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    Home | Dessert Recipes

    Chocolate Eclair Cake Recipe

    Dated: April 16, 2021 Last Modified: January 24, 2022 by Sarah Mock 21 Comments. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links.

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    This easy eclair cake is one of my favorite no-bake dessert recipes. The easiest make-ahead dessert because the longer it sits, the better it gets!
    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe Print Recipe
    eclair cake square image
    chocolate eclair cake recipe facebook image.
    eclair cake slice with a fork

    This easy eclair cake is one of my favorite no-bake dessert recipes. No baking is needed when you layer together graham crackers, vanilla pudding, whipped topping and top with a super simple chocolate icing.

    eclair cake slice with a fork

    Here is why this refrigerator cake is amazing:

    • The easiest make-ahead dessert because the longer it sits, the better it gets!
    • Everyone loved this no-bake cake, even my sister!
    • If a refrigerator cake and an eclair had a baby, this would be it.
    • No need to make eclair paste to make this dessert. The graham crackers are here to save you.

    🥫 Ingredients needed:

    eclair cake ingredients

    Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the recipe at the bottom for quantities.

    📝 Notes on the ingredients

    • instant vanilla pudding mix - french vanilla is a delicious option (use 2 small boxes)
    • non-dairy whipped topping (COOL WHIP) -
    • milk -
    • graham crackers - I use regular graham crackers but cinnamon graham crackers or chocolate graham crackers would also be a delicious alternative.
    • powdered sugar -
    • butter -
    • cocoa powder - I like Hershey's cocoa powder
    eclair cake horizontal image

    🥣 Instructions

    1. Whisk together the pudding mix and milk and allow to set up. making eclair cake fulling
    2. Fold in the defrosted non-dairy whipped topping. adding graham cracker in a pan
    3. Spray the inside of a 9 x 13 baking dish with non-stick pan spray, arrange graham cracker squares in a single layer on the bottom of the side. spreading vanilla pudding
    4. Spread half of the pudding mixture over the crackers. layering in graham crackers for eclair cake
    5. Layer another layer of graham crackers over the pudding mixture. spreading vanilla pudding over graham crackers for eclair cake
    6. Top with the other half of the pudding mixture on top of crackers. third layer of graham crackers
    7. Top with a final layer of graham crackers.
    8. Chill in the fridge for about an hour to allow pudding to set.
    9. While the cake is setting make the chocolate icing glaze.
    10. Melt the butter and whisk in the cocoa powder. Stir in the powdered sugar to make the icing glaze. eclair cake with chocolate coating
    11. Remove the eclair cake from the refrigerator and evenly spread chocolate frosting all over the top layer of graham crackers. eclair cake in a clear pan
    12. Place plastic wrap over the top of the dish and put back in the fridge and let the eclair cake chill overnight.

    📝 Frequently asked questions, answers and tips:

    eclair cake square image
    Can I use a can of chocolate icing instead of making my own?

    Most definitely! Sometimes I am out of cocoa powder and just grab a can of pre-made icing from the store. Tip: be sure to microwave it for about 10 seconds to warm it up for easier spreading.

    Does the type of graham crackers I use make a difference in the final dessert?

    I don't find a difference in the end result if you use regular graham crackers or low-fat graham crackers. Mix it up now and then by using chocolate graham crackers or cinnamon graham crackers instead of regular ones.

    Why does this cake have to sit overnight in the refrigerator?

    By allowing the cake to rest overnight in the refrigerator the graham crackers are able to absorb the moisture from the pudding/whipped topping mixture softening them and making the cake easier to slice.

    How do you get the cake out of the pan?

    Getting the first slice out of the pan can be tricky. I dip a knife in hot water for a few seconds and then dry it on a clean towel. Make slices in the cake, cleaning off the knife in between slices.I like to use a small rectangle dessert lifter to slide down the edge of the 9x13 and then scoot around the bend to the bottom of the pan and lifting straight up. The second piece will go much smoother if the first one is a flop.

    Why is both the cocoa powder and powdered sugar sifted in the icing recipe?

    By sifting both ingredients you are sure to get all the lumps and any possible clumps of ingredients removed. This will give you a smoother icing.sifting cocoa powder into icing

    Stay in touch with me through social media @ Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

    eclair cake square image

    Eclair Cake

    Sarah Mock
    This easy eclair cake is one of my favorite no-bake dessert recipes. The easiest make-ahead dessert because the longer it sits, the better it gets!
    5 from 15 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Note From Sarah

    There is more to a recipe than just the recipe card. Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!

