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Eclair Cake

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Eclair Cake is one of the easiest no-bake desserts of all-time. Graham crackers layered with a vanilla filling and chocolate frosting is reminiscent of an eclair without any of the effort. 

Slice of eclair cake on a white plate with another plate and fresh raspberries in the background

I don’t know about you, but lately, I feel like all I do is cook and then clean the kitchen. Only to do the same thing over again 2 – 3 times per day.

Obviously, we’re just home now more than ever, so naturally we’re cooking AND cleaning so much more.

And since the temps here in Ohio have been crazy hot, I haven’t had much desire to crank up the oven, so we’ve been all about the no-bake desserts over here just like this delicious Eclair Cake.

Overhead view of ingredients for eclair cake in bowls arranged on a marble counter

WHAT IS ECLAIR CAKE?

When I shared my Glazed Donut Muffins with you, I admitted that I’m not the world’s biggest fan of donuts. 

What I failed to mention at that time, though, is that there is one big exception to this rule: Eclairs.

Spatula spreading vanilla filling on top of graham crackers in a baking pan for eclair cake

There is just something about deep-fried dough with oozing vanilla pastry cream and chocolate frosting that makes me smile.

I first sampled a cake version of my ever-so-beloved eclairs years ago at a work-related potluck lunch. The words “eclair cake” perked up my ears. I had never heard of such a thing before.

Turns out, it’s a layered no-bake dessert that combines all of the flavors of a classic eclair. Once the dessert sets in the refrigerator for several hours, it can be cut into slices like a cake. 

Offset spatula spreading chocolate frosting on top of eclair cake in a metal baking pan

This recipe makes enough Eclair Cake for a crowd, which is probably why I first had it at a potluck. It’s perfect for those types of gatherings!

But even if you aren’t attending a potluck or barbeque any time soon, this would be the perfect dessert to make and deliver to a friend or neighbor. It will be guaranteed to put a smile on their face! 

Close up of sliced eclair cake

HOW TO MAKE ECLAIR CAKE

Of course as soon as I tasted the Eclair Cake at that potluck, I had to ask for the recipe. 

I was shocked to learn how truly simple this cake is to assemble, not to mention the handful of ingredients that led up to one tasty, crowd pleasing cake. 

Much like my Easy Peach Cobbler, this recipe is so easy that I’m almost embarrassed to share it with you. It is the type of recipe that is perfect for someone just starting out in the kitchen, but is still fun to make even if you’re a seasoned pro. 

Overhead view of two white plates holding slices of eclair cake and a baking pan of eclair cake on a white counter scatter with fresh raspberries

This recipe uses just a handful of ingredients you probably already have in the pantry and fridge:

  • Instant vanilla pudding mix
  • Milk
  • Frozen whipped topping
  • Graham crackers
  • Chocolate frosting

To start, mix together the pudding mix, milk, and whipped topping. 

Slice of eclair cake on a white plate with cups of coffee and more plates in the background

Arrange a single layer of graham crackers in the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish. Spread half of the pudding mixture on top, followed by another layer of graham crackers and the rest of the pudding mixture.

Top with a final layer of graham crackers.

Melt the frosting in the microwave for 30 seconds before spreading it on top of the cake. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

That’s it! A perfect, easy recipe to make with kids or by yourself for a special treat.

Slice of eclair cake topped with fresh raspberries on a white plate with a second slice of cake in the background

VARIATIONS ON THIS RECIPE

Of course the classic Eclair Cake is made with regular graham crackers, vanilla pudding mix and chocolate frosting because those are the flavors of a classic eclair. 

But you could use this recipe to create endless flavor variations on this cake!

Try it with chocolate graham crackers, chocolate pudding mix and vanilla frosting.

Fork next to a slice of eclair cake topped with fresh raspberries on a white plate

Use cinnamon graham crackers with cheesecake pudding mix or white chocolate pudding mix and chocolate frosting.

Pair classic graham crackers with lemon pudding mix and vanilla frosting.

Try chocolate graham crackers with pistachio pudding mix and chocolate frosting.

Of course the recipe calls for store bought frosting, but you could use homemade frosting if you prefer! Try homemade buttercream frosting or homemade chocolate frosting

No matter what flavor combo you like best, I bet you’ll return to this recipe again and again!

Fork holding a bite of eclair cake on a white plate next to a full slice of eclair cake
Slice of eclair cake topped with fresh raspberries on a white plate with a second slice of cake in the background

Eclair Cake

Yield: 12-16 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Eclair Cake is one of the easiest no-bake desserts of all-time. Graham crackers layered with a vanilla filling and chocolate frosting is reminiscent of an eclair without any of the effort. 

Ingredients

  • 2 (3.5 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 (16 ounce) package graham cracker squares
  • 1 (16 ounce) package prepared chocolate frosting

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, thoroughly blend the pudding mix, whipped topping, and milk.
  2. Arrange a single layer of graham cracker squares in the bottom of a 13×9 inch baking pan. Evenly spread half of the pudding mixture over the crackers. Top with another layer of graham crackers and the remaining pudding mixture. Top with a final layer of graham crackers.
  3. Melt frosting in the microwave for 30 seconds. Spread the frosting over the whole cake up to the edges of the pan.
  4. Cover and chill at least 4 hours before serving.

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Did you make this recipe?

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Deborah Ventress

Monday 6th of March 2023

My mother made this dessert for fellowship dinners at our church. We’ve used it now for at least 50 years. Delicious!

Jamie

Wednesday 15th of March 2023

Hard to beat a classic! Thanks so much for stopping by. Happy baking! Jamie

Rose Torosino

Thursday 14th of April 2022

If you use your homemade vanilla pudding do you just add the cool whip to the already made pudding? And do you make two batches of the pudding?

Jamie

Monday 18th of April 2022

Hello! I haven't attempted this recipe using the homemade pudding, so I am not sure of the result. If you happen to give it a try, I'd love to know how it turned out. Thanks so much for stopping by. -Jamie

Abigail Wenderson

Friday 20th of November 2020

Wow, this cake looks amazing. I never get tired of baking so adding this recipe to my favorites.

Jamie

Tuesday 24th of November 2020

I hope you enjoy it! -Jamie

Judy

Saturday 26th of September 2020

My family has made this for many years, always a favorite. The only thing we do differently is to use French Vanilla instant pudding.

Jamie

Monday 28th of September 2020

Thanks so much for stopping by, Judy! I appreciate you taking the time to comment. Happy Baking! -Jamie

Polly

Monday 7th of September 2020

I just made this for Labor Day but instead of chocolate top I used strawberries and blueberries.

Jamie

Thursday 10th of September 2020

So happy to hear you enjoyed the eclair cake, Polly! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving your feedback! -Jamie

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