No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake
Perfect for potlucks, holidays, birthdays, or just a lazy weekend treat, this dessert delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. Best of all? There’s no oven required. That’s right—just layer, chill, and dig in!
Yield: 12
Equipment
- - Mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Spatula
- Spoon or offset knife (for spreading frosting)
- Plastic wrap or foil (for covering while chilling)
Materials
- 2 3.4 oz packages instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk – Whole milk works best for richness.
- 1 8 oz container whipped topping – Like Cool Whip, thawed.
- 1 box graham crackers – Honey flavor works perfectly.
- 1 tub or can of chocolate frosting – Or make homemade ganache for a richer topping.
> Optional: Add a dash of vanilla extract to the pudding or top with mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or sprinkles for flair.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pudding Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and milk until smooth and thickened, about 2–3 minutes. Fold in the whipped topping until fully combined and fluffy.
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Step 2: Layer the Graham Crackers
- In a 9x13-inch baking dish, arrange a single layer of graham crackers on the bottom. Break them as needed to cover the surface completely.
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Step 3: Add Half the Pudding Mixture
- Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the graham crackers using a spatula.
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Step 4: Repeat Layers
- Add another layer of graham crackers, then the remaining pudding mixture. Finish with a final layer of graham crackers on top.
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Step 5: Add the Frosting
- Microwave the chocolate frosting (uncovered) for about 15–20 seconds to soften slightly. Stir, then pour and spread it evenly over the top layer of graham crackers.
- > Want to make homemade frosting? Heat ½ cup heavy cream and pour over 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Cool slightly and pour over the cake.
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Step 6: Chill
- Cover the dish with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best. This allows the graham crackers to soften into a cake-like texture.
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