No Bake Eclair Cake

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4.74 from 92 votes
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A no bake eclair cake recipe that tastes like a creamy and decadent cross between Boston cream pie and a chocolate eclair.

Easy Eclair Cake

Easy Eclair Cake

If you love eclairs you are going to go crazy for this no bake chocolate eclair cake. It tastes like an eclair but is much easier to make with just 5 ingredients, a bowl, and a spoon. No need to even turn on the oven or break out the electric mixer!

I love easy no-bake cakes are to make. For more no-bake desserts try our strawberry jello pie, blueberry delight, and lemon icebox cake recipes.

No Bake Eclair Cake Recipe

Also referred to as Boston cream icebox cake, this decadent dessert is made by alternating layers of graham crackers and vanilla pudding. It is then topped with a rich chocolate frosting before being place in the refrigerator to chill. As it refrigerates the graham crackers absorb some of the pudding, making them soft and cake-like.

Easy No Bake Eclair Cake Recipe

The toughest part is waiting for the dessert to chill, which is why I recommend making the no-bake cake the day before you plan on serving it. The cake needs at least 6 hours in the fridge. But for the best results, I would recommend letting it chill for 12-24 hours.

This eclair icebox cake is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, and holiday parties. It is easy to transport, serves a crowd, and is always the first dessert to go!

Ingredients

You will find the full recipe with instructions and measurements and all that good stuff at the bottom of this page in the printable recipe card. But first, take a minute to read through the detailed instructions and recipe tips below.

Ingredients for Eclair Cake

Start by gathering everything that you will need.

  • vanilla instant pudding: Vanilla or French vanilla, either work well for this recipe.
  • milk: Use whole milk for best results, although you can use 1%, 2%, or skim as well — the pudding just won’t be as thick and creamy.
  • whipped topping: Thawed, not frozen. Cool Whip or generic store brands both work well for this recipe.
  • graham crackers: Original or honey flavored.
  • chocolate frosting: The premade kind that comes in a plastic container. We like to use dark chocolate but milk chocolate would work too.

How to Make No Bake Eclair Cake

You can’t beat how super easy this cake is to make.

First, mix pudding mix and milk. Fold in whipped topping and stir well to combine. Set aside.

graham crackers layered on bottom of 9 x 13 baking dish

Cover the bottom of 9 x 13 pan with a layer of graham crackers. Break as needed to cover the entire bottom with a single layer.

Vanilla pudding in 9 x 13 baking dish

Next, spoon half the pudding mixture over the graham crackers and gently spread into an even layer.

How to make icebox cake

Top with another layer of graham crackers.

vanilla pudding in glass pan

Add the remainder of the pudding mixture and spread evenly.

graham crackers layered on top of vanilla pudding in glass baking dish

Add a 3rd and final layer of graham crackers.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Uncover frosting and remove foil wrap. Microwave for 25 seconds to make the frosting easier to spread. Stir well.

Pouring dark chocolate icing over cake

Remove cake and uncover. Pour chocolate frosting over the top of the cake and spread into an even layer.

cake covered with chocolate frosting

Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 6 hours. (The longer you give the graham crackers to soften up the better.)

Eclair Cake

Slice, serve, and enjoy the creamy goodness!

Recipe Tips & Variations

  • Top with chocolate chips for even more chocolatey goodness.
  • Try the recipe using cinnamon or chocolate graham crackers.
  • Instead of 2 layers of vanilla pudding try making the recipe with one layer of vanilla pudding and one layer of white chocolate or cheesecake pudding.
  • For a lighter version use fat-free Cool Whip, sugar-free pudding mix, skim milk, and just a thin layer of frosting on top.
  • Don’t care for store-bought frosting? Make your own chocolate ganache by heating 3/4 cup heavy cream until simmering then pour over 1 cup of chocolate chips. Allow to sit for 2-3 minutes, stir well, then pour over cake.

More Easy Dessert Recipes

Recipe
No Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake
Recipe
4.74 from 92 votes

No Bake Eclair Cake

Author: Jaclyn
Prep: 15 minutes
Chill Time 6 hours
Total: 6 hours 15 minutes
Creamy and delicious no-bake eclair cake tastes like a cross between Boston cream pie and a chocolate eclair. Plus, it is super easy to make with just 5 simple ingredients!

Ingredients
 

  • 6.8 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix
  • 3 cups milk
  • 8 ounce whipped topping thawed
  • 16 ounce graham crackers
  • 16 ounce chocolate frosting

Instructions

  • Mix instant pudding and milk together in a large bowl. Fold in whipped topping, mixing until well combined. Set aside.
  • Place a layer of whole graham crackers in the bottom of a 9 x 13 dish, breaking as needed to cover the entire bottom with a single layer.
  • Spoon 1/2 the pudding mixture over the graham crackers and gently spread into an even layer. Top with another layer of graham crackers and then the remainder of the pudding mixture. Add a 3rd and final layer of graham crackers.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Uncover frosting and remove foil wrap. Microwave for 25 seconds to make the frosting easier to spread. Stir well. Remove cake from refrigerator and pour over cake and spread into an even layer.
  • Replace the plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 6 hours. (The longer you give the graham crackers to soften up the better.)

Notes

  • I have had success making this recipe with either vanilla pudding or French vanilla pudding. Either way is delish!
  • For a lighter version use fat-free Cool Whip, sugar-free pudding mix, skim milk, and just a thin layer of frosting on top.
  • Don't care for store-bought frosting? Make your own chocolate ganache by heating 3/4 cup heavy cream until simmering then pour over 1 cup of chocolate chips. Allow to sit for 2-3 minutes, stir well, then pour over cake.
  • Nutrition

    Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 369mg | Potassium: 197mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin A: 60IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 94mg | Iron: 2mg
    No Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake

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    5 Ingredient Boston Cream Icebox Cake

    4.74 from 92 votes (86 ratings without comment)

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    65 Comments

    1. I made the eclair cake a few times last summer. a big hit every time. Will be making again this summer. so east and delicious and refreshing

    2. 5 stars
      I tried this interesting recipe, for a friend’s visit. This was so delicious! We both couldn’t believe the few items it needed. Then it was a NO bake, so it was very easy to put together and present, to a friend!

    3. we don’t get frozen cool whip … can I use Elle n Vire professional whipping cream, if yes, how much

    4. This dessert is so easy and delicious. A real crowd pleaser. Everyone from kids to grown ups love it!

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