Description
This No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert featuring layers of creamy vanilla pudding, graham crackers, and rich chocolate frosting. With no baking required, it’s perfect for a quick yet impressive treat that sets beautifully in the fridge.
Ingredients
Scale
Pudding Mixture
- 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed
Layers
- 1 box graham crackers
Chocolate Frosting
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Then gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until well combined, creating a light and creamy filling.
- Assemble the Cake: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange a single layer of graham crackers on the bottom. Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over this layer of crackers. Add a second layer of graham crackers on top, followed by the remaining pudding mixture. Finish with a final layer of graham crackers to complete the layered structure.
- Make the Chocolate Frosting: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and powdered sugar. Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract, then mix thoroughly until the frosting is smooth and spreadable, ensuring a rich chocolate topping for the cake.
- Finish the Cake: Spread the chocolate frosting evenly over the top layer of graham crackers. Cover the dish and refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the layers to set and the graham crackers to soften, creating a delicious, eclair-like texture.
- Serve: Once chilled, slice the cake into portions and serve chilled for a refreshing and indulgent dessert experience.
Notes
- For best results, refrigerate overnight to allow the graham crackers to soften fully and the flavors to meld.
- You can substitute the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
- Make sure to use instant pudding mix to avoid cooking the pudding.
- Keep the cake covered while refrigerating to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors.
- This cake can be made a day ahead, making it perfect for gatherings and potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
