This decadent No Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake is the perfect summer dessert. This eclair-style cake is made with graham cracker layers, creamy pudding layers and a layer of rich chocolate ganache!
Look for more delicious no-bake desserts? My mama’s best Banana Pudding, a refreshing Summer Berry Icebox Cake and my favorite Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats!
An Easy No Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake
This easy eclair cake tastes even better than the traditional pastry! The pudding layers are cool and creamy and the ganache layer will take you to chocolate heaven. The graham cracker layers give this cake a light flakiness to balance out the creamy whipped pudding.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoy making this cake in the summer. Not only is it made without an oven or stove, but it’s as refreshing as can be. Everyone loves this cake because it’s chocolatey and decadent – and I love making it because it’s simple and stress-free!
What is an Eclair Cake?
This eclair cake is a twist on the classic cream-filled, chocolate covered French pastry. It’s easy to make with layers upon layers of deliciousness! You have the velvety creaminess of the whipped pudding, the cake-like texture of the softened graham crackers and the richness of the chocolate ganache.
Recipe Ingredients
I know what you’re thinking – eclair cake? That sounds very fancy which means it must be complicated to make, right? Nope! This no bake cake is so easy the kids can help you make it (and of course they will definitely help you devour it). Here’s what you’ll need to make this chocolate eclair cake:
For the Cake
- Graham Crackers
- Cold Milk
- Instant Vanilla Pudding
- Whipped Topping
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For the Chocolate Ganache
- Unsalted Butter
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla Extract
How to Make a Chocolate Eclair Cake
- Combine Milk & Pudding: To a large bowl, add the pudding mix and cold milk, whisking until the mixture is thick with no lumps. You can also use a hand mixer.
- Add Whipped Topping: Fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
- Assemble Graham Cracker Base: Add a single layer of graham crackers to the bottom of a 13×9 glass pan. Cut the crackers to fit as needed.
- Add Layers of Pudding & Crackers: Add half of the pudding mixture on top of the graham crackers. Top with another layer of graham crackers and add the remaining pudding mixture. Then, top with a final layer of graham crackers.
- Start Making the Chocolate Glaze: Add the butter and milk to a medium microwave-safe bowl and heat until there are a few small pieces of butter left, about 1 minute. Stir until the butter is completely melted.
- Add Cocoa, Sugar & Vanilla: Add your cocoa powder, powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat with a hand mixer, or whisk, until completely smooth, at least 5 minutes.
- Pour Glaze Over Cake: Pour the chocolate ganache slowly over the graham crackers and spread it evenly with an offset spatula to cover the entire top of the cake.
- Set in the Fridge: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve chilled and store any leftovers in the refrigerator!
Does this No Bake Dessert Need to be Refrigerated?
It’s crucial that you chill this cake for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, before you serve it. The longer you let your cake rest in the fridge, the more your graham cracker layers will soak up moisture from the pudding. This will soften them and give them the cake-like texture that really seals the deal for this dessert!
Can I Make Eclair Cake in Advance?
Another thing I love about this recipe is that it’s great for making ahead of time. It actually tastes better the longer it chills in the refrigerator! You can prepare this cake 2-3 days in advance.
Looking for more chocolate recipes? Check out these reader favorite chocolate cakes: BEST Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake and an easy, old fashioned Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake.
No Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 21 graham crackers, about 3 sleeves worth
- 3 cups cold milk
- 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant vanilla pudding
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (cool whip), thawed
For the Chocolate Ganache
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
Chocolate Topping:
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Instructions
- In a large bowl, add pudding mix and milk, whisk until thick and no lumps. You can also use a hand mixer. Fold in whipped topping until well combined.
- Add a single layer of graham crackers to the bottom of a 13×9 glass pan. Cut crackers to fit as needed.
- Add half of the pudding mixture on top of the graham crackers. Top with another layer of graham crackers and add the remaining pudding mixture. Then, top with a final layer of graham crackers.
- Add the butter and milk to a medium microwave-safe bowl and heat until there are a few small pieces of butter left, about 1 minute. Stir until butter is completely melted
- Add cocoa powder, powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat with hand mixer, or whisk, until completely smooth, at least 5 minutes.
- Pour slowly over graham crackers and spread evenly with an offset spatula to cover entire top.
- Cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
- Serve chilled and store leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator!
Nutrition
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I like this recipe because of making the cocoa powder topping instead of the can frosting, I like how the chocolate runs into all the crevices , it thickens up when it sets in the fridge.
Chocolate Gamache was super runny for me too, something is off with the chocolate recipe. I had to add almost another while cup of powdered sugar to make it less runny, hopefully it turns out bc I’m taking it to a party.
Hi Jodi! I’m going to test this recipe again this weekend and will make some changes if needed! Thanks for letting me know!
When I made this, the chocolate ganache was very runny. What should I do next time to get at thicker ganache?
Hi Bill! I’m sorry to hear that, you can use less milk if yours came out runny (or add a little more powdered sugar). Another option is to melt a jar of chocolate frosting in the microwave, stir it well and then pour it on top of the cake. It’s an easy way to frost this cake!