No Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake is a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that offers all the flavors of a traditional chocolate éclair without the need for baking. With layers of creamy vanilla pudding, graham crackers, and a rich chocolate frosting topping, this dessert is perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or as a sweet treat for any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 box graham crackers
- 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant vanilla pudding
- 3 cups milk
- 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip
- 1 can chocolate frosting
Directions
- In a medium bowl, combine the instant pudding mix and milk. Whisk until smooth and well-blended.
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- In a 9×13-inch pan, arrange a layer of graham crackers on the bottom of the pan.
- Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the graham crackers.
- Add another layer of graham crackers on top of the pudding mixture.
- Spread the remaining pudding mixture over the second layer of graham crackers.
- Top with a final layer of graham crackers.
- Heat the chocolate frosting in the microwave for 30 seconds, stirring halfway through to ensure it softens and becomes pourable. Pour the frosting over the top layer of graham crackers, smoothing it out evenly.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 0 minutes
- Total time: 4 hours (for refrigeration)
- Servings: 12
Variations
- Different flavor pudding: Try using chocolate pudding instead of vanilla for a richer, more chocolate-forward dessert.
- Add fruit: For a fruity twist, layer in fresh berries such as strawberries or raspberries between the pudding layers.
- Nutty topping: Add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the top layer before refrigerating for extra crunch and flavor.
- Whipped cream: For added richness, top with homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip, if you prefer a more traditional option.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Keep the cake covered and refrigerated. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: This is a no-bake dessert, so there is no need to reheat. Simply remove it from the fridge and enjoy cold.
10 FAQs
- Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead of time. Allow it to refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best results. - Can I use a different type of frosting?
Yes, if you prefer, you can use a homemade chocolate ganache or any chocolate frosting of your choice. - Can I make this without Cool Whip?
You can substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream or a non-dairy whipped topping. - Is this dessert gluten-free?
No, graham crackers contain gluten. However, you can use gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free version. - Can I freeze this dessert?
While this dessert is best served fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. - Can I use low-fat or fat-free versions of the pudding or Cool Whip?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat or fat-free versions of these ingredients, though it may slightly affect the texture and richness of the dessert. - How long do I need to refrigerate the cake?
It’s best to refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal for the flavors to fully develop. - Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant pudding?
Yes, you can make homemade vanilla pudding, but the texture and consistency may differ slightly from the instant pudding. - How do I cut the cake neatly?
Use a sharp knife and make clean, straight cuts. Let the cake set in the fridge to firm up before cutting for clean slices. - Can I make this without graham crackers?
You can try using cookies like digestive biscuits or even sponge cake layers as a substitute, though the texture may differ.
Conclusion
No Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake is the perfect dessert for those who crave a delicious, creamy treat without the hassle of baking. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow directions, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to whip up for a party or a satisfying treat to enjoy at home, this chocolate éclair cake is sure to be a hit.
PrintNo Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This easy no-bake dessert is a creamy and delicious treat made with layers of graham crackers, vanilla pudding, and chocolate frosting. It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 box graham crackers
- 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant vanilla pudding
- 3 cups milk
- 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip
- 1 can chocolate frosting
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine instant pudding mix and milk. Whisk until smooth.
- Fold in Cool Whip until well combined.
- In a 9×13 inch pan, layer graham crackers on the bottom.
- Spread half of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers.
- Add another layer of graham crackers on top of the pudding mixture.
- Spread the remaining pudding mixture over the second layer of graham crackers.
- Top with a final layer of graham crackers.
- Heat the chocolate frosting in the microwave for 30 seconds, stirring halfway through. Pour over the top layer of graham crackers.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- You can also add a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers on top for extra texture.
- For a richer flavor, use a homemade chocolate ganache instead of the canned frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes