No-Bake Eclair Cake is a dessert that has layers of graham crackers, vanilla pudding, whipped topping and topped with chocolate frosting!
AN EASY LAYERED DESSERT
This Easy No-Bake Eclair Cake is not only simple to make but it is absolutely scrumptious. Absolutely no stovetop or oven is needed! The hardest part? Waiting to eat it! This is a great dessert for a crowd.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Graham crackers, instant vanilla pudding, whipped topping, milk and chocolate frosting. Only five ingredients and can be made in just a few minutes!
It's really easy to switch up the flavors. You could use chocolate graham crackers and vanilla pudding. You could substitute the vanilla pudding with chocolate or cheesecake pudding. So many flavor combinations you can experiment with! I've seen folks use strawberry pudding with a strawberry frosting. Or a cheesecake pudding with a strawberry frosting. Lots of options here!
This dessert does not take long to prepare but it definitely needs time to set up. Make this the night before you actually need to serve it. It helps the graham crackers to soften and gives time for everything to set up.
No. Freezing eclair cake is not recommended. It does not defrost well and the texture becomes unappetizing.
This dessert can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (FULL RECIPE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST)
- instant vanilla pudding
- whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- milk
- graham crackers
- chocolate frosting
HOW TO MAKE ECLAIR CAKE:
In a medium bowl, mix together the pudding mix, milk and Cool Whip.
In a 9x13-inch baking dish, arrange a single layer of graham cracker squares on the bottom. You may have to break them up a bit to get enough crackers to cover the bottom of your dish.
Spread half of the pudding mixture on top of the crackers. Layer another layer of graham crackers over the pudding mixture. Then layer the other half of the pudding mixture on top of crackers. Top with a final layer of graham crackers. Put plastic wrap over dish and put in fridge for about 30 min to an hour to allow pudding to set.
When pudding has set up, put the tub of chocolate frosting in the microwave for about 15 seconds to soften slightly (remove lid and aluminum foil top before microwaving.) Take out and stir frosting. It should be easily spreadable now. Remove plastic wrap from dish and evenly spread chocolate frosting all over the top layer of graham crackers.
Place plastic wrap over top of dish and put back in fridge. Now, forget about this dessert until tomorrow. This dessert gets better over time. The graham crackers need time to soften up.
When ready to serve, slice in squares and enjoy cold!
CRAVING MORE EASY, NO-BAKE DESSERTS? THESE ARE A MUST TRY!
No-Bake Eclair Cake
Ingredients
- 2 (3.5 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
- 8 ounce tub whipped topping (COOL WHIP), thawed
- 3 cups milk
- 2 sleeves graham cracker squares
- 16 ounce container chocolate frosting
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together the pudding mix, milk and Cool Whip.
- In an 9 x 13 baking dish, arrange a single layer of graham cracker squares on the bottom. You may have to break them up a bit to get enough crackers to cover the bottom of your dish.
- Spread half of the pudding mixture on top of the crackers.
- Layer another layer of graham crackers over the pudding mixture.
- Then layer the other half of the pudding mixture on top of crackers.
- Top with a final layer of graham crackers.
- Put plastic wrap over dish and put in fridge for about 30 min to an hour to allow pudding to set.
- When ready, put the tub of chocolate frosting in the microwave for about 15 seconds to soften (remove lid and aluminum foil top before microwaving).
- Take out and stir frosting. It should be easily spreadable now.
- Remove plastic wrap from dish and evenly spread chocolate frosting all over the top layer of graham crackers.
- Place plastic wrap over top of dish and put back in fridge and let it chill overnight.
- This dessert gets better over time. The graham crackers need plenty of time to soften up.
- When ready, slice and serve!
Video
Notes
- You must use INSTANT pudding so be very careful when purchasing. The instant pudding is right near the cook and serve pudding. The cook and serve pudding will not work in this recipe.
- This dessert does not take long to prepare but it definitely needs lots of time to set up. Make this the night before you actually need to serve it. Try using chocolate graham crackers with white chocolate pudding!
Nutrition
Originally published: February 2011
Updated and republished: December 2021
Pixie
Easy to make and was really good. Everyone loved it!
Carolyn Miller
This is wonderful if you use banana flavored pudding as well. You can add banana extract to vanilla. Kinda like bananas dipped in chocolate. Winner
Kristie
Super good, and an easy recipe. Only thing, it takes more like 4 sleeves of graham crackers (I bought the Honey Maid family size box). Its a good dessert, easy and fast.
Ulrike Roberta stuck
My Family loves it , i also slice banana and put it in the middle Delicious !!
Wilma Haumesser
I have made this recipe numerous times! Everyone loves it!
Koko
Can you freeze
Carleen Fleming
It was very easy made the night before . It was a delightful dessert , I would make it again.
Mary Jo hawkins
Have been making this delight for over 26 years for special occasions, and sometimes just for yums. I like to use the cinnamon accented grahams, as it breaks up the chocolate flavor a bit. Some in my family cannot tolerate the richness of the straight frosting topping to the little bit of cinnamon helps. Also, I melt the chocolate frosting and drizzle it on each layer. I usually make it three layers deep.
I'd like to add that only three to four times, in all the seasons and occasions I have made this dessert, has it set up the full three days in the fridge to "cure". When I am home alone to let it do so...yummy stuff!
MaryAnn Alek
I have made this dessert many times over the years and everyone just loves it ! The only thing different I did was I used the French vanilla pudding and have used it ever since . So give it a try I know you will love it ! Enjoy and Happy Cooking !
MSUfan
This is delicious! So easy to make.it will be a regular around here. Our beach crowd is going to love this recipe!
NedFlanders
I made this for my nephews today and they loved it. I made it early afternoon and served it around 8pm so the crackers had softened. The only thing is that it's a bit too sweet for me. I think the next time I make it I'll made a dark chocolate ganache and look for a pudding that's not as sweet. Also, I bet it tastes great with fresh strawberries on the side.
Todd P Fichtner
is it OK to use cooked pudding if you don't have instant pudding
Dianne, Ny
I made this EASY cake EVERYONE LOVED IT ! Really delicious and what a pleasure that is is so quick and easy
Rachel
Can I half this recipe?
Christie
Delicious
Dawn N
So Yummmmmmy! My wonderful manager (who loves to bake) made this for work for my birthday! It got rave reviews from everyone! One co-worker said "We might need to make this once a month or even once a week!"
Laural
I can make this with sugar free pudding and sugar free frosting. It still tastes delish.
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Yay! Thanks so very much Laurel!
Lisa
I got this recipe from my mother in-law in 1993. And it has always been a hit!! It’s my easy but delicious every time. Definitely makes a great impression!!!
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Yes! Gotta love those easy (but super yummy!) desserts!
Martha Hammond
Sounds like an easy dessert to make and serve, except for the fact that no measurements are listed. How does anyone know how much of each ingredient, when it is not shown?
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Hi Martha, As you scrolled down to leave a comment, you scrolled right past it. 🙂 There is a printable recipe towards the bottom of the post that gives you all of the exact measurements and you can print it out as well if you like.
Jackie
Can I do a ganache on top of it instead of the tub of frosting?
LISA
I have made this twice. Once with the vanilla/chocolate and once with the White chocolate/chocolate both were a big hit. We enjoy the latter, best. Thanks for sharing a quick, easy and tasty desert.
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Yay!! Love it and I love that you are experimenting with different combos of flavor!!
Priscilla Bradley
Hi Brandie,
Okay to cut recipe in half for 2? Would like to make recipe for reunion in July; should pan sit on ice since it's outdoors and dinner at 6:00 pm.
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Absolutely! I do it all the time! This definitely needs to stay cold right up until serving. 🙂
Rachel
So will this work if I cut the recipe in half and use a smaller pan? Just my husband and I!
Amy
Instead of cool whip, could I use whipped cream?
Bevery Bauer
Bev Bauer
Can I use almond or lactose free milk instead of milk in any of these recipes?
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Hi Beverly, you could probably use the lactose free milk. It's still milk - just with the lactose removed.
susan
caution when using non-dairy milk products: i don't know about other miks but DO NOT try to use soy milk for pudding. for some reason, it doesn't thicken enough.
