No Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake has all the flavor and taste that a traditional eclair has but it could not be quicker and easier to create. The perfect no bake 15 minute dessert recipe.
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This No Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake is a wonderful dessert to make for company, pot lucks or group events because it is decadent and lush. It is layers of pudding, graham crackers and of course, rich chocolate. No bake desserts are so easy, here are a few no bake desserts to love.
Eclairs were believed to be invented by Marie-Antoine Carême, a pastry chef for French royalty.
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What We Love About This Eclair Cake Recipe
- 15 Minute Dessert: You do not need a lot of time to make this luscious dessert.
- Easy Ingredients: No need for complicated ingredients etc.
- Adaptable: Can make it lower calorie or use different flavors of pudding to make it different.
- Great for Parties: Wonderful for parties, pot lucks etc.
Ingredient Notes
- Pudding Mix: Two 3.5 boxes of Instant Pudding.
- Whipped Topping: Cool Whip, thaw it before using.
- Cocoa: A good quality cocoa powder.
Variations and Substitutions
- Use a low sugar or sugar free pudding mix.
- Milk Alternative can be great in this recipe: try almond, coconut or soy milk.
How to Make Eclair Desserts
These are the basic steps for making chocolate eclair cake no bake dessert. Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
STEP 1: COMBINE
First, in a large bowl, combine the pudding and milk. Whisk until stiff peaks forms and then fold in the whipped cream. Next, place graham crackers in the bottom of a 13X9 baking dish.
STEP 2: TOP
Place half of the pudding mixture on top of the graham crackers.Top with another layer of graham crackers and spread the remaining pudding mixture on top.Add a final layer of graham crackers on top.
STEP 3: CHOCOLATE FROSTING
Finally, boil the cocoa, milk, and granulated sugar together and then allow to cool for one minute. Next, add butter and vanilla extract. Lastly, pour over the final layer of graham crackers and place in the refrigerator overnight to chill.
Prep and Storage Tips for the Eclair Cake
HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME
The éclair cake can last four or five days in the refrigerator. Make sure that it is well wrapped or in an airtight container.
HOW TO STORE THIS CHOCOLATE ECLAIR CAKE RECIPE
Store in the 13X9 baking dish wrapped in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
HOW TO FREEZE THIS ECLAIR CAKE RECIPE
Of course, you can make this dessert in advance, wrap it tightly with foil and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Truly, there are a few things that you can do to make this recipe healthier. Try using a gluten free graham cracker. You can purchase them at the grocery store or you can make your own gluten free graham crackers. Also, try using a sugar free pudding mix and fat free whipped topping.
Indeed, try using a chocolate pudding, a french vanilla pudding or even a cheesecake pudding.
Of course, half the recipe by using half the ingredients and using a 9X9 inch pan or double the recipe card below by using two baking pans for a large gathering.
Yes, try using a butter cookie, or a wafer cookie in this no bake chocolate eclair cake.
Éclair is the French word for lightening. Traditional Éclairs and cream puffs are made from a dough called a choux.
Expert Tips for Making This Chocolate Eclair Cake Recipe
- Add Different Crackers: Cinnamon graham crackers, chocolate graham crackers or honey graham crackers.
- Short cut tip: Feel free to use a premade chocolate ganache, chocolate glaze or use a store bought chocolate frosting, warm in the microwave to make spreadable.
- Variation tip: Sprinkle a few tablespoons of chocolate chips or crumbled candy pieces on the pudding layer for added fun.
- Alternate ingredient: Replace the pudding with a pastry cream. You can buy store bought or make your own.
- Dietary consideration tip: Low fat milk is a great way to lower the fat and calories in this dish.
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No Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake
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Ingredients
Cake
- 7 ounces instant vanilla pudding, 2 boxes
- 3 cups milk
- 8 ounces whipped topping, one container
- 2 sleeves Graham crackers
Frosting
- ⅓ cup cocoa
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the pudding and milk. Whisk until combined.
- Gently fold in whipped topping.
- Place a single layer of graham crackers in the bottom of a 13×9 baking dish.
- Place half of the pudding mixture on top of the graham crackers.
- Top with another layer of graham crackers and spread the remaining pudding mixture on top.
- Add a final layer of graham crackers on top.
- Bring cocoa, milk, and sugar to a full rolling boil; boil about 1 minute, stirring very frequently.
- Remove from heat and cool one minute. Add butter and vanilla; stir until butter is melted.
- Pour chocolate topping over the top layer of graham crackers.
- Refrigerate over night.
Christina’s Notes
- Add Different Crackers: Cinnamon graham crackers, chocolate graham crackers or honey graham crackers.
- Short cut tip: Feel free to use a premade chocolate ganache, chocolate glaze or use a store bought chocolate frosting, warm in the microwave to make spreadable.
- Variation tip: Sprinkle a few tablespoons of chocolate chips or crumbled candy pieces on the pudding layer for added fun.
- Alternate ingredient: Replace the pudding with a pastry cream. You can buy store bought or make your own.
- Dietary consideration tip: Low fat milk is a great way to lower the fat and calories in this dish.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
Excellent! Easy to make and very addictive.
Glad you like it!
Sounds delicious and easy.
Thankyou!
Your recipes are so easy that I make them in last minute, and always keep the ingredients handy
I’m so glad you like the recipes! Thanks for letting me know! 🙂
I love this Easy Chocolate Eclair cake. It’s one of my favorites for summer! Thanks for posting.