Description
Sometimes, the best desserts are the ones that don’t require any baking, and this No Bake Eclair Cake is the perfect example. With its creamy layers of vanilla pudding, whipped topping, and a rich chocolate glaze, this dessert is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make and even easier to eat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Who doesn’t love a dessert that’s super simple to make and requires no baking? This No Bake Eclair Cake is exactly that, yet it tastes just as fancy as any traditional cake or eclair. The graham cracker layers mimic the texture of a traditional eclair shell, and when paired with the creamy pudding filling and silky chocolate glaze, it’s an absolute treat. Plus, it comes together in no time and only needs a few hours to chill before you can enjoy it. Perfect for busy days when you still want to impress your guests (or your family!).
Ingredients
I’m sharing the main ingredients here, but the full list and measurements are below, so don’t worry—you won’t miss a thing!
- 1 box (3.4 oz) vanilla instant pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping
- 1 package graham crackers
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions
1. Prepare the Pudding Mixture
Start by whisking together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk in a large bowl. Stir until the pudding thickens—this will take about 2 minutes. Once it’s nice and thick, gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2. Layer the Graham Crackers
Next, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and line the bottom with a single layer of graham crackers. It’s okay if they need to be broken up a bit to fit the dish—just make sure it’s fully covered.
3. Add the First Pudding Layer
Spread half of the creamy pudding mixture over the graham cracker layer. Smooth it out evenly with a spatula, and then place another layer of graham crackers on top of the pudding.
4. Add the Final Pudding Layer
Spread the remaining pudding mixture over the second layer of graham crackers. Top with another layer of graham crackers, covering the entire dish.
5. Make the Chocolate Glaze
In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate chips, butter, and 2 tablespoons of milk over low heat. Stir until everything is completely smooth and combined. Once it’s melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt for a little extra flavor.
6. Glaze the Cake
Pour the warm chocolate glaze over the top layer of graham crackers. Use a spatula to spread it evenly over the entire cake, making sure every bit is covered in that rich, glossy chocolate.
7. Chill and Serve
Cover the cake with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight, if you can). The longer it chills, the better the flavors meld together. Once ready, cut into squares and serve. It’s that easy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Let the cake chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better! This gives the graham crackers time to soften and absorb the pudding, making each bite melt in your mouth.
- For a little extra flair, sprinkle some crushed graham crackers or chopped nuts over the top before serving.
- If you prefer a slightly sweeter chocolate topping, you can add a tablespoon of powdered sugar to the chocolate glaze.
- Make sure to store the leftovers in the fridge—this dessert needs to stay cool to keep its shape and texture.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Chocolate Pudding: Swap the vanilla pudding for chocolate pudding for a chocolate-on-chocolate dessert.
- Fruit: Add fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries between the layers for a fruity twist.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free whipped topping and pudding for a dairy-free version of this dessert.
- Nuts: For a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or almonds on top before adding the chocolate glaze.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This No Bake Eclair Cake is perfect on its own, but if you’re looking to add a little something extra, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You could also pair it with a light fruit salad to balance out the sweetness of the cake. For a fun twist, serve it alongside a cup of strong coffee or iced tea.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This cake stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It doesn’t need any reheating since it’s meant to be served cold, but you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving if you prefer it slightly less chilled.
4 FAQs
1. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! This is actually one of those desserts that gets better as it sits in the fridge. Make it the night before, and it’ll be ready to serve the next day.
2. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Definitely! If you prefer homemade whipped cream, feel free to substitute it for the whipped topping. Just be sure to whip it until stiff peaks form for the best texture.
3. Can I use a different kind of cookie?
While graham crackers are traditional, you can try using digestive biscuits or even shortbread cookies for a different flavor and texture.
4. How do I keep the chocolate glaze from hardening too quickly?
If the chocolate glaze starts to set up too quickly, simply heat it up again over low heat and stir in a little extra milk until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
Conclusion
This No Bake Eclair Cake is the kind of dessert that everyone will love, and it’s so easy to make! The layers of creamy pudding, soft graham crackers, and glossy chocolate glaze create a flavor combination that’s simply irresistible. Plus, there’s no baking required, so it’s the perfect dessert for busy days or when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Give it a try, and I’m sure it will quickly become a favorite!
Print
No Bake Eclair Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, No Bake, Cake
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious dessert that doesn’t require turning on the oven, this No Bake Eclair Cake is your answer! With layers of graham crackers, creamy pudding, and a rich chocolate glaze, it’s an easy, no-fuss dessert that tastes just like a classic eclair. Perfect for a last-minute treat or when you need a crowd-pleasing dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 box (3.4 oz) vanilla instant pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping
- 1 package graham crackers
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pudding Layer
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and 2 cups of cold milk. Once the pudding has thickened (about 2 minutes), fold in the whipped topping until smooth and creamy.
2. Layer the Graham Crackers
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange a single layer of graham crackers to cover the bottom. You may need to break a few crackers to fit the edges.
3. Add the Pudding Mixture
Spread half of the pudding mixture over the graham cracker layer, smoothing it evenly. Then, add another layer of graham crackers on top of the pudding, followed by the remaining pudding mixture. Top with another layer of graham crackers.
4. Make the Chocolate Glaze
In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate chips, butter, and 2 tablespoons of milk over low heat. Stir until smooth. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
5. Top the Cake with the Glaze
Pour the warm chocolate glaze over the top layer of graham crackers, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
6. Chill
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Cut into squares and serve chilled. This No Bake Eclair Cake is perfect for a special occasion or just because!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can substitute the vanilla pudding with chocolate pudding for a different twist.
- You can prepare the cake the night before and let it chill overnight, which helps the flavors develop even more.
- If you like your chocolate glaze a bit sweeter, you can add a tablespoon of powdered sugar to the glaze mixture.
- This dessert can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 33g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg