No-Bake Éclair Cake – A Creamy, Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Without the Oven

🎉 Introduction

Looking for a dessert that tastes like it took hours to make but comes together in minutes? Say hello to the No-Bake Éclair Cake — a chilled, creamy treat that layers fluffy whipped pudding between graham crackers, finished with a glossy chocolate topping. It’s cool, decadent, and totally irresistible — no baking necessary.

Perfect for summer, birthdays, potlucks, or weeknight cravings, this easy dessert is made without alcohol, without pork gelatin, and with only a handful of pantry staples. If you love classic bakery-style éclairs, this cake gives you that same flavor and texture with zero fuss.

🧰 Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Offset spatula (optional for spreading topping)
• Plastic wrap or foil for covering

🛒 Ingredients

🧁 Main Ingredients

• 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
• 3 cups cold whole milk
• 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
• 1 box graham crackers (about 14–16 sheets)

🍫 Chocolate Topping

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Mix the Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened (about 2–3 minutes).
• Gently fold in the whipped topping using a rubber spatula until evenly combined and fluffy.

Step 2: Layer the Graham Crackers

• In a 9×13-inch dish, arrange a single layer of graham crackers to cover the bottom. Break them as needed to fit.

Step 3: Add First Layer of Filling

• Spread half of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers. Smooth it out evenly.

Step 4: Second Graham Layer

• Place another layer of graham crackers over the pudding.

Step 5: Add Final Layer of Filling

• Spread the remaining pudding mixture over the second layer of crackers.

Step 6: Top with Final Crackers

• Finish with a final layer of graham crackers. Press down lightly.

Step 7: Make the Chocolate Topping

• In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, combine chocolate chips, butter, and heavy cream.
• Heat gently until melted, then stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 8: Spread & Chill

• Pour the chocolate topping over the top graham layer and smooth evenly with a spatula.
• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (overnight is best) to allow crackers to soften.

Step 9: Serve

• Slice into squares and serve chilled.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

• Servings: 12
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 6–8 hours
• Total Time: ~8 hours (mostly chilling)

🧊 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator:
  Store covered for up to 4–5 days. Cake will soften more over time.
• Freezer:
  You can freeze individual slices for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Reheating:
  Not necessary! Serve straight from the fridge.

🥄 Variations

• Chocolate Lovers: Use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla.
• Peanut Butter Twist: Add a thin layer of peanut butter between graham cracker layers.
• Berry Layer: Add fresh strawberries or raspberries between layers.
• Mocha Eclair Cake: Add a little instant coffee to the pudding for a coffee twist.
• Mint Chocolate: Use mint extract in the chocolate topping.
• Banana Cream: Add banana slices in the filling for a fruity upgrade.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers and pudding mix.
• Nut-Free Option: This recipe is naturally nut-free but check product labels.
• Dairy-Free: Use almond or soy milk and dairy-free whipped topping and chocolate.
• Topping Swap: Use chocolate frosting or ganache for a thicker top layer.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Can I use homemade pudding?
   Yes, but it must be thick and chilled before layering.
2. Can I use whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
   Yes — just whip 1 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
3. Do I have to chill it overnight?
   Yes, at least 6 hours is needed for the graham crackers to soften.
4. What kind of graham crackers should I use?
   Honey graham crackers work best, but cinnamon flavor also tastes great.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Absolutely! Use non-dairy milk, topping, and chocolate.
6. Can kids help make this?
   Yes! No oven or stove means it’s fun and safe for little chefs.
7. Can I use other toppings?
   You can try whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or even crushed cookies.
8. Is this recipe egg-free?
   Yes, if using egg-free pudding mix and whipped topping.
9. Can I make it in advance?
   Yes — it’s even better the next day!
10. How do I cut it cleanly?
    Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices.

🏁 Conclusion

This No-Bake Éclair Cake is the ultimate chilled dessert: creamy, chocolatey, and impossibly easy. No oven, no hassle, and definitely no pork or alcohol. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or lazy summer days when you want something delicious and decadent without turning on the stove.

