If you’re craving something creamy, fudgy, and sweet, this Eclair Cake is the perfect no-bake treat. You only need 5 ingredients! Inspired by the classic éclair pastry, this simple dessert uses layers of graham crackers, a creamy vanilla pudding mixture, and chocolate fudge frosting. It’s easy to make, hard to wait for while it chills, and guaranteed to impress.
As the cake chills, the pudding softens the graham crackers, giving them a cake-like texture that mimics the taste of an éclair. This recipe is made in a 9×13 inch pan, making it an excellent choice for serving a crowd. Guests can easily slice or scoop their desired portion size.
Eclair Cake Teleports Me to My Childhood
Eating eclair cake brings back so many fond memories! Growing up, I always knew this dessert as “eclair pudding,” but I’ve since learned that most people call it “eclair cake,” which actually makes a lot more sense. This was an absolute favorite treat of mine as a child, and making it today brings back so many cherished memories. Of course, you can make each component from scratch, but I prefer this way because it’s faster and tastes just like what I grew up with.
I can still vividly recall those weekends when my parents would take me to the Amish market. We’d stock up on all sorts of delicious foods like baby back ribs, chicken wings, bread, donuts, and, of course, eclair pudding. Eclair pudding was always my top choice.
At the market, there was a large dessert case filled with every treat you could imagine. In the mood for chocolate cake? They’d cut you a generous slice! Craving pie? They’d have that too! The workers would scoop the eclair cake into a cylindrical container, and you could choose between small, medium, or large sizes. Naturally, I never went for the small. It was always large for me. The way they packed it so neatly in the container made it look like a pudding, which is why they labeled it “eclair pudding.”
Once I got home, I’d devour a hearty helping (or two) while watching a TV show I’d pre-recorded in anticipation of this very moment! Today, every bite of this eclair cake takes me back to those nostalgic weekends at the Amish market. I can’t take full credit for this recipe. If you search “eclair cake” online, you’ll find similar versions with nearly identical ingredients and measurements. These are the ingredients and measurements that have never failed me, no matter when I’ve made it. However, the main ingredient for me in this recipe is LOVE!
Why You’ll Love This Eclair Cake
- It’s a Good Cake: It’s comforting to indulge in a slice of this and your taste buds will thank you!
- It’s Easy to Make: Since this is a no-bake dessert, this recipe is just perfect for beginner bakers or anyone short on time. Just prep it, pop it in the fridge for at least 8 hours, and enjoy!
- Perfect Balance of Creaminess and Sweetness: Each bite is filled with the fluffy pudding mixture, softened graham crackers and sweet chocolate fudge frosting!
- Nostalgic and Unique: With every bite, you taste every layer and those flavors can instantly take us back to childhood memories of sweet treats while still feeling a bit more grown-up and unique.
- Makes Enough to Feed a Crowd: This dessert is great for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings, as it can be made ahead and serves multiple people. You can even double or triple the recipe to make more trays!
- It’s a Showstopper: The layered look of this cake is stunning! It’s the perfect dish to bring to a gathering and is sure to be a crowd favorite.
What Makes This Eclair Cake Comforting
- Cozy Texture: Chilled, layered desserts have a cozy, comforting appeal that melts in your mouth.
- Homey Feel: Each slice combines these flavors beautifully, making it feel like a little piece of home.
- Fluffy Filling: Smooth milky vanilla pudding mixed with whipped cream creates a soft, fluffy filling.
- Beautiful Layers: They make for a classy presentation.
- Satisfies Your Sweet Tooth: Each component of this dessert brings its own flavor. The chocolate fudge frosting takes care of your chocolate cravings.
Only 5 Ingredients for Eclair Cake
- Instant Vanilla Pudding
- Milk
- Cool Whip
- Graham Crackers
- Chocolate Frosting
- 9×13-inch pan
How to Make Eclair Cake
- Prepare the Pudding Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk until combined and thick. Fold in the Cool Whip until fully combined.
- Layer the Cake: In a 9×13-inch baking pan, arrange a single layer of graham crackers to cover the bottom. Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the graham crackers. Add a second layer of graham crackers, followed by the remaining pudding mixture. Top with a final layer of graham crackers.
- Add the Chocolate Frosting: For easier spreading, microwave it for about 15-20 seconds to soften it slightly. Carefully pour and spread the frosting over the entire top layer of graham crackers.
- Chill the Cake: Cover the cake with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight. This allows the graham crackers to soften and the flavors to meld together.
- Slice and Serve: Once chilled, slice the cake into squares and serve. Enjoy the layers of creamy filling and rich chocolate in every bite. For prettier slices, wipe off your knife between each cut. Enjoy!
Tips for This Eclair Cake
- Layer Your Graham Crackers Evenly: You’ll likely need to break some graham crackers (as pictured) to fit the entire pan, but try your best to keep each layer as uniform as possible for even slicing.
- Soften the Chocolate Fudge Frosting for Easy Spreading: Microwave the chocolate fudge frosting for about 15-20 seconds to soften it slightly.
- Chill for at Least 8 Hours: Allowing the cake to set in the fridge overnight softens the graham crackers and lets the flavors bloom.
How to Serve This Eclair Cake
This cake is best enjoyed chilled, straight from the fridge. Slice it into squares to showcase the beautiful layers, and serve on dessert plates. For cleaner cuts, wipe your knife between each slice. Personally, I like to serve it just as it is. No need for garnishes or ice cream. Enjoying it plain really lets you appreciate the dessert!
This Eclair Cake might surprise you with just how delicious it is! I hope it finds a place in your regular dessert lineup. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a special event or simply indulging a sweet craving, this no-bake treat is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try, and let this easy, decadent dessert bring a little extra comfort to your day.
Eclair Cake
Course: Desserts, No-bakeDifficulty: Easy12
servings10
minutes8
hours8
hours10
minutesIf you’re craving something creamy, fudgy, and sweet, this Eclair Cake is the perfect no-bake treat. You only need 5 ingredients! Inspired by the classic éclair pastry, this simple dessert uses layers of graham crackers, a creamy vanilla pudding mixture, and chocolate fudge frosting. It’s easy to make, hard to wait for while it chills, but guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
2 (3.4 ounce) boxes vanilla instant pudding
3 cups milk
1 (8 ounce) container Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream
1 (14.4 ounce) box graham crackers
1 (16 ounce) jar dark chocolate fudge frosting
- Equipment
9×13-inch pan
Foil or a lid to cover pan
Directions
- In a large bowl, mix together instant vanilla pudding and whole milk.
- Fold in Cool Whip and be sure everything is well combined. Set aside.
- Next, place a layer of graham crackers in a 9×13 inch pan. (You will need to break a few graham crackers to fill the whole pan.)
- Spread half of the pudding mixture on top in an even layer.
- Add another layer of graham crackers.
- Pour on the rest of the pudding mixture and spread it out evenly.
- Add your final layer of graham crackers.
- Top the final graham cracker layer with an even layer of chocolate frosting. (You might need to warm up the frosting slightly to make spreading easier).
- Cover your pan and chill for 8 hours before serving and enjoying!
Notes
- Chilling time is crucial for the flavors to develop and the graham crackers to soften. Enjoy!
