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No bake chocolate eclair cake topped with chocolate icing and whipped cream.

No Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake

A rich and creamy no-bake dessert featuring layers of graham crackers, vanilla pudding, and chocolate frosting.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert, No-Bake
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 14½ ounces graham crackers
  • 3 cups whole milk Use for creamier pudding.
  • 2 packages instant vanilla pudding mix (3½ ounces each) Instant pudding allows for quick thickening.
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar Keeps cream stable.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Used for pudding.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup heavy cream (for frosting)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter Unsalted helps control salt.
  • 1½ cups semisweet chocolate chips Melts smooth for frosting.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 1 pinch salt

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Whisk the instant pudding mix with the 3 cups milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and powdered sugar in a bowl until it thickens and holds soft peaks.
  2. Line a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with a single layer of graham crackers, fitting them snugly.
  3. Scoop half the pudding onto the crackers and spread it to the edges with a spatula, creating an even, thick layer.
  4. Add another full layer of graham crackers, then top with the remaining pudding, smoothing it so the final layer is level.
  5. Finish with one more layer of graham crackers pressed gently into the pudding.
Frosting Preparation
  1. Place chocolate chips, ¾ cup heavy cream, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring until glossy and smooth.
  2. Stir in the pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla; taste and adjust salt if needed.
  3. Pour the warm frosting over the top graham crackers and spread evenly to cover the surface.
Chilling
  1. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill overnight or for at least 4 hours until the crackers soften and the layers set.

Notes

For best texture, make it the night before. Optional additions include a teaspoon of instant espresso in the frosting or topping with nuts for special occasions.