No bake Chocolate Eclair Cake

 

🍫 No-Bake Chocolate Éclair Cake Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 6+ hours (or overnight)
Servings: 12 slices
Difficulty: Easy

🧾 Ingredients

For the cake layers:

• 1 box (14.4 oz) graham crackers (about 3 sleeves)
• 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 3 cups cold milk
• 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed

For the chocolate topping:

• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  (Optional: Use 1 can of chocolate frosting instead for quicker prep.)

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🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the vanilla filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together both boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix and 3 cups of cold milk.
2. Whisk for about 2–3 minutes until it thickens.
3. Gently fold in the whipped topping (Cool Whip) using a spatula. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

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Step 2: Layer the graham crackers

1. In a 9×13 inch (or similar size) baking dish, lay down a single layer of whole graham crackers.
   Break crackers as needed to cover the entire bottom of the dish.

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Step 3: Add the cream layer

1. Spoon and spread half of the vanilla pudding mixture over the graham crackers.
2. Spread evenly with a spatula.

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Step 4: Repeat layers

1. Add another layer of graham crackers on top of the cream.
2. Add the rest of the vanilla pudding mixture and spread it evenly.
3. Finish with a final layer of graham crackers on top.

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Step 5: Make the chocolate topping (frosting)

Option 1: Homemade chocolate glaze

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, add:
   • 1/4 cup butter
   • 1/4 cup milk
   • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
   • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2. Stir constantly until melted and smooth.
3. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
4. Let it cool for 5–10 minutes (don’t let it harden).

Option 2: Ready-made frosting

• Microwave a can of chocolate frosting for 30 seconds to soften it, then pour over the top layer of graham crackers and spread evenly.

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Step 6: Chill the cake

1. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil.
2. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, but overnight is best.
   This gives the graham crackers time to soften into a cake-like texture.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Slice into squares using a sharp knife.
• Serve chilled.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries on top if you like.

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💡 Tips for Success

• Don’t skip chilling time—this is what transforms the crackers into “cake.”
• Want a twist? Use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla or mix in some crushed Oreos!
• For a richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk (but it’ll be thicker).
• You can make this up to 2 days in advance—it gets better with time!

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🧊 Storage

• Keep leftovers covered in the fridge.
• Good for up to 4–5 days.
• Not recommended for freezing (texture changes too much).

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✅ Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• No baking required
• Only 7 ingredients
• Quick prep
• Crowd-pleaser dessert
• Kid-friendly and perfect for potlucks!

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