No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake: The Foolproof Graham Cracker Dessert
You can make this incredibly creamy, layered No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake that tastes just like classic eclairs. We fixed the common pitfalls to give you a foolproof recipe using graham crackers, vanilla pudding, and rich chocolate frosting. It is a quick potluck dessert that requires no oven time.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 min
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 (14.3 ounce) box graham crackers (about 40 full sheets)
- 1 (3.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 (16 ounce) container chocolate frosting
Instructions
- Prepare the vanilla layer: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and 2 cups of cold milk for about two minutes until the mixture thickens. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until just combined. Set this aside.
- Prepare the chocolate layer: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and 1 1/2 cups of cold milk for about two minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Assemble the first layer: Line the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish with a single layer of graham crackers, breaking them as needed to cover the bottom completely.
- Add the vanilla filling: Spread half of the vanilla pudding mixture evenly over the graham cracker layer.
- Add the second cracker layer: Place another layer of graham crackers over the vanilla filling.
- Add the chocolate filling: Spread all of the chocolate pudding mixture evenly over this second cracker layer.
- Add the final cracker layer: Top with a third layer of graham crackers.
- Add the final topping: Spread the remaining half of the vanilla pudding mixture over the chocolate layer. Then, spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top.
- Chill the cake: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is essential for the graham crackers to soften, creating that cake-like texture.
- Serve: Cut into squares and serve your easy chocolate dessert cold.
Notes
- For the best cake-like texture, you must chill this dessert for a minimum of 6 hours. Do not skip this step.
- If you prefer a slightly firmer chocolate topping, you can gently warm the frosting in the microwave for 15 seconds before spreading it on top.
- This is an excellent make ahead dessert; it holds up well in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 52
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 20