Cathy Myers
I think I can make this for the diabetics in my house, like me. All I need to find is some form of sugar free graham crackers. This recipe is too good to pass up. Thanks for this and all the good recipes you post!!
Sherrill Mulkearns
I like it made with vanilla wafers rather than graham crackers. I"ll bet you can find sugar free vanilla wafers.
Brandie @ The Country Cook
Vanilla wafers sound good!
Fran
This looks so good I’m going to make this but I’m using cheesecake pudding and vanilla pudding! Yum!!????
Brandie @ The Country Cook
That sounds SO good!! Great idea!
Karrie
I make it with cheesecake and shire chocolate pudding
Carlee
I haven't had this in ages and now I want some so bad!!! YUM!
Erica
Love this recipe and there are so many variations! Changing pudding flavors, crackers or frosting. My favorite variation so far is to use coconut! I used 1 coconut pudding and 1 cheesecake pudding and add shredded coconut in between the layers. Then add some coconut on top of the frosting. Yum!
Sue
My daughter uses french vanilla pudding. It just adds an even richer flavor!
Jennifer Kelly
Today is Friday and I am bringing this to a Memorial Day gathering. We will not be having this until Sunday evening. Would it be ok if I make it tonight and leave in fridge until Sunday?
rhonda
I also have made this for years. However we call it shameful pie because it is so easy to make, it's shameful. Ha ha1
Sheryl
If you can't wait like my family - simply dip the cracker sheets in milk for a couple of seconds. Finish building the dessert and enjoy immediately! I've done it many times!
Barbara
Major hit in my house! I tried with banana pudding and a layer of bananas above each layer of pudding. So so good.
melissa skates
the best ready made frosting for this used to be jiffy fudge frosting in a box, just add hot water ,so easy , but i cant find it anymore , most other chocolate frostings do not set the same and are too sweet !
Erica
I love this dessert! I like to use one box coconut pudding and one box vanilla or cheesecake pudding. Then I add coconut flakes to each layer. SO GOOD. People never know how easy it is to make.
Sharon
This is fabulous made with pistachio pudding and chocolate frosting for a St. Patty's Day potluck!
Anonymous
I've been making this dessert for years and it's always a hit!! Quick, easy, and so yummy!! Try it with different flavors to change it up!!
Lillian
All I can say is, EASY, DELICIOUS, A HUGE HIT, FANTASTIC, A REPEATER!!!
Shelly
This sounds very good and so easy. My family does not like cool whip, if it possible to use the real stuff in a can?
Sarah R.
I just made this! I used the low fat graham crackers, sugar/fat free pudding, lite whipped cream, and regular chocolate fudge icing!! I try to cut out calories when I can. Can't wait to have it for dessert tonight!
mommar6
Love this dessert, but won't eat Cool Whip. Any low calorie solutions. Whipped Cream is a little too fatty for me.
Anonymous
My mom has been making this for years since we were little and we never knew what it was called we always just asked for yum yum cake!So exciting to have a proper name for it! Love your recipes!
Kim Williamson
Hi Brandie! So, I have been patiently waiting to make this cake (it just didn't seem like a "winter" cake), and today I've decided the wait is over! Only thing...I didn't have any Vanilla pudding 🙁 No worries though, I did have 1 White Chocolate pudding mix and 1 Cheescake pudding mix(I'm doubling the recipe of course). Undaunted, I set forth, and let me tell you...OMG...it is good! I love the creamy yet tangy flavor from my pudding combo! I can def see where you could let your creative juices,..errr...puddings flow with this recipe! Thanks for posting!
I always wanted to tell you that my dinner menu tonight is straight from The Country Cook; we're having Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole with a garden salad, and Eclair Cake for yummy dessert! Thanks Again! Kim
Klöber
What the what??? This cake looks amazing and it is just that easy??? Wow!
Chelsea
I've been making this for years and my only difference is that I make the ganache from scratch. This is the best desert, and I'm so happy you posted it!!
Dawna
I made this today, and needless to say, it did not make it 'overnight' in the fridge. I held-out for about 5 hours and then I absolutely HAD to 'test' it! (-My kids are going to be SO mad at me when they wake up to find Mommy ate a piece when I told them it had to sit overnight! LOL). It is absolutely delicious! This one will stay in my recipe box for sure!!! Thank you for sharing!
