No bake chocolate eclair cake

Perfect choice — this No-Bake Chocolate Éclair Cake is a beloved classic! It’s creamy, chocolatey, and ridiculously easy to make — no oven required. Layers of graham crackers, silky vanilla pudding, and a rich chocolate ganache make it taste just like a real éclair.

🍫 No-Bake Chocolate Éclair Cake

Servings: 12–15

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Chill Time: 6–8 hours (or overnight)

Total Time: ~8 hours

🧂 Ingredients

Filling Layers

2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups cold milk
1 (8 oz) tub Cool Whip (or 3 cups homemade whipped cream)
1 box graham crackers (about 14–16 sheets)

Chocolate Topping (Ganache Style)

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup heavy cream
2 tbsp butter
1 tsp corn syrup (optional – adds shine)

(Alternatively, use 1 can of chocolate frosting for an even quicker version.)

🍰 Instructions

Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, whisk together pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until thickened.
Fold in the Cool Whip until smooth and creamy.
Layer the Dessert:
- Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with graham crackers (break them to fit as needed).
- Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the crackers.
- Add another layer of graham crackers.
- Spread the remaining pudding mixture on top.
- Finish with a final layer of graham crackers.
Make the Chocolate Topping:
In a small saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl), heat cream, butter, and corn syrup just until hot (not boiling).
Pour over chocolate chips and let sit 1–2 minutes.
Whisk until smooth and glossy.
Top the Cake:
Pour the chocolate ganache evenly over the top graham cracker layer.
Spread gently with a spatula to cover completely.
Chill:
Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (overnight is best) so the graham crackers soften into a cake-like texture.
Serve:
Slice into squares and enjoy! Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

🍫 Optional Variations

Peanut Butter Twist: Add ½ cup peanut butter to the pudding mixture.
Chocolate Pudding Version: Swap one box of vanilla for chocolate pudding for a double-chocolate treat.
Espresso Kick: Brush a bit of coffee over the graham crackers for a mocha flavor.
Topping Shortcut: Use pre-made chocolate frosting — microwave for 15 seconds to make it spreadable.

Would you like me to give you a version made completely from scratch (no pudding mix or Cool Whip), or keep it as this classic easy version?