No-bake chocolate eclair cake is a classic icebox cake that features layers of graham crackers, pudding, and chocolate. It takes just a few minutes to put together, but the magic happens as it takes a nice long chill in the refrigerator. If you’ve never had one, you absolutely must give it a try.

Slice of eclair cake with vanilla pudding mixture, graham crackers, and fudge icing.

This icebox eclair cake is supposed to mimic the classic French dessert it is named after. However, I think this yummy treat made with layers of softened graham crackers, fluffy pudding and whipped topping, and rich fudgy chocolate is wonderful in its own right.

The best part is that there are no fancy techniques to master and no fancy equipment is needed. This approachable recipe is perfect for everyone!

About This Recipe

By now, I think you know our midwestern roots run deep. We love all of the classics that are stereotypical of our region.

That especially goes for pudding based desserts, like chocolate dirt cake and this eclair cake. The best part is that you don’t have to have great baking skills for these desserts.

Pan of eclair cake with a piece missing showing layers of graham crackers and pudding topped my smooth fudgy chocolate icing.

Ingredients including graham crackers, milk, instant pudding, whipped topping, condensed milk, and chocolate chips ready to be made into an eclair icebox cake.

So many of these recipes were staples during my childhood. They were easy for my mom to put together, which is a must when you are caring for 6 kids.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that they taste amazing. Recipes don’t have to be complicated to result in really tasty food.

We tend to think of them during the summer because they are cool and not too heavy. Plus, you don’t have to turn the oven on to make them.

Glass batter bowl filled with vanilla pudding and Cool Whip mixture.

Spreading vanilla pudding mixture over a layer of graham crackers in a glass 9x13-inch pan.

However, they are wonderful any time of the year. It’s always a great time for a creamy pudding dessert!

So, I think it is time to bring back all of these classics. They are just as good now as they ever were.

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Can you make eclair cake with canned frosting?

Yes. I grew up eating my eclair cake with a can of chocolate or fudge frosting spread over the top. If you heat it up a bit, it spreads pretty easily.

However, it is also really easy to make the simple condensed milk fudge icing that is in the recipe below, and I think it tastes even better. Either way, your dessert is going to be delicious.

Sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips in a bowl, ready to be melted into chocolate icing for the eclair cake.

Bowl of warm, fudgy chocolate icing next to pan with eclair cake in it, ready to spread it on top.

Can you make eclair cake ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, it is better if you make eclair cake at least several hours ahead if not the day before you intend to serve it. As the cake chills, the pudding mixture softens the graham crackers and gives it the perfect texture.

Spatula lifting out first slice of eclair cake with layers of graham crackers, a fluffy vanilla pudding mixture, and fudgy chocolate icing on top.

Bite of no bake eclair cake on fork, ready to eat.

Storing Your Graham Cracker Pudding Dessert

The eclair cake should be covered and stored in the refrigerator. It will be good for about 4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the eclair cake. Just make sure it is well wrapped, and it will be good for several months.

You can defrost the cake overnight in the refrigerator. Or enjoy it partially frozen for an extra refreshing treat.

Can you make eclair cake without using a tub of Cool Whip?

Yes. You can use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping if you prefer. The Cool Whip does hold up a little bit longer, but either will be delicious.

4.86 from 14 ratings

No Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake

Author: Carlee

Servings: Servings

No-bake chocolate eclair cake is a classic icebox cake that features layers of graham crackers, pudding, and chocolate. It takes just a few minutes to put together, but the magic happens as it takes a nice long chill in the refrigerator. If you've never had one, you absolutely must give it a try.

Prep: 10

Cook: 1

Chill Time 4

Ingredients

▢ 3 cups milk
▢ 7 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix 2 small boxes
▢ 8 ounces whipped topping thawed
▢ 16 ounces graham crackers
▢ 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
▢ 1½ cups chocolate chips

Makes: 9 x 13inch rectangle

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 3 cups milk and 7 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix.
Stir in 8 ounces whipped topping.
Arrange a layer of graham crackers on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, covering the bottom of the pan as completely as possible without overlapping.
Spread half of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers.
Top the pudding with another layer of graham crackers, followed by the remaining pudding mixture. Top the pudding with a final layer of graham crackers.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
In a small bowl, melt together 1½ cups chocolate chips and 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk using 20 second bursts in the microwave.
Once you can stir the mixture smooth, spread over the chilled icebox cake. Make sure you get it all the way to the edges.
Cover and chill for at least 3 more hours before serving.

Notes

If you don’t want to make the chocolate chip and condensed milk fudge topping, you can use a can of chocolate frosting.
Feel free to experiment with different flavors of pudding mix. Chocolate pudding would be fabulous, so would white chocolate pudding.