No Bake Eclair Cake is the perfect dessert to whip up in a snap and serve for any occasion. Rich vanilla pudding mixed with whipped cream and layered between graham crackers then topped with sweet chocolate frosting, everyone will enjoy this easy icebox cake!
This is a layered version of our other Easy Eclair Cake recipe that is also a huge hit.
No Bake Eclair Cake
No need to heat up the oven, dessert can be made without it! No Bake Eclair Cake is so easy to make and yet it’s the thing everyone is always asking me to make. I love that I can make it the night before serving and it’s made from ingredients that are almost always in the pantry and refrigerator.
If you love easy dessert recipes, these will be perfect for you! 4-Ingredient Almond Joy Cookies | Easy Banana Pudding Cookie Cups | 2-Ingredient Apple Pie Cups | Reese’s Stuffed Brookies
The Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the No Bake Eclair Cake (the exact measurements and full recipe instructions are below in the printable recipe card):
- Graham crackers
- French vanilla instant pudding
- Cool Whip – be sure to thaw before making the recipe.
- Milk – I used whole milk.
- Chocolate frosting – our 5-minute frosting recipe is delicious and quick, but you can also use store bought. One whole tub of chocolate cake/cupcake frosting from the baking aisle is just right for this recipe.
How to Make No Bake Eclair Cake
Start by whisking together the milk and instant vanilla pudding until well combined. Set the pudding aside to thicken, stirring occasionally.
Once the pudding is thick, fold in the thawed Cool Whip.
Place a single layer of the graham crackers in the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan.
Next, add half of the pudding mixture.
Add another single layer of graham crackers.
Spread on the remaining vanilla pudding mixture.
Add one last single layer of graham crackers.
Melt the chocolate frosting in the microwave in 15 second increments until it is completely melted. Pour the frosting over top of the eclair cake.
Refrigerate the eclair cake for 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 8 hours.
The refrigeration period is when the layers of graham crackers become soft and cake-like. After the cake has chilled for at least 8 hours, slice into 12 servings.
Variations
Cinnamon Graham Crackers – Try making this eclair cake with cinnamon graham crackers instead of plain. It’s delicious!
Cheesecake Pudding – Instant cheesecake flavor pudding is a really good alternative to the French vanilla pudding.
Chocolate Pudding – To make a double chocolate eclair cake, use chocolate pudding instead of the French vanilla.
How to Store Leftovers
Cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and keep the leftover eclair cake in the refrigerator for up to three days.
More Recipes You’ll Enjoy
- Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries
- Funeral Potatoes
- Snickers Cheesecake Bites
- Creamy Bow Tie Pasta Salad
No Bake Eclair Cake
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 boxes (3.4 ounces each) instant French vanilla pudding mix
- 16 ounce tub Cool Whip (this is 1 large tub, or use small 8-ounce tubs) thawed
- 1 box graham crackers
- 1 tub chocolate frosting
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and instant vanilla pudding until well combined. Set aside to thicken for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Once thickened, fold in the Cool Whip.
- Place a single layer of graham crackers in the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan. Top with half of the pudding mixture. Add another single layer of graham crackers, then the remaining pudding mixture. Top with a final layer of graham crackers.
- Scoop the chocolate frosting into a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 15-second increments until melted, stirring well between each cooking interval. Pour the frosting over top of the eclair cake.
- Refrigerate the eclair cake for about 30 minutes until the chocolate frosting is set, then cover with plastic wrap and chill overnight, or 8 hours.
- Slice the eclair cake into 12 servings and serve chilled.
Last Step:
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126 comments on “No Bake Eclair Cake”
Everybody Loved this dessert!
My daughter loves Eclair cake, Have not made yet but soon. Will let you know
What a huge hit with my family. It was delicious! Easy to make. All ingredients are staples in my home. I make it when everyone is asleep and it’s ready for them the next day!! # 1 dessert for sure!
Thank you Nancy!
I made this before with gf graham crackers and it was great. Even just dipping stuff in the left over filling was delicious. But this time around i do not have time to let is set in the fridge overnight. Can i make and eat it the same day
Hi Hannah. It does best to let let sit for some time but yes you can make and eat the same day.
My store didn’t have an vanilla pudding mixes. Has anyone tried it with coconut cream pudding mix?
Hi Nicole. I haven’t tried that but it sounds delicious. Maybe someone will chime in with actual results.
how long will this keep in the fridge? I’d like to make 2 batches, one for home and one for work that will be taken in 2 days later.
Hi Ash. This lasts about three days due to the graham crackers getting soggy. It will last longer than that, but you may not prefer the texture.
How can I keep the frosting from sticking to my cling wrap over items. Any suggestions.
If you are trying to cover the whole pan, you can use toothpicks and rest the plastic wrap on the toothpicks.
Just a tip…..I add a teeny capful of vanilla extract and a teeny capful of almost extract to the pudding/Cool Whip mix. REALLY kicks up the flavor!
I’ve made this recipe twice and family loved it. But, both times it didn’t set and was mushy but delicious. I let it set overnight so plenty of time to set. Any suggestions?
Will use this recipe again!
Hi Tami. Glad the family loved it. My only suggestion would be to try refrigerating the pudding/cool whip mixture to set before pouring it over the graham crackers. Hope this helps.
Try using less milk. It will make it thicker since you are adding whipped cream to it. Another good recipe is pudding, cream cheese and yogurt. With Nutella cookies. Same flavor but they don’t get soggy as fast.
Live the recipe. Question: do you have to use instant pudding?
Hi Chris. No, using instant pudding is not necessary but just makes it easier.