This delicious chocolate eclair cake has layers of graham crackers and fluffy vanilla pudding, topped with a layer of easy chocolate ganache. Enjoy this tasty no-bake dessert with less than 20 minutes of hands-on time.
This tasty dessert is always a huge hit with family and friends. For best results, make it the night before. It will stay delicious for 3-4 days when covered well with plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
See the complete list of ingredients on the recipe card below.
- Graham crackers: For this recipe, use Honey Graham Crackers.
- Vanilla instant pudding: If French vanilla is available, use it. It is a little closer in taste to authentic pastry cream.
- Milk: Use whole or 2%
- Heavy cream: You can substitute whipping cream, but heavy cream holds its shape longer after whipping.
- Vanilla extract: Use the pure stuff, please.
- Chocolate chips: For the best flavor, use high-quality semisweet, dark, or bittersweet chocolate, such as Ghirardelli or Guittard.
How To Make Chocolate Eclair Cake
This is a summary version; for the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Whisk the dry pudding and milk together.
- Using a mixer, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. Fold the the whipped cream into the pudding.
- Layer the graham crackers and whipped pudding.
- Warm the cream in the microwave. Add the chocolate chips to the warm cream and let it set for 5 minutes. Stir until the chocolate melts and the mixture is well blended.
- Pour it over the top and spread it with an offset spatula. Refrigerate the dessert overnight.
Preparation Tips
- If you have the time, make homemade vanilla custard. It will take more effort, but it is extra delicious.
- Don’t get too wrapped up in the consistency of the ganache. There is a lot of playroom here.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours up to overnight. It needs that much time to set for easy slices.
More Tasty Desserts
Chocolate Eclair Cake Recipe
This delicious eclair cake has layers of graham crackers and fluffy vanilla pudding, topped with a layer of easy chocolate ganache.
Print
Pin
Rate
Servings: 15 serving
Calories: 246kcal
Ingredients
- 2 (3.4 ounce) boxes vanilla instant pudding mix
- 3½ cups milk
- 2½ cups heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (14.4 ounce) box honey graham crackers
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Whisk the dry vanilla pudding and milk in a large bowl.
- Using a handheld mixer with the whip attachment, beat 1½ cups heavy cream on low, gradually increasing to medium-high. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat the cream until medium to stiff peaks form. Fold the whipping cream into the vanilla pudding.
- Place a layer of graham crackers in the prepared baking dish. Break or cut the graham crackers to cover the bottom. Top with half the creamy pudding mixture.
- Add another layer of graham crackers. Top with the remaining pudding mixture. Add another layer of graham crackers.
- Heat 1 cup of heavy cream in the microwave. Add the chocolate chips and let the mixture set for 5 minutes. Stir the mixture until smooth. Cool for a few minutes. Pour it over the top of the graham crackers and spread it with an offset spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours up to overnight.
Notes
Store the cake tightly covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 246kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 35mg | Potassium: 191mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 681IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 104mg | Iron: 1mg
Did You Make This Recipe?Mention @smalltownwomanfoodnut or tag #smalltownwomanfoodnut!
Beeb
I love a good icebox cake, and chocolate eclairs are the best treat on earth. This is a great combo!
Beth Pierce
I agree 100%
Lora
This chocolate eclair cake waS so creamy and indulgent, I loveD how the layers came together so effortlessly. A no bake dessert like this is perfect when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
Lisa
Now this is my kind of dessert, easy and delicious. I’ve never made my own cocolate eclair cake before, I’m going to try this recipe…. thanks Beth!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Lisa! Enjoy!
Jerry
This recipe is such a nostalgic gem, turning a handful of simple ingredients into a no-bake dessert that was both indulgent and effortlessly elegant. My dinner guests loved it. I sent them home with the recipe.
Alejandra
Oh my, this eclair cake is soooo delicious! Baking is not my biggest talent, so easy recipes like this make it easy for me to make an incredible treat for my family!
Beth Pierce
So happy that you liked it, Alejandra!
Tammy
I love desserts like this! Semi-homemade are the best for when you want something in a pinch. This came out so creamy and delightful.
Catalina
I made this for dessert and it was a hit. Creamy layers with chocolate on top are so good!
Amy
This was so creamy and delicious! It’s such a simple, no-fuss dessert that tastes like you spent way more time on it than you actually did.
Beth Pierce
So true, Amy!
Ben
Aww yeah. Made this last night for dessert. Ate half of it. Win.
Beth Pierce
So glad that you liked it, Ben!
Terri
Yum! I live in Texas, and it’s already sooo hot. This was a great way to beat the heat. Love the eclair flavor.
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Terri!