This Chocolate Eclair Cake tastes like the best combination of Boston cream pie and a chocolate eclair. Bonus, this eclair dessert is no-bake, super easy to make, and only requires 5 simple ingredients!
And don’t miss our Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes – a classic combination in miniature form.
Easy No Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake
This chocolate eclair cake takes all the best parts of an eclair – aka the filling and chocolate ganache – and turns it into an easy-to-make no-bake dessert. The filling is made with Cool Whip and pudding, so it’s not exactly like your typical eclair filling, but it’s so good. I like to think of this eclair dessert as Boston cream pie meets chocolate eclair.
And you won’t believe how ridiculously easy it is to prepare – you need just 15 minutes and 5 ingredients! While this no bake eclair cake is quick and easy to prepare, it does need at least 6 hours to set up properly. I recommend making it the night before you plan to serve it.
I love to whip this one up for holidays, summer potlucks and gatherings, since it takes virtually no time but it looks and tastes like you labored over it forever. Everyone LOVES it.
Ingredients Needed
You’ll need just 5 easy to find ingredients to make this eclair cake.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Instant vanilla pudding – Vanilla or French vanilla pudding can be used. Just makes sure it’s INSTANT. The “cook and serve” pudding will not work in this recipe.
- Whole milk – I would avoid skim milk as it can make the filling too thin.
- Cool Whip – Gives the filling a light and fluffy texture.
- Graham crackers – Provides the “crust” layer of this eclair cake.
- Chocolate frosting – Make our chocolate frosting recipe, grab your favorite container at the store, or see the notes below on making homemade ganache.
Recipe Variations
Here are a few easy variations for this chocolate eclair dessert, if you want to adjust the flavor a bit.
- Can I make this dessert healthier? For a lightened up version, use fat-free Cool Whip, sugar-free pudding mix, and just a thin layer of frosting on top.
- Use flavored graham crackers. Try the recipe using cinnamon or chocolate graham crackers.
- Switch up the pudding. Instead of 2 layers of vanilla pudding, try making the recipe with one layer of vanilla pudding and one layer of white chocolate or cheesecake pudding.
How to Make This Chocolate Eclair Cake
The prep time to make this delightful no bake dessert is just 15 minutes. Quick and easy, it makes a great treat for summer picnics and more.
(Scroll down to the printable recipe card for all the details and don’t miss the video below.)
- Make the filling. Whisk together the instant pudding and milk, then fold in the whipped topping until well combined.
- Layer with the graham crackers. Place a layer of graham crackers in the bottom of the casserole dish. Gently spread half of the pudding mixture over the top. Add another layer of graham crackers, followed by the remaining pudding mixture, and a third layer of graham crackers.
- Chill. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Add the frosting. Remove the foil wrap from the container of frosting. Microwave for 15 seconds, stir, and microwave for an additional 10 seconds just to loosen. Stir well. Pour over the chilled eclair cake and spread in an even layer.
- Chill. Cover with plastic again and refrigerate for at least 6 hours.
How to Make Homemade Chocolate Ganache
If you don’t like store-bought frosting, make your own chocolate ganache topping for your eclair cake. You’ll need:
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 & 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons milk (warmed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Simply combine the ingredients until smooth and creamy. For a thicker ganache, add more powdered sugar. For a thinner ganache, add an additional teaspoon or two of milk.
Video: Chocolate Eclair Dessert
Proper Storage
- Can I Make This Eclair Dessert In Advance? Yes – in fact, you need to! While you can let it chill for as little as 6 hours, I highly recommend preparing it the night before. The longer it sits, the softer the graham crackers will become, and the better taste/texture, in my opinion.
- Refrigerate. Keep your chocolate eclair dessert covered with plastic and store in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- Freezer. I do not recommend freezing this dessert, as it can become mushy and watery once defrosted.
More No-Bake Lush Desserts:
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Chocolate Eclair Cake
Ingredients
- 2 boxes (3.4 ounces each) vanilla INSTANT pudding mix
- 3 cups whole milk
- 8 ounces Cool Whip , thawed
- 16 ounces graham crackers
- 16 ounces chocolate frosting
Instructions
- In a large bowl, vigorously whisk together the instant pudding and milk. Fold in the whipped topping, mixing until well combined. Set aside.
- Place a layer of graham crackers in the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish, breaking as needed to cover the entire bottom with a single layer.
- Spoon 1/2 the pudding mixture over the graham crackers and gently spread into an even layer. Top with another layer of graham crackers and then the remainder of the pudding mixture. Add a 3rd and final layer of graham crackers.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Uncover frosting and remove foil wrap. Microwave for 15 seconds, give it a good stir, and microwave again for 10 seconds (if necessary) to loosen and make it easier to spread. Stir well. Remove cake from refrigerator and pour frosting over the cake and spread into an even layer.
- Replace the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight – the longer you give the graham crackers to soften up the better.
Fabulous. Pure and simple and you are not shoveling food into your mouth. Great channel.
Thank you for a wonderful easy dessert ! I find myself looking on your site for recipes because they always turn out perfect and you give wonderful concise instructions, which I very much appreciate!
I have made this recipe many times and it is always a hit.
My family and friends love it.
This is an easy must make dessert. Every time I make it my family and friends go crazy for it!!!
My favorite dessert is chocolate eclairs and this recipe was so easy and delicious. My family gobbled it up in 2 days!
Brought this to a work potluck and it was the hit of the gathering – not a tiny bit left, I barely got any! Lol.
I make this as often as possible, but only when we have company or are going to a potluck otherwise I eat way too much of it. Every person who has tried my chocolate eclair cake says it is their new favorite. People beg me to make it. If only they knew how easy it is with just the 5 ingredients. ??
Would this work in a trifle dish? Be pretty! Or casserole just the best way? TY
I’ve been making this recipe for 20 years now – everyone always asks for the recipe!
This was possibly the easiest dessert I’ve ever made and tasted amazing. I think I might play with different cookies as the base and different pudding flavors, but it is excellent as is. My new favorite – thank you!
I made this recipe per the directions given and brought it to a family party. It was a big hit! I was asked to share the recipe several times.
This was the absolute hit of our Easter dinner! And it was SO easy to make. Maybe 10 minutes to assemble…and tasted like a dream. Seriously best dessert ever! I might try it with banana pudding next time, but it’s perfect as is.
Found you on TikTok and couldn’t wait to make this – it exceeded all my expectations! So easy and delicious. Everyone loved it and has requested it for Mother’s Day so will be making it again and again. Thank you!!