Anonymous
Yesterday my 5 yo granddaughter Kyra & I made this....we can hardly wait until tonight to eat it!!! I made it sugar free. Thank u for sharing.....<3
Taylor
I have linked to this recipe on my Tumblr blog, I hope that's okay! Thinking about making it for my mom's birthday 🙂
The Country Cook
Sheri, bless your heart, you made your own birthday cake. You should live closer to me, I woulda made one for you! I really hope you enjoy your special day and I hope you enjoy your cake too!!
Sheri
I made this for my Birthday! It is in the fridge awaiting frosting. I can't wait till tomorrow when I can actually eat it!
Mandy
Brandie - this looks delicious! I would LOVE it if you would link this up to my party that is going on at http://www.projectqueen.org. I HAVE TO MAKE THIS SOOOOON!!!
Thanks so much Brandie! I'm your newest follower!
Anonymous
im gonna try this with banana pudding and bananas layered in it
Michele Alger
My husband is going to LOVE THIS! Eclairs are his #1 dessert. Thank you for sharing this!! I can't wait to try it 😉
Camille
Eclair cake! OMG. Awesome. I need to do this.
Tracey @ Kitchen Playground
I make this ALL the time! Love it. I actually did a post about it a while back, too. So easy, and sooooo good.
Amanda- Eating in Winnipeg
oh these look great, i'd love it if you linked them up to Savory Sunday!! (the hop is open right now, and all week)
carolinaheartstrings
That just looks fantastic. I cannot wait to give it a try.
Amanda
You were featured at Today's Top 20! Hooray!!
Amanda
http://www.todaystoptwenty.blogspot.com
JamieS
Wow! This looks fabulous and so easy! I think I have all the ingredients in my pantry already! I was going to take a dump cake to my next potluck, but I think I will have to try this instead!
~JamieS@ Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom
Jill Colonna
WOWZA!
Who would have thought of making an eclair a cake? I love eclairs and love your idea, here! Looks brilliant, although I do think I would be tempted the whole lot!
Eftychia
Delicious dessert and easy to make! Thanks for sharing!
Jill @ Women Who Do It All
Mmmm, that looks and sounds amazing! I'm featuring this at womenwhodoitall.blogspot.com
🙂 Jill
Lauren
I am all over this recipe. Chocolate + Eclair+ easy= my type of food! THanks
Gooseberry Patch
This is a favorite at Gooseberry Patch potlucks...yum!
Stacia
I have a recipe almost identical to this one that my aunt gave to me over 10 years ago. It is always requested at family get togethers.
Lisa
I've eaten this dessert before and loved it. What a great dessert idea.
Tanya
I made this for my husbands birthday and it was a hit! Thanks for the great recipe!
Brandie@thecountrycook
Hi Tanya! Thank you SO very much for coming back and telling me how it all turned out!! It makes it all worth it to know someone tried a recipe that I posted and it worked out well!
Erin
WOW! I'm speechless. AMAZING!!!!
Mom Chef
I must be losing my mind because this is the second time I've seen this and I could have sworn I commented on how much I liked it and wanted to lick my monitor, but now I can't see the post. Anyhow, you get the idea. It look really, really good. 🙂
Julie
I love desserts like these. Thanks for sharing!
Kimberly
I know I'm late posting this comment, but I love this cake! I made this a few years ago for my Sister In Laws Bridal shower, and made it sugar free for her Hubby, and it was such a huge hit I still get requests to make it! Love this recipe!
Anna
Oh my gosh, do these ever bring memories from way back. A co-worker used to make this for special events at the office, and it was always such a hit.
Cara
love eclair cake! haven't made it in a long time though!
Lynn
My mom used to make a cake like this and it was incredible. I think she used a different filling, but the idea was the same. I think I'm going to ask her to make that cake again!
A Pretty Life in the Suburbs
Sounds scrumptious!
Jo-Anna
Veronica
Well, butter my buns and call me a biscuit. I had never heard of this dessert. I made it and we all absolutely loved it!
Gypsy
Must have this! It looks and sounds delish ~ thanks so much for the recipe.