Trust us — this one disappears fast. So go ahead and double the batch.

Adam

No-Bake Éclair Cake – A Creamy, Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Without the Oven

Looking for a dessert that tastes like it took hours to make but comes together in minutes? Say hello to the No-Bake Éclair Cake — a chilled, creamy treat that layers fluffy whipped pudding between graham crackers, finished with a glossy chocolate topping. It’s cool, decadent, and totally irresistible — no baking necessary. Perfect for summer, birthdays, potlucks, or weeknight cravings, this easy dessert is made without alcohol, without pork gelatin, and with only a handful of pantry staples. If you love classic bakery-style éclairs, this cake gives you that same flavor and texture with zero fuss.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

chill time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

🧁 Main Ingredients

• 2 3.4 oz boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
• 3 cups cold whole milk
• 1 tub 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
• 1 box graham crackers about 14–16 sheets

🍫 Chocolate Topping

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Offset spatula (optional for spreading topping)
• Plastic wrap or foil for covering

Method

 

Step 1: Mix the Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened (about 2–3 minutes).
2. Gently fold in the whipped topping using a rubber spatula until evenly combined and fluffy.

Step 2: Layer the Graham Crackers

1. In a 9×13-inch dish, arrange a single layer of graham crackers to cover the bottom. Break them as needed to fit.

Step 3: Add First Layer of Filling

1. Spread half of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers. Smooth it out evenly.

Step 4: Second Graham Layer

1. Place another layer of graham crackers over the pudding.

Step 5: Add Final Layer of Filling

1. Spread the remaining pudding mixture over the second layer of crackers.

Step 6: Top with Final Crackers

1. Finish with a final layer of graham crackers. Press down lightly.

Step 7: Make the Chocolate Topping

1. In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, combine chocolate chips, butter, and heavy cream.
2. Heat gently until melted, then stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 8: Spread & Chill

1. Pour the chocolate topping over the top graham layer and smooth evenly with a spatula.
2. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (overnight is best) to allow crackers to soften.

Step 9: Serve

1. Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:
Store covered for up to 4–5 days. Cake will soften more over time.

Freezer:
You can freeze individual slices for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating:
Not necessary! Serve straight from the fridge.

🥄 Variations

Chocolate Lovers: Use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla.

Peanut Butter Twist: Add a thin layer of peanut butter between graham cracker layers.

Berry Layer: Add fresh strawberries or raspberries between layers.

Mocha Eclair Cake: Add a little instant coffee to the pudding for a coffee twist.

Mint Chocolate: Use mint extract in the chocolate topping.

Banana Cream: Add banana slices in the filling for a fruity upgrade.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers and pudding mix.

Nut-Free Option: This recipe is naturally nut-free but check product labels.

Dairy-Free: Use almond or soy milk and dairy-free whipped topping and chocolate.

Topping Swap: Use chocolate frosting or ganache for a thicker top layer.

❓ 10 FAQs

Can I use homemade pudding?
Yes, but it must be thick and chilled before layering.

Can I use whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes — just whip 1 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

Do I have to chill it overnight?
Yes, at least 6 hours is needed for the graham crackers to soften.

What kind of graham crackers should I use?
Honey graham crackers work best, but cinnamon flavor also tastes great.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use non-dairy milk, topping, and chocolate.

Can kids help make this?
Yes! No oven or stove means it’s fun and safe for little chefs.

Can I use other toppings?
You can try whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or even crushed cookies.

Is this recipe egg-free?
Yes, if using egg-free pudding mix and whipped topping.

Can I make it in advance?
Yes — it’s even better the next day!

How do I cut it cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices.

🏁 Conclusion

This No-Bake Éclair Cake is the ultimate chilled dessert: creamy, chocolatey, and impossibly easy. No oven, no hassle, and definitely no pork or alcohol. It’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or lazy summer days when you want something delicious and decadent without turning on the stove.

Trust us — this one disappears fast. So go ahead and double the batch.