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
Ingredients Behind 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: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
Flavor Boosters to Pair with No-Bake Eclair Cake
Side Dishes to Accompany No-Bake Eclair Cake
How to Preserve No-Bake Eclair Cake Freshness
FAQs
Graham crackers are made from whole wheat flour, graham flour, sugar, oil, and honey, creating a sweet, slightly nutty base for desserts.
Yes, you can experiment with vanilla, chocolate, or butterscotch instant pudding mix to create different flavor variations of the eclair cake.
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.
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
- 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
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
- Combine instant pudding mix and cold milk in a spacious mixing vessel, whisking vigorously until the mixture achieves a luxurious, velvety consistency.
- Gently incorporate whipped topping into the pudding, stirring until a uniform, silky texture emerges.
- Arrange the first layer of graham crackers across the bottom of a 9×13-inch serving dish, creating a solid foundation.
- Generously distribute half of the prepared pudding mixture over the graham cracker base, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Position a second layer of graham crackers atop the pudding, creating a sturdy intermediate stratum.
- Lavish the remaining pudding mixture over this layer, spreading with a smooth, deliberate motion.
- Crown the dessert with a final graham cracker layer, forming a pristine surface.
- For the ganache, merge chocolate chips with heavy cream and milk in a microwave-safe container.
- Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst until the mixture transforms into a glossy, seamless sauce.
- Cascade the chocolate ganache across the top layer, using gentle sweeping motions to achieve uniform distribution.
- Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing flavors to meld and texture to set.
- 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
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.