Raven
YUM! That looks awesome!
Patricia
Hey girl! You're REALLY popular, I don't think I've EVER received 30+ comments...EVER! Maybe if two commenters got into an argument or a conversation of their own? LOL!
I plan to try this (I have leftover smores graham crackers I want to use), it looks really good and really easy!
Gina
Finally, an easy dessert I can make. This was so good!
Helen
I am so excited to see that you brought this wonderful Eclair Cake today. It just looks delicious and I can't wait to try it.
Tonya
YUMMY! This cake is one of our favorites. Only difference is the recipe I was given uses a homemade chocolate topping, but using canned would be great in a bind.
I have to tell you our FAVORITE way to serve it is with strawberries, either the frozen kind, thawed or fresh, it just takes it over the top cook. Plus it looks pretty and Valentiney!
Brooke
Eclair cake is one of my all time favorites! Yours has turned out beautifully with that ooey gooey chocolate and cream. Yummmm!
Amelia
I am drooling over that cake!!
Kankana
Dropped by from Miz Helen's Blog. The cake looks sooo moist and yummyy!!
Anna
I love this cake! And it is simple and easy and I love that, too! I'm gonna make it again this weekend. Love your pic!
Ang
I'm totally making this Brandie. So simple. I love it!
Lindsey
This looks amazingly yummy! What a perfect dessert for a football crowd!
Rimmy
I've never seen this one, but it will make for the perfect Super Bowl dessert!
Thanks!
Kristi
Mama J
This is a classic I grew up on. Love it. So easy and it ALWAYS impresses!
Annie
I gaped at that picture when I saw it. I think I may have made an ooh and awe sound too. It looks so delicious yet it so simple. I am saving this one to try later.
MaryBeth
So simple yet so delish...Yumm-o
Jen
no bake cake, wow, i haven't had any in years. thanks for reminding me. Yours sure look delicious.
Have a wonderful Wednesday evening.
Sydney
You are right, this looks like such a simple yet delectable dessert. I am definitely saving this, thank you!
Candace
Brandie, this is such a wonderful dessert! Someone from my church brought it to a potluck one time and it was a huuuge hit. So yummy and so easy. Thank you for the reminder! Candace
sweetsbysillianah
YUM-O, and so simple to whip up, love it! =)
Katie
This looks delicious. I love eclairs and so I am going to have to make this recipe when I have company-otherwise I'd eat it all.
Elisabeth
Absolutely a family favorite. Folks always want the recipe too!
Gary V..
do the graham crackers get a little soggy or do they stay crisp
Elisabeth
Hi Brandie- You and I must share the same love of Cool Whip desserts. Remember my angel food cake, with the cool whip, and fresh strawberries?...well, I think I would choose your super amazing eclair cake first, and than the srawberry angel food cake second...we are all chocolate lovers, and this is a winner!...Yummm!
I bookmarked the recipe, to make...seriously!
Mary
I love the way this sounds. I'd rename it "Poor Man's Tiramisu". This was a great idea. I hope you have a wonderful day. Blessings...Mary
Evan
This is my absolute favorite recipe from growing up! My grandmother still makes it every time we go to visit.. its so delicious! I'm glad to see it making its way into the blog world 🙂
Siggy
yum, yum, YUM! I love this recipe...the chocolate grams and white chocolate version may be the next thing I try!!
Karen
Oh so yummy!
Busy
I love this recipe. Thanks for reminding me of it! So yummy!
cheryl
Yum! My husband will freak out over this. He loves eclairs and a whole cake of them!
Han
This looks sooo yummy! Is it bad that I like Cool Whip better than real whipped cream? I know the food police will come after me for saying that - ha! Great and easy recipe!
Sandra
This is so so so so cool! I would never think of make it this way! Love it!!!!
Becky
You beat me to this! I have made this recipe forever! Yum!
Gail @ Faithfulness Farm
Oh, I love this recipe....so fun and I'm betting a potluck hit 🙂
Blessings!
Gail
Patti
My son is going to love this! Eclairs are his fav!
egbkid
Oh, this looks yummy! I might steal it for the next shower i have to go to! Thanks for sharing!!
Mateja ^_^
Wow!! So good!