This no-bake chocolate eclair cake is one of the first to disappear at the dessert table! It’s layered with cool whip, vanilla pudding, graham crackers and topped with homemade frosting!
Easy No-Bake Chocolate Cake
Even frosting haters can come to love this dessert! This chocolate eclair cake is highly addictive so if you think you’re not going to indulge, get ready for it. One bite of this and you will know what I’m talking about. This was a dessert Roxanne shared with me, who brings this dessert to church suppers and I couldn’t imagine another chocolate eclair cake to be as good as this one! It does not compare to the stuffed eclair pastries and is not ridiculously sweet if you have custard in mind. If I were to choose the most flavorful dessert this one would be on the top list!
How does chocolate eclair cake taste like?
A mouse lovers dessert come true! Its luscious layers come together from layers of graham crackers, vanilla pudding and cool whip then topped with chocolate frosting!
Ingredients you’ll need for Chocolate eclair cake:
- 18 graham crackers
- 2 small packages of instant pudding mix
- 4 cups milk
- 12 oz cool whip (1 1/2 containers)
- homemade chocolate frosting (see below)
How is the Chocolate frosting made for this Eclair cake?
This recipe makes homemade chocolate ganache that is very easy to prepare. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 1 oz unsweetened baking chocolate
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla
How to prepare homemade chocolate frosting for eclair cake?
Melt the butter and chocolate then add the rest of the ingredients and slightly cool before pouring over the cake.
Can I substitute a tub of store-bought chocolate frosting?
Yes, just microwave 20 seconds before spreading onto the cake!
Can I substitute cocoa powder for the baking chocolate?
Yes, but this chocolate ganache works best with baking chocolate since it stays solid at room temperature. I have made this frosting from using all cocoa powder and have had it run a bit when out at room temperature.
Can I substitute Heavy Whipping Cream for the Cool Whip?
Yes, but you will need to sweeten it. Add 1/3 cup of powdered sugar to one pint of heavy cream then use as directed.
How quick can chocolate eclair dessert be served?
Overnight is best to allow it to set good but anywhere from 6 hours and up could work.
How to make Chocolate Eclair Dessert:
Chocolate Eclair Cake
Equipment
- 9x13 glass dish
Ingredients
Ingredients for Chocolate Eclair Cake
- 18 graham crackers (2 sleeves)
- 2 3.4 oz Packages of instant vanilla pudding
- 4 cups milk
- 12 oz cool whip (1 1/2) 8 oz containers
Ingredients for Homemade Chocolate Frosting:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 oz semi-sweet baking chocolate
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tbsp milk
Instructions
How to Make Chocolate Eclair Dessert:
- Arrange Crackers into a 9x13 dish.
- Beat pudding and milk for 2 minutes. Add the cool whip and mix until blended.
- Spread half of pudding mixture on crackers. Add another layer of crackers and the remaining pudding. Top with graham crackers and refrigerate 2 hours.
Prepare Icing:
- Melt the butter and chocolate. Stir in the remaining ingredients and slightly cool before pouring over chilled cake.
Notes
Nutrition per serving
Products used:
- Pioneer Woman Glass Baking dish (gifted)
- Vanilla Pudding Mix
- Scalloped Plate (similar)
Other Delicious Cakes to try:
- Super Moist Smetannik Cake (Sour Cream Cake)
- Apple Cinnamon Cake Recipe
- Chocolate Cherry Cake with Super-Moist Crumb!
