If you love desserts but don’t want to spend hours baking, you’re in for a treat! My No-Bake Éclair Cake is the easiest and most delicious dessert you’ll ever make. It’s creamy, chocolatey, and has layers of graham crackers that soften into a cake-like texture. Trust me, you’ll be going back for second and maybe even thirds!
Method
Prepare the Whipped Cream
Start by pouring the heavy cream into a large mixing bowl. Add the icing sugar and vanilla extract, then use an electric mixer or whisk to beat the mixture on high speed. Continue beating until soft peaks form, which means when you lift the beaters, the cream should hold its shape but still be slightly soft. This will give the cake a smooth, light texture that blends beautifully with the pudding.
Make the Pudding Mixture
In a separate bowl, prepare the vanilla pudding by mixing the pudding packets with 3 cups of milk as directed on the package. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture thickens. Once the pudding is ready, gently fold it into the whipped cream using a spatula. Be sure to mix carefully so that the whipped cream retains its fluffy consistency while fully combining with the pudding.
Assemble the Cake
Begin by spreading a thin layer of the pudding mixture onto the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. This helps keep the first layer of graham crackers in place. Next, place a single layer of graham crackers over the pudding, making sure to cover the entire bottom of the dish. Break the crackers if necessary to ensure an even fit.
Once the first layer of crackers is in place, spread a generous portion of the pudding mixture over them, making sure to coat them evenly. Continue this layering process, alternating between graham crackers and pudding mixture until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a final layer of graham crackers on top. The crackers will soften as they absorb the pudding, creating a delicious cake-like texture.
Add the Chocolate Topping
Take the tub of chocolate frosting and remove the lid and foil. Place the frosting in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it for about 20 seconds, or until it is soft and easy to spread. Stir it well to make sure it’s smooth, then use a spatula to evenly spread the warm frosting over the top layer of graham crackers. This will create the signature chocolate topping that makes this cake resemble a classic éclair.
Chill & Serve
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and place it in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, though overnight is even better. This chilling process allows the layers to meld together, softening the crackers into a cake-like consistency and enhancing the flavors. Once chilled, slice into squares and serve cold for the best taste and texture
Necessary Tools
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13 baking dish
- Spatula
- Microwave-safe bowl
No-Bake Eclair Cake
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy11
servings15
minutes3
hours3
hours15
minutesIngredients
4 sleeves graham crackers
2 cups heavy cream
3 tbsp icing sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 packages vanilla pudding mix
3 cups milk
1 tub chocolate frosting
Directions
- Prepare the Whipped Cream: Pour heavy cream, icing sugar, and vanilla extract into a mixing bowl. Beat on high until soft peaks form. This will give the cake a light and creamy texture.
- Make the Pudding Mixture: Prepare the vanilla pudding according to the package instructions (mixing it with 3 cups of milk). Once ready, fold it gently into the whipped cream. This creates a rich, creamy filling.
- Assemble the Cake
Spread a thin layer of the pudding mixture onto the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
Place a layer of graham crackers on top, breaking pieces as needed to cover the entire surface.
Spread a generous layer of the pudding mixture over the crackers.
Repeat the layers, alternating pudding and crackers, finishing with a final layer of crackers on top. - Add the Chocolate Topping: Warm the chocolate frosting in the microwave for about 20 seconds (until it’s soft enough to spread easily). Stir it well, then spread evenly over the top layer of crackers. This creates the perfect chocolate coating!
- Chill & Serve: Refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the crackers to soften and absorb the flavors. The longer it chills, the better it tastes!
Notes
- Whipping the Cream: Be careful not to overbeat the whipped cream—it should have soft peaks, not turn into butter!
- Layering the Crackers: Make sure to cover the entire surface for the best cake-like texture. Gaps can make it uneven.
- Microwaving the Frosting: Heat it in short intervals and stir to prevent overheating and burning.
- Chilling Time: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! The cake needs time to set properly for the perfect texture.





Serving Suggestions
- Classic Style: Enjoy a chilled slice as-is.
- Extra Decadence: Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
- Berry Twist: Serve with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a fruity contrast.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle crushed nuts on top before serving for extra texture.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the traditional French éclair is a pastry made from choux dough filled with cream and topped with chocolate? This no-bake version captures all the delicious flavors but without the hassle of baking!
Conclusion
This No-Bake Éclair Cake is a game-changer! It’s easy to make, requires no baking, and tastes like a dream. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or just craving something sweet, this dessert will never disappoint. So go ahead, make it, and watch it disappear within minutes!









