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No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake Recipe: Easy, Creamy, and Irresistible

No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake

A cool, creamy layered dessert made with graham crackers, vanilla pudding, whipped topping, and chocolate frosting. After chilling overnight, the crackers soften into a tender cake-like texture that resembles a chocolate éclair.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 8 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients
  

Pudding Filling
  • 2 3.4-ounce boxes Instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 3 cups Cold whole milk
  • 1 8-ounce tub Frozen whipped topping, thawed
Cake Layers
  • 24 full sheets Honey graham crackers
Chocolate Topping
  • 1 16-ounce container Chocolate frosting
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons Milk
  • 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
Optional Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Semisweet chocolate curls or mini chocolate chips

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Lightly coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray, or line it with parchment for easier serving.
  2. Whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk in a large bowl for about 2 minutes, until thick and smooth. Fold in the thawed whipped topping until no white streaks remain.
  3. Arrange one layer of graham crackers across the bottom of the dish, breaking a few crackers as needed to cover the corners.
  4. Spread half of the pudding mixture over the crackers. Add a second layer of graham crackers, followed by the remaining pudding mixture.
  5. Finish with a final layer of graham crackers, placing the smooth side upward so the chocolate topping spreads easily.
  6. Place the chocolate frosting, butter, and milk in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth and loose enough to spread. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  7. Spread the warm chocolate topping over the top graham cracker layer. Work gently because the frosting will become easier to spread as it warms.
  8. Sprinkle with chocolate curls or mini chocolate chips if desired. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
  9. Slice with a sharp knife and serve cold. For cleaner slices, wipe the knife between cuts and allow the cake to rest at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Overnight chilling gives the graham crackers enough time to soften into a tender, cake-like texture. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not freeze for best texture, since the pudding mixture and whipped topping may become watery after thawing.