Though this no-bake Eclair Cake recipe is so easy to make, it tastes wonderful! Layers of graham crackers between a sweet vanilla pudding cream then drizzled with chocolate.

It’s the perfect dessert recipe that requires no baking!

A slice of no bake layered cake recipe topped with cream and chocolate!

There are days I just don’t want to bake but I still crave dessert. That’s when we go with a no-bake dessert! This recipe is almost as easy as our no-bake cheesecake and delicious spartak cake.

Éclair Cake –

This cake is like an eclair minus all the work you put into one. The layers of graham crackers softened by the creamy vanilla pudding give you so much flavor in every bite!

Éclair cake on a white platter drizzled with chocolate glaze.

Ingredients-

Here are the easy ingredients needed for an eclair cake.

  • Graham crackers – You want to use the honey graham crackers, we like to use the Honey Maid brand. For a cholate version, use chocolate graham crackers.
  • Instant vanilla pudding – This recipe calls for instant french vanilla pudding, you can also use cheesecake instant pudding.
  • Milk – The key to this recipe is cold milk, you can use whole milk or 2% milk.
  • Cream cheese – Be sure the cream cheese is at room temp for easy mixing.
  • Cool whip -You can use original cool whip, sugar free cool whip, or light cool whip.
  • Ganache – For the ganache we use chopped milk chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream. You can totally opt out of the ganache altogether.
Step by step collage on how to make homemade vanilla pudding custard cream for éclair cake.

HOW TO MAKE ECLAIR CAKE-

You will not believe how simple and fast this graham cracker dessert comes together!

  1. MAKE CREAM– In a medium bowl, with an electric mixer, beat the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until creamy and thick. Add in the creamed cream cheese and cool whip and mix until combined.
  2. ASSEMBLE CAKE– Add a small amount of pastry cream to the bottom of your cake platter. Add four graham crackers on top of the custard cream  in a row.
  3. Top with crackers with cream. Repeat this process until you have six layers. Cover the sides and tops of the cake with the remaining pudding mixture.
  4. DECORATE CAKE– You should have 3 graham crackers left, crush the crackers and use to cover the sides and final top layer of graham crackers.
  5. GANACHE– In a saucepan, over low heat, melt the chocolate and whisk in the cream until a thick and creamy ganache has appeared. Allow the ganache to cool.
  6. Drizzle the chocolate glaze on top of the cake. Refrigerate at least two hours or until graham cracker layers have softened.

Pro TIP: You can also make the eclair cake in a baking dish or rimmed pan and serve it that way.

Step by step collage of how to assemble homemade éclair cake

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS-

Can I add fruits to this dessert?

Yes, when serving this cake for events I like to top the cake with the ganache and fresh fruit for a prettier look!

Can I substitute the chocolate ganache?

You can substitute the chocolate ganache for chocolate frosting. Just add a layer of chocolate frosting on top of the layers. Or just opt out of the chocolate part completely, but we like the flavor the chocolate gives.

How long will this cake last?

This delicious chocolate eclair cake will last for up to 2-3 days in the fridge!

How to store eclair cake?

You want to tightly cover the cake to avoid drying and store it in the fridge.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you want to make it ahead of time to allow the layers to soften. Makeup to 24 hours ahead of time.

Can I freeze my eclair cake?

This no-bake eclair cake freezes great! Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
To thaw, allow thawing overnight in the fridge.

Can I make this recipe healthier?

You can make this a little healthier by using sugar-free instant pudding and sugar-free cool whip.

Can I substitute the cool whip?

Yes! You can use homemade whipped cream.

How long does the dessert need to chill or sit for?

You want this to chill for at least a couple of hours before serving. You want the graham layers to soften and soak into the vanilla pudding cream.

Can I use different flavors for this no-bake dessert?

Yes, you can use different flavors of instant pudding such as chocolate or cheesecake pudding. We also like to use cinnamon or graham crackers sometimes to switch up the flavors.

No bake éclair cake topped with chocolate drizzle on a white platter.

More Easy Dessert Recipes –

No Bake Éclair Cake Recipe

Author: Valentina
Print
5 from 8 votes
Though this no-bake Eclair Cake recipe is so easy to make, it tastes wonderful! Layers of graham crackers between a sweet vanilla pudding cream then drizzled with chocolate.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 people

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups cold milk
  • 5.1 oz instant vanilla pudding
  • 4 oz cream cheese, room temp
  • 8 oz cool whip
  • 1/2 cup chopped milk chocolate
  • 3 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
  • 14.4 oz graham crackers

Instructions

  • In a bowl, whisk together milk and instant pudding until it starts to thicken, about 1 min.
  • In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese until creamy. Add cream cheese to the pudding, mix just until cream cheese is incorporated. Add the cool whip, beat again. 
  • Refrigerate until ready to assemble the cake.
  • Place a mixing bowl over a double boiler, bring water to a boil. 
    Add heavy whipping cream and milk chocolate to the bowl. Keep mixing until the chocolate begins to melt. Remove from heat and continue mixing until there are no chunks of chocolate. 
    Set aside to cool.
  • Spread a small amount of cream over a platter.
  • Add four graham crackers in a row. Cover generously with cream. Repeat until you have six layers.
  • Cover top and sides of cake with remaining cream.
  • Take the 3 leftover crackers and finely crush. 
  • Coat sides and top with the graham crackers. 
  • Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the cake. 
  • Enjoy immediately or refrigerate. The cake is best if eaten the same day.

Nutrition

209kcal Calories13g Carbs4g Protein16g Fat9g Saturated Fat38mg Cholesterol98mg Sodium162mg Potassium11g Sugar480IU Vitamin A107mg Calcium0.5mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
No Bake Éclair Cake Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 209 Calories from Fat 144
% Daily Value*
Fat 16g25%
Saturated Fat 9g56%
Cholesterol 38mg13%
Sodium 98mg4%
Potassium 162mg5%
Carbohydrates 13g4%
Sugar 11g12%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 480IU10%
Calcium 107mg11%
Iron 0.5mg3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
(The nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)