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This easy no-bake Eclair Cake recipe has been a favorite of mine that I’ve made since I was in high school! Now I make it for my husband and kids! Made with graham crackers, pudding mix, and chocolate frosting for an easy treat.
Looking for a nostalgic dessert that is always a crowd pleaser? Check out our eclair cake recipe.
The Cake That Takes Me Straight Back To French Class
I took French in high school, where I proceeded to learn how to say, well, not a lot.
But, you know what I did learn? That ‘foods’ day in French class was the best day in French class. We each were required to bring in a French food from home (and french fries were never allowed, unfortunately) and I made this completely not authentically French eclair cake. My teacher definitely side-eyed me about it, but she also loved this cake and I got an ‘A’ every time.
This no bake eclair cake is completely nostalgic for me, taking me straight back to the 90s with the boxed pudding mix and canned chocolate frosting. But don’t let that turn you off – these ingredients come together to make the easiest no bake cake that everyone loves. It’s always gone in minutes when I share this with friends.
What Readers are Saying!
“Easiest recipe I have ever made and everyone loved it. I made it for my Dad since he loves Boston Creme donuts and eclairs and he said it’s his new favorite dessert (after eating 2 pieces!). I was limited on time so I made it the day before and let it sit in the fridge for 24 hours and it was perfect. Also, don’t forget to microwave the chocolate icing. Made it SUPER EASY!”
– Amy C.
Eclair Cake Ingredient Notes:
Graham Crackers – You can use your favorite brand and flavor of graham crackers here. I like the honey graham crackers for this one, but chocolate graham crackers or cinnamon graham crackers would work too!
Pudding Mixture – You’ll need instant French vanilla pudding mix, milk, and Cool Whip to make up the sweet pudding mixture in this recipe.
Chocolate Frosting – We buy the canned chocolate frosting in the baking aisle. It’s perfectly fudgy, totally nostalgic, and perfect for warming up and pouring over this cake.
How to Make No Bake Eclair Cake:
Whisk together the instant pudding mix, milk, and Cool Whip to form a thick, creamy pudding mixture.
Arrange a single layer of graham crackers in the bottom of a dish and spread half of the pudding over the top.
Add a second layer of graham crackers and pudding and then top that off with a final layer of graham crackers.
Heat the chocolate pudding in the microwave just enough to make it pourable and then dump that over the top and smooth it out.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours (the longer it sits, the softer the graham crackers will get), and then slice and serve.
Storage:
Cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for 2-3 days.
The graham crackers will get softer the longer they are sitting in the pudding, so if you like a softer/mushier texture, you will enjoy this more the longer it sets. If you prefer more firm/textured graham crackers, you’ll enjoy this more the first day.
We do not recommend freezing this recipe.
More Easy Dessert Recipes!
- Apple Hand Pies: These super simple mini air fried apple pies are ready in no time!
- Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies: No chilling the dough, ready in 20 minutes, thick chewy perfection!
- Chocolate Christmas Cookies: If you need a dose of chocolate, this is where to go.
- Caramel Ritz Bars: These start with a bunch of Ritz crackers and some caramel sauce. Heaven.
Éclair Cake
Ingredients
- 1 box graham crackers around 14 ounces
- 2 boxes instant French Vanilla pudding mix 3.4 ounces each
- 8 ounces Cool Whip thawed
- 3 cups milk
- 16 ounces chocolate frosting
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the pudding mix, Cool Whip, and milk. Beat well with a wire whisk until thick and creamy.
- Arrange graham crackers in a single layer in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
- Spread half of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers.
- Add another layer of graham crackers and spread remaining pudding over the top.
- Add the final layer of graham crackers and spread with chocolate frosting. See notes for easy spreading tips!
- Refrigerate for at least four hours before serving. The longer this sets, the softer the graham crackers will get. We like this best around the 4 hour mark, but it's still delicious the next day.
Juls says
Our friend made this for our family and everyone love it so much. Thank you for an amazing recipe!
Karly Campbell says
I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks, Juls!
Elena says
Absolutely the best dessert Ever. My familyโs new Favorite!!! And so easy to prepare. Thank you for sharing.
Karly Campbell says
Thanks, Elena!
Jan Steenson says
The recipe sounds so easy and looks delicious. I will have to try it soon.
Lori says
Made this sugar free by using unsalted saltine crackers, sugar free vanilla pudding and frosting and cool whip. Divided in half and used 9×6 meal prep aluminum pans. This is my second time doing it this way. It taste just like an eclair, it’s especially good the second and third days, so yummy!!! Sharing this one with a neighbor who is sugar free. You should add the sugar free version and I love your recipes, have used alot of them?
Karly says
Sounds amazing! Never would have thought to use Saltines for this. Thanks for sharing, Lori.
Jeanie says
EXCELLENT!!!
Stacey S. says
My Mom back in the 1990’s made this all the time and she would make my hubby this ( when he was stationed at our navy base here) to take back to his barracks ,he lives it so much! I ‘m going to make this for a event in two weeks and for Christmas day. I might make a sugar free one for my day too in a smaller dish.
Stacey S. says
Dad, not day. Sure autocorrect on my kindle. Lol.
Karly says
So glad it’s such a hit with your family. We just love this recipe! ๐
CJ007 says
I did this in individual serving cups.. like a layered-ish thing. Any idea if it can be frozen? It sure would nice if it could. YUM!
On another note, I posted a reply a few minutes ago to another comment, all my emojis we converted to question marks.. Lol, just to clarify any confusion because it sure made my comment seem very odd. #questinableemojis
Karly says
I think that it would freeze just fine, but I’ve never tried it so I can’t say for sure. ๐
As for the emoji thing…I have NO IDEA why the site does that. It lets me put them in the blog post, but not the comments. So weird!