
Ganache and Finishing
  1. Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a medium, heat-proof bowl.
  2. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer around the edges. Do not let it come to a rolling boil.
  3. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let the mixture sit undisturbed for 5 minutes. This allows the heat to gently melt the chocolate.
  4. After 5 minutes, whisk the mixture until it becomes a smooth, glossy ganache.
  5. Pour the warm ganache over the top layer of graham crackers and spread evenly.
  6. Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight, to allow the crackers to soften and the flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalProtein: 4gFat: 22gFiber: 2g

Notes

Chill Time is Key: Don't skip the overnight chilling step! It is essential for the graham crackers to soften to the perfect cake-like consistency.
Clean Slices: For perfectly clean slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it dry before each cut.
Storage: Store the cake tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Keyword chocolate eclair cake,icebox cake,no bake eclair cake

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