You’re going to love this one — No-Bake Chocolate Éclair Cake is a ridiculously easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that tastes like a classic éclair, but without any of the work. It uses graham crackers, vanilla pudding, whipped topping, and a chocolate ganache or frosting. It’s creamy, rich, and perfect for potlucks, holidays, or weeknight indulgence.
🍫 No-Bake Chocolate Éclair Cake
🕒 Total Time: 15 min (plus chilling)
🍽️ Serves: 12
📋 Ingredients:
For the Cake Layers:
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1 box (14.4 oz) graham crackers
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2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding
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2 ½ cups cold milk
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1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
For the Chocolate Topping (Ganache-Style):
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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½ cup heavy cream
OR use a can of chocolate frosting (warmed slightly for easy spreading)
👨🍳 Instructions:
1. Make the Filling:
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In a large bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened (about 2 minutes).
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Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined and fluffy.
2. Assemble the Layers:
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In a 9×13-inch baking dish, place a single layer of graham crackers on the bottom (break to fit, if needed).
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Spread half of the pudding mixture over the crackers.
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Add another layer of graham crackers.
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Spread the remaining pudding over the second layer.
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Top with one final layer of graham crackers.
3. Make the Chocolate Topping:
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Heat heavy cream in a saucepan or microwave until just simmering.
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Pour over chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
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Let cool slightly, then pour/spread evenly over the top graham layer.
💡 Using frosting instead? Microwave it for 20–30 seconds to soften, then spread on top.
4. Chill Overnight (Very Important):
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to let the crackers soften into cake-like layers.
🥄 Serve:
Slice into squares and serve chilled. It’s creamy, chocolaty, and always a hit!
🍓 Optional Add-Ons:
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Top with fresh berries before serving
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Sprinkle with toasted almonds or shaved chocolate
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Add a layer of sliced bananas or strawberries between pudding layers for a fruity twist