    Prep Time 15 mins
    12 hrs
    Total Time 12 hrs 15 mins
    Prevent your screen from going dark, toggle to button to the right to turn GREEN
    Course Dessert Recipes
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12 pieces
    Calories 481 kcal

    EQUIPMENT

    9x13 Pyrex pan

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 3.4 Ounce Packages Instant Vanilla Pudding
    • 3 cups milk
    • 8 ounces non-dairy whipped topping
    • 2 14.4 Ounce Boxes graham crackers

    For the icing

    • 3 Tablespoons cocoa powder
    • 1 ½-2 cups powdered sugar
    • 4 Tablespoons butter
    • 3 Tablespoons milk

    Instructions
     

    • In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk and allow to set up.
      2 3.4 Ounce Packages Instant Vanilla Pudding, 3 cups milk
    • Fold in the defrosted non-dairy whipped topping.
      8 ounces non-dairy whipped topping
    • Spray the inside of a 9 x 13 baking dish with non-stick pan spray, arrange graham cracker squares in a single layer on the bottom of the side. Break crackers to fit if needed.
      2 14.4 Ounce Boxes graham crackers
    • Spread half of the pudding mixture over the crackers.
    • Layer another layer of graham crackers over the pudding mixture.
    • Top with the other half of the pudding mixture on top of crackers, be sure to spread edge to edge in an even layer.
    • Top with a final layer of graham crackers, adding broken crackers to fill in any space.
    • Chill in the fridge for about an hour to allow pudding to set.

    While the cake is setting make the chocolate icing glaze.

    • Melt the butter and whisk in the cocoa powder.
      3 Tablespoons cocoa powder, 4 Tablespoons butter
    • Stir in the powdered sugar and milk to make the icing glaze.
      1 ½-2 cups powdered sugar, 3 Tablespoons milk
    • Remove the cake from the refrigerator and evenly spread chocolate frosting all over the top layer of graham crackers.
    • Place plastic wrap over the top of the dish and put back in the fridge and let it chill overnight.

    Notes

    Why is both the cocoa powder and powdered sugar sifted in the icing recipe?
    By sifting both ingredients you are sure to get all the lumps and any possible clumps of ingredients removed. This will give you a smoother icing.
    How do you get the cake out of the pan?
    Getting the first slice out of the pan can be tricky. I dip a knife in hot water for a few seconds and then dry it on a clean towel. Make slices in the cake, cleaning off the knife in between slices.I like to use a small rectangle dessert lifter to slide down the edge of the 9x13 and then scoot around the bend to the bottom of the pan and lifting straight up. The second piece will go much smoother if the first one is a flop. 
    Why does this cake have to sit over night in the refrigerator?
    By allowing the cake to rest over night in the refrigerator the graham crackers are able to absorb the moisture from the pudding/whipped topping mixture softening them and making the cake easier to slice.
    Does the type of graham crackers I use make a difference in the final dessert?
    I don't find a difference in the end result if you use regular graham crackers or low fat graham crackers. Mix it up now and then by using chocolate graham crackers or cinnamon graham crackers instead of regular ones.
    Can I use a can of chocolate icing instead of making my own?
    Most definitely! Sometimes I am out of cocoa powder and just grab a can of pre-made icing from the store. Tip: be sure to microwave it for about 10 seconds to warm it up for easier spreading.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1pieceCalories: 481kcalCarbohydrates: 83gProtein: 8gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 575mgPotassium: 248mgFiber: 3gSugar: 43gVitamin A: 255IUCalcium: 151mgIron: 3mg

    Nutrition Disclosure

    Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.

    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Sharing of this recipe to social media is both encouraged and appreciated. Please share the direct link back to the recipe. Copy/Pasting and/or screenshots of the recipe to any social media is strictly prohibited. Content and photographs are copyright protected. SavoringTheGood®

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    About Sarah Mock

    Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 13 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sarah Mock

      December 24, 2021 at 1:45 pm

      Truthfully, I have never tried. But based on what I know about these ingredients, it should freeze fine. If you do, please let me know how it turns out.

    2. Cyndy Sherrill

      December 23, 2021 at 9:24 pm

      Can you freeze this?

    3. Msjane90

      April 30, 2021 at 11:53 am

      This got me craving in the middle of the night! Delicious!

    4. Monica Y

      April 30, 2021 at 10:09 am

      Now that temperatures are warmer, I really appreciate the no-bake recipes, and this one looks delicious

    5. Alyssa

      April 30, 2021 at 8:04 am

      5 stars
      OMG I didn't know there's a no-bake version of Eclair cake! Thanks so much for this delicious recipe. I'll definitely make one this weekend!

    6. Louisa

      April 30, 2021 at 4:32 am

      Whoop whoop, this is some yummy goodness. Definitely trying this

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    Sarah Mock is a classically trained Chef and graduate of Johnson & Wales University. A culinary blogger for 13 years Sarah helps the home cook prepare her recipes with professional results.
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