Heavenly No Bake Eclair Cake Recipe: Sweet Dream Come True

Sweet summer memories flood back when I whip up this no bake eclair cake that’s ridiculously simple and delightfully creamy.

Layers of graham crackers and vanilla pudding create a dreamy dessert without turning on the oven.

Chilled treats always win during warm days, making this recipe a total game-changer.

Cool whip adds magical lightness to each delectable bite.

Smooth and decadent, the dessert comes together in minutes with minimal effort.

Chocolate drizzle on top makes everything better, turning an ordinary dessert into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for instant dessert happiness.

FAQs

• Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream works great and can make the dessert taste even more fresh and rich.

• Is this dessert kid-friendly?

Yes, this no-bake eclair cake is perfect for kids. It’s sweet, creamy, and doesn’t require any complicated cooking techniques.

• How can I tell if the pudding mixture is properly mixed?

The pudding should look smooth, thick, and have no lumps. When you fold in the whipped topping, it should blend completely without streaks.

• What if I don't have a microwave to soften the chocolate frosting?

You can let the frosting sit at room temperature for a few minutes or gently warm it using a double boiler method to achieve a spreadable consistency.

Why No Bake Eclair Cake Wins Hearts

• Conquer Complexity-Free Dessert: This no-bake eclair cake eliminates complicated baking steps, making it perfect for anyone who wants a delicious treat without wrestling with an oven.
• Customize with Ease: Swap graham crackers for different cookies or experiment with chocolate, vanilla, or butterscotch pudding to create your unique dessert masterpiece.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare this dessert in minutes with minimal ingredients, making it ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or spontaneous sweet cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Chill and Serve Strategy: Refrigeration transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, dreamy dessert that gets better with time, developing rich flavors and a smooth, cake-like texture.

Ingredients For No Bake Eclair Cake

• Graham Crackers: Classic sweet crackers that form the foundation of this no-bake dessert.

• Instant Pudding Mix: Creamy mix that provides rich flavor and helps set the dessert.
• Milk: Smooth liquid that activates the pudding mix and creates a silky texture.
• Whipped Topping: Light and fluffy ingredient that adds airiness to the pudding mixture.

• Chocolate Frosting: Sweet and rich chocolate layer that creates a decadent finish to the cake.

How To Make No Bake Eclair Cake

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Pudding Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine instant pudding mix with milk. Whisk enthusiastically until the mixture transforms into a smooth, luscious blend with a thick, velvety consistency.

Continue whisking for about two minutes to ensure perfect smoothness.

Step 2: Fold in Fluffy Clouds

Gently fold whipped topping into the pudding mixture.

Use a soft, sweeping motion to integrate the topping completely, creating a light and airy cream that looks like delicate clouds.

Step 3: Create First Cracker Foundation

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and arrange a neat layer of graham crackers across the entire bottom.

Ensure the crackers create a complete, even base that covers the entire surface of the dish.

Step 4: Spread First Pudding Layer

Carefully pour and spread half of the prepared pudding mixture over the graham cracker foundation.

Use a spatula to distribute the cream evenly, making sure every cracker gets coated.

Step 5: Add Second Cracker Layer

Construct a second layer of graham crackers directly on top of the pudding mixture.

Position the crackers carefully to create a uniform surface.

Step 6: Pour Remaining Pudding

Distribute the remaining pudding mixture over the second cracker layer.

Smooth the surface with a spatula to create a perfectly even top.

Step 7: Finish with Final Cracker Layer

Place the final layer of graham crackers on top of the pudding, creating the cake’s crowning layer.

Step 8: Drizzle Chocolate Topping

Microwave chocolate frosting for approximately 15 seconds to achieve a pourable consistency. Carefully spread the warm frosting evenly across the top layer, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 9: Chill and Set

Cover the dish and refrigerate for a minimum of four hours. For optimal flavor and texture, letting it rest overnight is recommended.

