Best No Bake Eclair Cake Recipe

The Dreamy No Bake Eclair Cake Recipe Anyone Can Master

Creamy layers of dreamy no bake eclair cake promise a dessert adventure that skips complicated cooking steps.

Delicate graham crackers form the perfect foundation for this sweet marvel.

Smooth vanilla pudding creates a luscious filling between crisp cookie layers.

Chocolate frosting adds rich decadence to every single bite.

Cool and refreshing, this dessert requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Whip up this crowd-pleasing treat in minutes and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

You’ll become the star of any gathering with this simple yet stunning no-bake sensation.

The Charm of No-Bake Eclair Cake

  • Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: This no-bake dessert delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for gatherings where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap out graham crackers for different cookies or add fresh berries between layers to create your own unique twist on this classic dessert.
  • Kid-Friendly Delight: Children will love helping prepare this simple recipe, making it an excellent activity for family bonding and introducing young ones to basic cooking skills.
  • Chill and Serve: The refrigerator does most of the work, allowing you to prepare this dessert ahead of time and reduce last-minute stress when entertaining guests.

Ingredients Behind No-Bake Eclair Cake

  • Instant Pudding Mix: A quick and convenient mix that helps create a smooth and creamy filling for the eclair cake.
  • Cold Milk: Provides the liquid base for the pudding and helps achieve the right consistency.
  • Whipped Topping: Adds a light and airy texture to the pudding mixture.
  • Graham Crackers: Serves as the cake's structural base and provides a classic, sweet foundation for the dessert.
  • Chocolate Chips, Heavy Cream, Milk: Creates a rich and glossy chocolate topping that adds decadence to the no-bake eclair cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions for No-Bake Eclair Cake

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Pudding Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine instant pudding mix with cold milk. Whisk vigorously until the mixture transforms into a thick, luscious texture.

Gently fold in whipped topping, creating a silky smooth consistency that will make your dessert irresistible.

Step 2: Create First Graham Cracker Base

Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish with a single layer of graham crackers.

Ensure the crackers cover the entire surface, creating a sturdy foundation for your no-bake eclair cake.

Step 3: Layer Pudding and Crackers

Spread half of the prepared pudding mixture evenly over the graham cracker base.

Top with another complete layer of graham crackers. Pour the remaining pudding mixture over this layer, creating a decadent middle section.

Step 4: Add Final Cracker Layer

Complete the cake by placing a final layer of graham crackers on top of the pudding, forming a beautiful top surface ready for the chocolate topping.

Step 5: Craft Chocolate Ganache

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine:
  • Chocolate chips
  • Heavy cream
  • Milk

Microwave and stir until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy, creating a rich chocolate coating.

Step 6: Finish and Chill

Pour the warm chocolate ganache over the top layer of graham crackers, spreading it evenly to create a beautiful, glossy finish. Refrigerate the dessert for a minimum of 4 hours or ideally overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the cake to set perfectly.

Tips to Bring Out No-Bake Eclair Cake Flavors

  • Chill the cake thoroughly to allow flavors to meld and graham crackers to soften perfectly.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother pudding mixture and easier mixing.
  • Ensure even layers by spreading pudding gently with an offset spatula for a professional look.
  • Replace graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Let the ganache cool slightly before pouring to prevent melting the pudding layer.

Flavor Boosters to Pair with No-Bake Eclair Cake

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers or gluten-free vanilla wafers for a celiac-friendly dessert.
  • Chocolate Banana Remix: Add sliced bananas between pudding layers for a fruity chocolate eclair cake variation.
  • Low-Sugar Adaptation: Use sugar-free instant pudding mix and sugar-free whipped topping to reduce overall sugar content.
  • Coconut Cream Alternative: Swap regular milk with coconut milk and add shredded coconut on top for a tropical-inspired version.

Side Dishes to Accompany No-Bake Eclair Cake

  • Sweet Picnic Delight: Pack this chilled dessert in portable containers for outdoor gatherings, perfect for summer potlucks and family reunions.
  • Elegant Dessert Plating: Slice into neat squares and garnish with fresh berries or mint leaves for a sophisticated presentation that looks professionally prepared.
  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Drizzle extra melted chocolate on top or sprinkle chocolate shavings for an intensified chocolate experience that will satisfy intense cocoa cravings.
  • Kid-Friendly Treat: Cut into smaller bite-sized pieces for children's parties, making it easy for little hands to enjoy this creamy, chocolatey dessert.

How to Preserve No-Bake Eclair Cake Freshness

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
  • Keep the No Bake Eclair Cake refrigerated at all times, as it contains dairy ingredients that can spoil quickly at room temperature.
  • Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

  • What are graham crackers made of?

Graham crackers are made from whole wheat flour, graham flour, sugar, oil, and honey, creating a sweet, slightly nutty base for desserts.

  • Can I use different pudding flavors for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with vanilla, chocolate, or butterscotch instant pudding mix to create different flavor variations of the eclair cake.

  • How do I prevent the graham crackers from getting too soggy?

Let the cake chill in the refrigerator for the recommended time, which allows the crackers to soften slightly without becoming mushy, creating the perfect texture.

  • Is this dessert kid-friendly?

Absolutely! This no-bake eclair cake is easy to make, doesn’t require an oven, and has simple ingredients that kids typically love, making it a great family-friendly dessert.

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Best No Bake Eclair Cake Recipe

Best No Bake Eclair Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

This classic No Bake Eclair Cake delights dessert enthusiasts with layers of graham crackers and creamy pudding. Chocolate ganache crowns this simple, elegant treat that delivers French-inspired indulgence without turning on the oven.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

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

Dairy Components:

  • 1 container whipped topping (8 ounces, thawed)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk (for chocolate ganache)

Chocolate Topping:

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Combine instant pudding mix and cold milk in a spacious mixing vessel, whisking vigorously until the mixture achieves a luxurious, velvety consistency.
  2. Gently incorporate whipped topping into the pudding, stirring until a uniform, silky texture emerges.
  3. Arrange the first layer of graham crackers across the bottom of a 9×13-inch serving dish, creating a solid foundation.
  4. Generously distribute half of the prepared pudding mixture over the graham cracker base, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  5. Position a second layer of graham crackers atop the pudding, creating a sturdy intermediate stratum.
  6. Lavish the remaining pudding mixture over this layer, spreading with a smooth, deliberate motion.
  7. Crown the dessert with a final graham cracker layer, forming a pristine surface.
  8. For the ganache, merge chocolate chips with heavy cream and milk in a microwave-safe container.
  9. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst until the mixture transforms into a glossy, seamless sauce.
  10. Cascade the chocolate ganache across the top layer, using gentle sweeping motions to achieve uniform distribution.
  11. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing flavors to meld and texture to set.
  12. Serve chilled, revealing a decadent, no-bake confection perfect for any gathering.

Notes

  • Customize the pudding flavor by using different instant pudding mix variations like chocolate, vanilla, or butterscotch for unique taste experiences.
  • Replace graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like gluten-free graham-style crackers or digestive biscuits for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Ensure the pudding mixture is completely smooth and lump-free by whisking vigorously and using cold milk straight from the refrigerator.
  • Chill the dessert overnight for maximum flavor absorption and a perfectly set texture that allows easy, clean slicing.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 28 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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