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.
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: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)
- 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 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.
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 DESSERTS?
Originally published: February 2011
Updated and republished: December 2021
No-Bake Eclair Cake (+Video)
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
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.
Nutrition
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 can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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?
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!
Love this dessert, but won't eat Cool Whip. Any low calorie solutions. Whipped Cream is a little too fatty for me.
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!
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
What the what??? This cake looks amazing and it is just that easy??? Wow!
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!!
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!
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
I have linked to this recipe on my Tumblr blog, I hope that's okay! Thinking about making it for my mom's birthday 🙂
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!!
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!
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!
im gonna try this with banana pudding and bananas layered in it
My husband is going to LOVE THIS! Eclairs are his #1 dessert. Thank you for sharing this!! I can't wait to try it 😉
Eclair cake! OMG. Awesome. I need to do this.
I make this ALL the time! Love it. I actually did a post about it a while back, too. So easy, and sooooo good.
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)
That just looks fantastic. I cannot wait to give it a try.
You were featured at Today's Top 20! Hooray!!
Amanda
http://www.todaystoptwenty.blogspot.com
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
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!
Delicious dessert and easy to make! Thanks for sharing!
Mmmm, that looks and sounds amazing! I'm featuring this at womenwhodoitall.blogspot.com
🙂 Jill
I am all over this recipe. Chocolate + Eclair+ easy= my type of food! THanks