Description
If you’re looking for a no-bake dessert that’s guaranteed to impress and disappear fast, Chocolate Eclair Cake is the sweet classic you need. Imagine fluffy layers of creamy vanilla filling sandwiched between tender graham crackers, all topped with a luscious, glossy chocolate ganache. It tastes just like a classic French eclair, but it’s made in a pan—no pastry skills required! Chocolate Eclair Cake is beloved for good reason: it’s easy, it’s budget-friendly, and you can make it ahead for parties, holidays, or whenever you need an irresistible crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
24 graham crackers (about 3 sleeves)
2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups cold whole milk
12 oz Cool Whip (whipped topping)
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
¾ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch salt
Instructions
1. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, breaking pieces as needed to cover the entire base.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold whole milk for about 2 minutes, until thickened. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until completely combined and smooth.
3. Spread half of the vanilla filling evenly over the graham cracker layer. Add a second layer of graham crackers, then spread the remaining vanilla filling over that. Finish with a third layer of graham crackers.
4. For the ganache, place the semisweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until steaming (not boiling), then pour over the chocolate chips. Let sit for 2 minutes, then add the butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until smooth and glossy.
5. Pour the chocolate ganache evenly over the top graham cracker layer, using a spatula to spread it to the edges.
6. Refrigerate the cake uncovered for at least 6 hours (preferably overnight) to allow the layers to set and the graham crackers to soften.
7. Slice into 15 squares and serve chilled. Enjoy!
Notes
For best flavor and texture, chill overnight so the crackers become soft and cake-like.
Use instant pudding mix—cook-and-serve will not set properly.
Slice with a sharp knife and wipe the blade between cuts for clean squares.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (1/15th recipe)
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 29mg
Keywords: chocolate eclair cake, no-bake dessert, easy recipe, potluck dessert, layered cake, pudding dessert