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No-Bake Eclair Cake (+Video)

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.

close up side photo of a slice of eclair cake on a round white plate.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is eclair cake made of?

Graham crackers, instant vanilla pudding, whipped topping, milk and chocolate frosting. Only five ingredients and can be made in just a few minutes!

Can I use different flavors?

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!

Can this dessert be eaten right away?

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.

Can eclair cake be frozen?

No. Freezing eclair cake is not recommended. It does not defrost well and the texture becomes unappetizing.

How do I store leftovers?

This dessert can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

close up photo of a slice of eclair cake with a bite removed.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)

  • instant vanilla pudding
  • whipped topping (Cool Whip)
  • milk
  • graham crackers
  • chocolate frosting
graham crackers, vanilla pudding, milk, cool whip, chocolate frosting.

HOW TO MAKE ECLAIR CAKE:

In a medium bowl, mix together the pudding mix, milk and Cool Whip.

milk, instant vanilla pudding and cool whip mixed together in a large bowl.

In a 9×13-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.

graham crackers layer into the bottom of a baking 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. 

layers of vanilla pudding, graham crackers in a baking dish.

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.

chocolate frosting spread on top of eclair cake.

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. 

spatula laying inside a baking dish of eclair cake that has had two slices removed.

When ready to serve, slice in squares and enjoy cold!

a spatula holding up a slice of eclair cake.

CRAVING MORE DESSERTS?

Originally published: February 2011
Updated and republished: December 2021

No Bake Eclair Cake recipe from The Country Cook

No-Bake Eclair Cake (+Video)

No-Bake Eclair Cake is a dessert that has layers of graham crackers, vanilla pudding, whipped topping and topped with chocolate frosting!
4.89 from 169 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

  • 2 (3.5 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 3 cups milk
  • 8 ounce tub whipped topping, thawed (Cool Whip)
  • 2 sleeves graham cracker squares (see notes below)
  • 16 ounce container chocolate frosting

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, mix together 2 (3.5 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix, 3 cups milk and 8 ounce tub whipped topping, thawed.
  • In an 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange a single layer of the 2 sleeves 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 16 ounce container chocolate frosting (with the top removed) 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

YouTube 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!
  • UPDATE: Since first sharing this recipe in 2011, it appears different brands put different amounts of graham crackers in each sleeve. Some brands are also making smaller sleeves so you don’t have to open a whole full sleeve. And some brands are also getting cheap and putting less graham crackers in a box. So, it is possible you will need more graham crackers than what I stated above. Be prepared to potentially use the entire box you purchased. 
 
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 275kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Sodium: 249mg | Sugar: 36g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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141 Comments

  1. 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.

  2. 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!

  3. 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. 🙂

  4. 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!

  5. 5 stars
    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.

  6. 5 stars
    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!

  7. 5 stars
    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!

  8. 5 stars
    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!

  9. 5 stars
    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.

  10. 5 stars
    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!

  11. 5 stars
    Eclair cake is one of my all time favorites! Yours has turned out beautifully with that ooey gooey chocolate and cream. Yummmm!

  12. 5 stars
    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!