No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake
This easy, no-bake chocolate eclair cake features layers of graham crackers, creamy vanilla pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and a rich chocolate frosting. It’s a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dessert that comes together in just minutes and is perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (14.4 oz) graham crackers (about 3 sleeves)
- 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk (whole, 2%, or skim)
- 2 containers (8 oz each) whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 tub (16 oz) chocolate frosting
- Optional: mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts, for layering
- Optional: fresh berries (strawberries or raspberries), for layering
- Optional: banana slices, for layering
Instructions
- Gather and prep all ingredients. Thaw whipped topping in the fridge if frozen.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened and smooth.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping until just combined and fluffy.
- Arrange a single layer of graham crackers on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, breaking crackers as needed to fit.
- Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the graham crackers.
- Add a second layer of graham crackers, then spread the remaining pudding mixture over the top.
- Finish with a third layer of graham crackers.
- Microwave the chocolate frosting (with lid and foil removed) for 20-30 seconds until pourable but not hot. Stir well.
- Pour and spread the frosting evenly over the top layer of graham crackers.
- Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
- Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
For best results, chill the cake overnight to allow the graham crackers to soften and flavors to meld. Don’t overmix the pudding and whipped topping for a fluffy filling. You can customize with different pudding flavors, add-ins like berries or nuts, or use gluten-free/dairy-free substitutes as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of the pan
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: no-bake dessert, chocolate eclair cake, easy dessert, potluck, layered dessert, pudding cake, summer dessert, make-ahead dessert