The Easy Éclair Cake is a no-bake dessert that brings all the classic flavors of a traditional French éclair into a simple, crowd-pleasing treat. Made with layers of graham crackers, creamy vanilla pudding, and whipped topping, this cake mimics the light, custardy filling of éclairs without the hassle of pastry dough.
The final touch is a rich chocolate glaze that soaks into the layers, creating a decadent finish. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or weeknight indulgence, this dessert requires minimal ingredients and prep time. It’s a nostalgic favorite that delivers big flavor with almost no effort. Serve chilled for best results.
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious, this Easy Éclair Cake is a no-bake dream come true! It combines layers of creamy vanilla pudding, whipped topping, graham crackers, and a rich chocolate ganache that mimics the flavor of a classic French éclair. The best part? No baking skills required!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No baking required
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Crowd-pleasing and perfect for gatherings
- Tastes even better after chilling overnight
- Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
Easy Éclair Cake Recipe
Description
Easy Éclair Cake is a no-bake, layered dessert that mimics the flavor of a classic éclair.
Made with graham crackers, creamy vanilla pudding, whipped topping, and rich chocolate frosting, it’s a deliciously simple treat.
The graham crackers soften as it chills, creating a cake-like texture without any baking. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or weeknight desserts, this refrigerator cake is both nostalgic and crowd-pleasing.
It requires minimal ingredients and effort but delivers maximum flavor. Best served chilled, it becomes even more delicious the next day. It’s a go-to dessert for anyone who loves creamy, chocolatey indulgence with zero fuss.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Ganache Topping:
Instructions
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In a large bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened (about 2–3 minutes). Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping using a rubber spatula until well combined. This will be your creamy filling.
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In a 9x13-inch baking dish, place a single layer of whole graham crackers at the bottom. Break crackers as needed to fully cover the surface. Don’t worry if they don’t fit perfectly—just cover as much as possible.
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Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the graham cracker layer. Smooth it with a spatula.
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Add another layer of graham crackers on top of the pudding layer, followed by the remaining pudding mixture. Spread it evenly. Top with a final layer of graham crackers, pressing down gently to help the layers settle.
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To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it begins to simmer (do not boil). Remove from heat and pour it over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for 2–3 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy. Add the butter and stir it in until melted for an extra silky finish. Alternatively, you can microwave the cream and chocolate together in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
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Pour the warm ganache over the top layer of graham crackers. Spread it evenly with a spatula, making sure all crackers are covered. This layer will harden slightly as it chills.
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Cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the graham crackers to soften and absorb the creamy filling, creating a cake-like texture.
Nutrition Facts
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 18g28%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Cholesterol 40mg14%
- Sodium 350mg15%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 30g
- Protein 5g10%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Easy Éclair Cake is a no-bake dessert that combines layers of graham crackers, vanilla pudding, whipped topping, and rich chocolate ganache. It's perfect for parties, potlucks, or a sweet family treat.
While the recipe is simple, a few smart tips and tricks can elevate the flavor, texture, and presentation. Here's everything you need to make your Éclair Cake perfect every time.
Tips for the Perfect Éclair Cake
- Use Full-Fat Ingredients
For the best flavor and texture, use full-fat milk, real whipped topping (or heavy cream), and real butter in your ganache. Low-fat substitutes may result in a thinner filling or less stability. - Let It Chill Overnight
While the cake can technically be eaten after 4 hours of chilling, overnight chilling (at least 8 hours) is ideal. This allows the graham crackers to fully soften and meld with the pudding, creating a cake-like texture. - Layer Neatly
When placing graham crackers in the dish, break them gently to fit edge to edge. Try to keep the layers flat and even to help the cake set nicely and slice cleanly. - Make Homemade Ganache (Optional)
For a richer flavor, use homemade chocolate ganache made from chocolate chips and heavy cream instead of canned frosting. Just heat 1/2 cup heavy cream until hot and pour over 1 cup chocolate chips. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. - Prevent a Runny Filling
Mix the instant pudding with cold milk only (not warm), and whisk it until it's thickened before folding in the whipped topping. This helps the filling stay fluffy and not runny. - Add Flavor Variations
You can customize the pudding flavor (e.g., French vanilla, banana, or chocolate) or add a thin layer of sliced strawberries or bananas between layers for extra freshness.
Serving Tricks
- Use a Hot Knife for Clean Slices
To cut clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between cuts. This prevents the filling from sticking and gives a professional finish. - Garnish Before Serving
Top each slice with shaved chocolate, crushed nuts, or a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant touch. - Portion Size
A standard 9x13-inch pan yields 12–15 servings depending on how generously you cut the pieces. Smaller cuts are great for parties; larger ones for dessert lovers! - Mini Versions for Parties
For individual servings, assemble the cake in cups or jars instead of a large dish. This also speeds up chilling time and makes serving easier.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the cake into squares using a sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat layers. Serve chilled straight from the fridge. For extra flair, top with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Make it chocolate: Use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla for a double-chocolate éclair cake.
- Add a twist: Add sliced bananas or strawberries between the layers for a fruity surprise.
- Use homemade whipped cream: Substitute whipped topping with sweetened whipped cream for a richer taste.
- Try flavored graham crackers: Cinnamon or chocolate graham crackers add extra flavor depth.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze éclair cake for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Store the cake covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 4–5 days. The texture improves after the first day as it continues to set.
- Éclair cake can be frozen for up to 1 month, but the texture of the whipped topping and pudding may change slightly. If freezing, wrap tightly in plastic and then foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Since the cake contains dairy, don’t leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Always keep it chilled until just before serving.
Perfect For…
- Potlucks
- Birthday parties
- Summer BBQs
- Family dinners
- Last-minute desserts
Final Thoughts
This Easy Éclair Cake is one of those magical desserts that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—but really takes just minutes to assemble.
Its creamy filling and decadent chocolate topping make it a showstopper with minimal effort. The longer it chills, the better it gets, making it a perfect make-ahead treat.
Easy Éclair Cake is proof that a no-bake dessert can be both elegant and indulgent. With proper layering, enough chill time, and thoughtful storage, your cake will impress every time.
Whether you're preparing it for a crowd or a weeknight treat, these tips and tricks will help you serve up perfection—one creamy, chocolatey bite at a time.
Whether you're a beginner baker or just short on time, this no-bake éclair cake is a foolproof dessert that’s sure to impress. Make it once, and you'll be asked to bring it to every party from now on!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Éclair Cake?
Éclair Cake is a no-bake dessert inspired by classic French éclairs.
It features layers of graham crackers and creamy vanilla pudding mixed with whipped topping, finished with a rich chocolate frosting.
As it chills, the graham crackers soften to create a texture similar to choux pastry, giving it the taste and feel of an éclair without the baking hassle.
How long should I chill the cake before serving?
For the best texture and flavor, the cake should be chilled for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal.
This resting time allows the graham crackers to fully absorb the pudding mixture and become soft and cake-like. Skipping or shortening the chilling period may result in a less cohesive dessert with crunchy layers.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this dessert is best when made a day in advance. Éclair Cake holds up well in the refrigerator for 3–4 days, making it perfect for parties, potlucks, and holidays. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.
Can I customize the flavors?
Yes! While vanilla pudding and chocolate frosting are traditional, you can easily switch things up. Try using chocolate pudding, banana cream, or even cheesecake-flavored pudding.
You can also top the cake with ganache, Nutella spread, or a homemade chocolate glaze for extra richness. For a fruity twist, add sliced bananas or strawberries between the layers.
