No Bake Eclair Cake Recipe

Dreamy No Bake Éclair Cake Recipe: A Sweet Family Favorite

Sweet dreams come alive with this no bake eclair cake that melts hearts instantly.

Layers of creamy goodness promise pure indulgence without turning on a single oven.

Minimal ingredients create maximum satisfaction in every delightful bite.

Pudding, graham crackers, and whipped topping dance together in a chilled symphony of flavors.

Cool kitchen skills meet classic dessert magic through this simple yet impressive treat.

Pastry lovers will appreciate how quickly this delectable creation comes together.

Each spoonful promises a decadent escape that feels like a celebration of deliciousness.

FAQs

  • What ingredients do I need for this No Bake Eclair Cake?

You’ll need instant vanilla pudding mix, milk, whipped topping, graham crackers, and chocolate frosting. These simple ingredients create a delicious dessert without any baking.

  • Is this dessert difficult to make?

Not at all! This recipe is super easy and requires no baking. You just need to layer ingredients and let the refrigerator do the work. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a quick dessert.

  • How long can I keep this dessert in the refrigerator?

The No Bake Eclair Cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just keep it covered to maintain its texture and freshness.

No-Bake Éclair Cake Layers to Savor

  • Whip Up Quickly: No baking required, making this dessert a breeze to prepare with minimal kitchen effort and maximum deliciousness.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and summer parties, this dessert appeals to both kids and adults with its classic eclair-inspired flavors.
  • Minimal Ingredients: Uses simple, readily available pantry staples like graham crackers, pudding mix, and whipped topping, saving you time and money on special ingredients.
  • Chill and Serve: The make-ahead nature of this recipe allows you to prepare it in advance, giving you more time to enjoy with friends and family instead of last-minute dessert stress.

Ingredients for No-Bake Éclair Cake

Base Ingredients:
  • Graham Crackers: Classic sweet crackers that form the layers of this no-bake dessert.
  • Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Provides the creamy, smooth foundation for the cake's filling.
  • Milk: Helps create the pudding mixture with a rich and smooth consistency.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Whipped Topping: Adds lightness and a fluffy texture to the pudding mixture.
  • Chocolate Frosting: Delivers a rich and sweet chocolate layer on top of the cake.
Optional Garnish:
  • No additional garnish mentioned in the recipe.

How to Assemble No-Bake Éclair Cake

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Pudding Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, vigorously whisk the pudding mix and milk until the mixture transforms into a thick, luxurious consistency.

Gently fold in the whipped topping, creating a smooth and velvety cream that will be the heart of your no-bake dessert.

Step 2: Create First Graham Cracker Layer

Carefully line the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish with a neat arrangement of graham crackers, ensuring complete coverage of the dish’s base.

Step 3: Build Delicious Layers

Generously spread half of the pudding mixture over the graham cracker foundation.

Add another precise layer of graham crackers, then pour the remaining pudding mixture.

Top with a final layer of graham crackers, creating a delightful multi-layered dessert.

Step 4: Crown with Chocolate Frosting

Evenly distribute the chocolate frosting across the top layer of graham crackers, creating a smooth and enticing chocolate surface that will make mouths water.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of 4 hours.

During this time, the graham crackers will soften and absorb the creamy pudding, transforming into a cake-like texture that melts in your mouth.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Remove from the refrigerator, slice into perfect squares, and serve this cool, refreshing dessert chilled.

Enjoy the creamy, chocolatey goodness that requires no baking!

Tips for No-Bake Éclair Cake

  • Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours to ensure graham crackers become deliciously soft and cake-like.
  • Whisk pudding mix and milk thoroughly, then gently fold in whipped topping to achieve a creamy, lump-free texture.
  • Arrange graham crackers evenly in the baking dish to create uniform layers and prevent gaps in the dessert.
  • Keep the eclair cake refrigerated until serving to maintain its cool, refreshing taste and ideal consistency.
  • Prepare this dessert a day in advance for even better flavor melding and easier serving at gatherings.

Variation Ideas for No-Bake Éclair Cake

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers or digestive cookies made from almond or rice flour.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut milk pudding mix and dairy-free whipped topping made from coconut cream. Swap chocolate frosting with dairy-free vegan chocolate spread.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Select sugar-free pudding mix, use sugar-free whipped topping, and choose a low-sugar chocolate frosting alternative.
  • Tropical Remix: Incorporate coconut instant pudding mix instead of vanilla, add crushed pineapple between layers, and top with toasted coconut flakes for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions for No-Bake Éclair Cake

  • Party Platter Perfection: Arrange slices on a beautiful cake stand with fresh berries scattered around for a stunning dessert centerpiece.
  • Elegant Garnish Twist: Sprinkle chocolate shavings or crushed nuts on top for added texture and gourmet touch.
  • Companion Pairings: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of coffee to complement the creamy eclair cake's rich flavor.
  • Portion Play: Cut into smaller bite-sized squares for easy serving at potlucks, birthday parties, or casual gatherings.

Storage Tips for No-Bake Éclair Cake

  • Store the no-bake eclair cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping it tightly covered to prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap the cake securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut the cake into slices and store them in separate sealed containers or wrap each slice individually with plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go servings.
  • This dessert is best enjoyed cold directly from the refrigerator. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the graham crackers soggy and change the texture of the pudding layer.
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No Bake Eclair Cake Recipe

No Bake Eclair Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Cool no bake eclair cake delights dessert enthusiasts with layers of creamy pudding and graham crackers. Chilled perfection awaits when refrigerated and topped with chocolate glaze, promising pure indulgence for family gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups milk
  • 2 boxes instant vanilla pudding mix (3.4 ounces/96 grams each)
  • 1 box graham crackers

Dairy and Topping:

  • 1 container whipped topping (8 ounces/226 grams), thawed

Chocolate Coating:

  • 1 tub chocolate frosting (or homemade chocolate ganache)

Instructions

  1. Whisk pudding mix and milk in a large bowl until it reaches a thick, creamy consistency, creating a smooth base for the dessert.
  2. Create the first foundation layer by carefully placing graham crackers across the entire bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring complete coverage.
  3. Generously spread half of the prepared pudding mixture over the graham cracker base, distributing evenly to create a uniform layer.
  4. Add a second layer of graham crackers directly on top of the pudding mixture, covering the entire surface.
  5. Pour the remaining pudding mixture over the second graham cracker layer, smoothing it with a spatula to create an even surface.
  6. Complete the dessert with a final layer of graham crackers, positioning them carefully to cover the entire pudding surface.
  7. Carefully spread chocolate frosting across the top layer of graham crackers, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  8. Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing the graham crackers to soften and the layers to meld together.
  9. Once set, slice into squares and serve chilled for a refreshing and creamy dessert experience.

Notes

  • Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like gluten-free graham-style crackers or digestive biscuits for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Reduce sugar content by using sugar-free pudding mix and low-fat whipped topping for a lighter dessert option.
  • Enhance flavor by adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top or drizzling caramel sauce between layers for extra indulgence.
  • Experiment with different frosting flavors like vanilla, salted caramel, or cream cheese to create unique variations of this classic no-bake dessert.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Refrigerating
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 269
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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