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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
No Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake
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
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.
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I LOVE THIS RECIPE. I USE COCONUT CREAM PUDDING ,CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA. I USE REAL CREAM AND WHIP IT AS THE NONDAIRY WHIPPED TOPPINGS DO NOT LIKE ME. THIS A FAVORITE OF EVERYONE. I OFTEN JUST DRIZZLE CHOCOLATE FUDGE OR CHOCOLATE SYRUP On EACH PIECE BEFORE SERVING. YUM
Mmmm. Coconut cream or chocolate pudding sound fabulous. I have been thinking about doing a few other flavor variations too. I just need to actually do it!
Thank you, an old favorite found😁
Yay! It’s always fun to be reacquainted with old favorite recipes.
Tastes wonderful. Easy to make the night before for potluck dinners.
It is a great make ahead treat!
My neighbor made this dessert for our neighborhood cook out and I loved it! I came across your recipe when searching how to make it. I love using the chocolate chips and sweetened condensed milk instead of store-bought frosting. Thank you. So excited to have it again for our Labor Day cookout!
Yay!! I am sure it will be a hit!
So I tweaked your original.i used half the milk amt. With equal chocolate pudding and then banana creme.also used 1/2 cool whip with each.i also placed sliced bananas on to of pudding.yum!
My mom made this back in the 70’s.
That sounds fabulous!