The cooling time allows the layers to meld and create a dreamy, cake-like dessert.

Tips For Perfect No Bake Eclair Cake

• Chill the dessert overnight for maximum flavor absorption and soft, cake-like texture.
• Use sugar-free pudding mix and whipped topping for a lighter, diabetic-friendly version.
• Ensure graham crackers are evenly layered to create a consistent base and prevent gaps.
• Warm chocolate frosting slightly before spreading to achieve a smooth, even coating.
• Experiment with different flavor pudding mixes like vanilla, chocolate, or butterscotch for variety.

Fun Twists On No Bake Eclair Cake

• Gluten-Free Graham Cracker Alternative: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers or gluten-free vanilla wafers for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Sugar Version: Use sugar-free instant pudding mix and sugar-free whipped topping to reduce overall sugar content for diabetic-friendly option.
• Chocolate Lovers Edition: Swap vanilla pudding with chocolate pudding mix and use chocolate graham crackers for an intensified chocolate experience.
• Fruit Infusion Variation: Layer sliced fresh strawberries or bananas between pudding layers for added natural sweetness and texture.

What To Serve With Eclair Cake

• Dessert Picnic Paradise: Pack this eclair cake in a sealed container for a refreshing summer potluck treat that everyone will adore.
• Elegant Brunch Centerpiece: Slice into beautiful squares and garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves for a sophisticated dessert presentation that impresses guests.
• Family Movie Night Delight: Cut into individual portions and serve with cold glasses of milk, creating a fun and nostalgic dessert experience that brings everyone together.
• Afternoon Tea Companion: Pair with a light herbal tea or coffee, transforming this simple dessert into an elegant afternoon indulgence that feels special and comforting.

How To Store No Bake Eclair Cake

• Refrigerate the No Bake Eclair Cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain its freshness and prevent drying out.
• Store the cake in the original 9×13-inch baking dish, tightly covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep moisture locked in.
• Keep the dessert in the coldest part of the refrigerator, away from strong-smelling foods that might transfer flavors.
• Transfer individual slices to sealed containers if you prefer smaller portions for easy grab-and-go snacking.

Easy No Bake Eclair Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

No bake eclair cake merges classic French pastry flavors with American dessert simplicity. Cool cream layers and graham crackers create a luscious chilled treat you’ll crave all summer long.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 box graham crackers
• 2 (3.5 ounces/100 grams) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
• 3 cups cold milk

Dairy and Topping:

• 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) container of whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed

Finishing Ingredient:

• 1 tub chocolate frosting

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Whisk instant pudding mix with milk in a large bowl until it transforms into a silky, luxurious consistency, approximately 2 minutes.
2. Gently incorporate whipped topping into the pudding mixture, ensuring a smooth and uniform blend.
3. Create the first foundation layer by arranging graham crackers across the entire bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Lavishly distribute half of the creamy pudding mixture over the graham cracker base, covering evenly.
5. Construct a second graham cracker layer, carefully positioning crackers to create a complete surface.
6. Generously pour the remaining pudding mixture over the crackers, ensuring full and even coverage.
7. Arrange a final layer of graham crackers as the crowning layer of the dessert.
8. Soften chocolate frosting in the microwave for 15 seconds, allowing it to reach a pourable consistency.
9. Carefully drizzle and spread the melted frosting across the top layer, creating a smooth chocolate glaze.
10. Seal the dish with a protective cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly.

Notes

• Customize your pudding flavor by swapping vanilla instant pudding with chocolate, butterscotch, or pistachio for a unique twist.
• Keep graham crackers intact while layering by gently breaking them to fit perfectly in the baking dish without crumbling.
• Use low-fat or sugar-free pudding mix and whipped topping for a lighter, diet-friendly version of this dessert.
• Enhance the chocolate frosting by adding a sprinkle of sea salt or crushed nuts on top for extra texture and depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 293 kcal
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg