No Bake Eclair Cake

This delectable Family Cuisine Chocolate Eclair Cake combines the flavors of Boston cream pie and a chocolate eclair into one mouthwatering dessert. The best part? It requires no baking and only calls for 5 simple ingredients! Perfect for those who want a quick and easy treat.

Easy No Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake

Indulge in the delightful combination of a classic eclair’s filling and chocolate ganache with this easy-to-make no-bake dessert. While the filling in this eclair cake is made with Cool Whip and pudding instead of the traditional ingredients, it still delivers a sensational taste. Picture Boston cream pie meeting a chocolate eclair.

Preparing this cake is a breeze – just 15 minutes and 5 ingredients are all you need! However, it does require a minimum of 6 hours to set properly, so I recommend making it the night before serving. It’s a fantastic option for holidays, summer potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, everyone will adore it.

Ingredients Needed

You’ll only need 5 easily accessible ingredients to create this delicious eclair cake. For detailed measurements, refer to the printable recipe card below.

• Instant vanilla pudding: Either vanilla or French vanilla pudding can be used, as long as it’s the instant variety. Avoid “cook and serve” pudding.
• Whole milk: I recommend using whole milk to ensure the filling has the right consistency. Skim milk may result in a thinner filling.
• Cool Whip: This ingredient lends a light and fluffy texture to the filling.
• Graham crackers: These form the “crust” layer of the eclair cake.
• Chocolate frosting: You can either make your own chocolate frosting using our recipe, select a favorite pre-made option from the store, or refer to the notes below for instructions on making homemade ganache.

Recipe Variations

If you’d like to add your own twist to this chocolate eclair dessert, here are a few simple suggestions:

• For a healthier version, use fat-free Cool Whip, sugar-free pudding mix, and a thin layer of frosting on top.
• Experiment with flavored graham crackers by using cinnamon or chocolate varieties.
• Explore different pudding options. Instead of two layers of vanilla pudding, try combining one layer of vanilla with one layer of white chocolate or cheesecake pudding.

How to Make This Chocolate Eclair Cake

Creating this delightful no-bake dessert takes just 15 minutes of prep time. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for summer picnics and other occasions. Refer to the printable recipe card below for all the details, and don’t forget to check out the video.

1. Make the filling: Whisk together the instant pudding and milk. Fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
2. Layer with graham crackers: Place a layer of graham crackers at the bottom of a casserole dish. Gently spread half of the pudding mixture over it. Add another layer of graham crackers, followed by the remaining pudding mixture, and finally a third layer of graham crackers.
3. Chill: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Add the frosting: Remove the foil from the container of frosting and heat it in the microwave for 15 seconds. Stir, then heat for an additional 10 seconds to loosen it up. Pour the frosting over the chilled eclair cake and spread it evenly.
5. Chill again: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.

How to Make Homemade Chocolate Ganache

If you prefer to avoid store-bought frosting, you can make your own chocolate ganache topping for the eclair cake. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 & 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar
• 4 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
• 3 tablespoons milk (warmed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Simply combine the ingredients until smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker ganache or additional milk for a thinner one.

Video: Chocolate Eclair Dessert

Take a look at the video below to see how this delectable chocolate eclair dessert comes together.

Proper Storage

Here are some storage tips for this eclair dessert:

• Make it in advance: This dessert actually tastes better when made ahead of time. Allow it to chill for a minimum of 6 hours, but preparing it the night before is highly recommended. This extra time softens the graham crackers and enhances the overall taste and texture.
• Refrigeration: Keep your chocolate eclair dessert covered with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
• Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dessert, as it can become mushy and watery once defrosted.

More No-Bake Lush Desserts

If you’re a fan of no-bake lush desserts, here are a few more recipes you might enjoy:

• Pineapple Lush
• Banana Cream Lush
• Coconut Cream Lush
• Banana Split Lush
• Chocolate Lasagna

I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe! Don’t forget to give it a review below. For more delightful recipes and inspiration, make sure to follow Family Cuisine on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.