Here’s a classic No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake — creamy, chocolatey, and shockingly simple! It tastes like a chocolate eclair, but is made with layers of graham crackers, vanilla pudding, and a rich chocolate topping. Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or a lazy dessert night.
🍫 No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake
📝 Ingredients:
For the Filling:
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2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
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3 cups cold milk
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1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
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1 box graham crackers (about 1 sleeve per layer — 3 sleeves total)
For the Chocolate Topping:
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1/4 cup milk
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1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup unsalted butter
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Short on time? You can also use a tub of store-bought chocolate frosting instead of making the topping from scratch.
🥣 Instructions:
1. Make the Filling:
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In a large bowl, whisk together pudding mix and milk until smooth and thickened (about 2 minutes).
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Fold in whipped topping until well combined.
2. Assemble the Layers:
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In a 9×13-inch dish, place a single layer of graham crackers (break them to fit as needed).
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Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the crackers.
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Add another layer of graham crackers, then spread the remaining pudding mixture.
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Finish with a final layer of graham crackers on top.
3. Make the Chocolate Topping:
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In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, cocoa powder, sugar, and butter.
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Stir constantly until butter is melted and mixture comes to a low boil.
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Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
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Let cool for 5–10 minutes, then pour over the top graham cracker layer and spread evenly.
4. Chill:
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
The graham crackers will soften and absorb the filling, creating a cake-like texture.
🍽️ Serve:
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Slice and serve cold, optionally with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries.
🔄 Variations:
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Use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla for a double chocolate twist.
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Add a thin layer of sliced bananas or strawberries between layers.
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Swap graham crackers for chocolate grahams or digestive biscuits.