Chocolate Éclair Cake – Creamy, Chocolatey, and Effortless

Chocolate Éclair Cake is a no-bake dessert that layers silky vanilla pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and graham crackers, all topped with a rich chocolate glaze. It’s an easy yet impressive treat that tastes just like a classic éclair — creamy, sweet, and decadent. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings, this dessert is always a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent Flavor – Tastes like a bakery éclair in cake form.
No-Bake Ease – Simple to prepare without turning on the oven.
Perfect for Sharing – Serves a crowd and can be made ahead.
Light & Creamy – Layers of pudding and whipped topping make it rich but airy.

Ingredients

  • 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 3 cups cold milk
  • 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
  • 1 box graham crackers
  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling
    In a large bowl, whisk pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Fold in the whipped topping until smooth and creamy.
  2. Assemble the Layers
    In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange a layer of graham crackers. Spread half of the pudding mixture on top. Repeat with another layer of crackers, then the remaining pudding mixture. Finish with a final layer of graham crackers.
  3. Make the Chocolate Glaze
    In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
  4. Top the Cake
    Pour the glaze evenly over the graham crackers, spreading with a spatula.
  5. Chill Before Serving
    Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the crackers to soften and flavors to meld.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~280
Protein: 3g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 37g
Sugar: 24g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

  • Chill Overnight – Softens the crackers for a cake-like texture.
  • Add Extra Flavor – Use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla for a twist.
  • Cut Clean Slices – Wipe the knife between cuts for neat servings.

Why This Recipe Works

Layering graham crackers with creamy pudding and a luscious chocolate glaze mimics the flavor of a classic éclair without any baking required. The chilling time allows the layers to blend into a soft, cake-like texture that’s rich yet light.

Chocolate Éclair Cake is an easy, no-bake dessert that delivers all the creamy, chocolatey goodness of a traditional éclair in an impressive layered cake. Perfect for entertaining or family desserts, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite.

Chocolate Éclair Cake – Creamy, Chocolatey, and Effortless

Servings

12

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time
Calories

280

kcal

A no-bake layered dessert made with vanilla pudding, whipped topping, graham crackers, and a rich chocolate glaze — creamy, light, and full of classic éclair flavor.

Ingredients

  • 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant vanilla pudding mix

  • 3 cups cold milk

  • 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed

  • 1 box graham crackers

  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

  • ¼ cup heavy cream

  • 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

  • Prepare the Filling
    In a large bowl, whisk pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Fold in the whipped topping until smooth and creamy.
  • Assemble the Layers
    In a 9×13-inch baking dish, arrange a layer of graham crackers. Spread half of the pudding mixture on top. Repeat with another layer of crackers, then the remaining pudding mixture. Finish with a final layer of graham crackers.
  • Make the Chocolate Glaze
    In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
  • Top the Cake
    Pour the glaze evenly over the graham crackers, spreading with a spatula.
  • Chill Before Serving
    Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the crackers to soften and flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Chill Overnight – Softens the crackers for a cake-like texture.
    Add Extra Flavor – Use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla for a twist.
    Cut Clean Slices – Wipe the knife between cuts for neat servings.

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