There's something so satisfying about the rich, creamy flavors of an éclair – but they can be a lot of work to make. This No Bake Eclair Cake captures everything you love about the classic dessert in a simpler, fuss-free form. Layers of graham crackers, creamy vanilla pudding, and rich chocolate frosting come together to create an irresistible treat with minimal effort.

I first came across this recipe when looking for a quick, no-bake dessert option that would impress guests. Now, it's a family favorite we can enjoy year-round. This recipe is easy, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy days when you still want a homemade dessert!

Why You'll Love This No Bake Eclair Cake

Get ready to fall in love with this light, creamy, and completely effortless No Bake Eclair Cake! Here's why it's about to become your new favorite dessert.

Quick and Simple: You only need a few pantry staples, and the prep takes just 15 minutes. No baking, no complicated steps – just layer, chill, and serve.
Great for Make-Ahead: This cake needs a few hours to set up in the fridge, which means you can make it in advance. It’s perfect for dinner parties or weekend gatherings.
Affordable Ingredients: With just graham crackers, pudding mix, milk, whipped topping, and frosting, this dessert is as budget-friendly as it is delicious.
Always a Hit with Guests: This dessert has universal appeal – everyone loves its creamy texture and rich chocolate topping. Plus, the layered presentation is beautiful and impressive.

With these easy-to-find ingredients and a no-fuss assembly, you’ll have an elegant dessert in no time.

Ingredients Notes

Let’s talk about the ingredients that make this No Bake Eclair Cake both delicious and simple to make.

Graham Crackers: These form the “cake” layers and soak up the filling, becoming soft and cake-like as they chill. Regular graham crackers work best, but you could also try chocolate grahams for a twist.
Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: This creates the classic éclair filling. I suggest vanilla for a classic taste, but feel free to try French vanilla or even chocolate pudding for a twist on the original.
Milk: Whole milk works best here, as it gives the pudding a rich, creamy consistency. If you prefer, you can use 2% milk or even almond milk, though it may slightly affect the texture.
Whipped Topping (Cool Whip): Adding this to the pudding gives it a light, fluffy texture. You could use freshly whipped cream if you prefer, though Cool Whip is very convenient and blends well.
Chocolate Frosting: This goes on top for that classic éclair look. You can use store-bought frosting for ease, or melt chocolate chips with a bit of cream for a homemade ganache topping.

No special tools are needed for this recipe – just a 9x13-inch dish to layer everything in!

How To Make This No Bake Eclair Cake

Creating this dessert is as easy as layering and chilling. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you assemble your no-bake masterpiece.

Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix and milk until it thickens, about 2 minutes. Let it sit for a few minutes to set, then fold in the whipped topping until smooth and fluffy.
Layer the Graham Crackers: Spread a layer of graham crackers across the bottom of your 9x13-inch dish. Break pieces if needed to ensure the entire bottom is covered.
Add the Pudding Mixture: Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the graham crackers. Place another layer of graham crackers on top, pressing them down lightly, then add the remaining pudding mixture. Top with one more layer of graham crackers.
Finish with Chocolate Frosting: Microwave the chocolate frosting for 10-15 seconds to soften it slightly, making it easier to spread. Pour it over the final layer of graham crackers and spread evenly to cover.
Chill and Set: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to meld and the graham crackers to soften to a cake-like texture.

When you’re ready to serve, just slice and enjoy! Each layer will be soft, creamy, and loaded with flavor, making it the perfect dessert to share.

Storage Options

This cake holds up well in the fridge and is great for enjoying over a few days. Here’s how to store it:

In the Fridge: Cover with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing: If you want to save some for later, freeze individual slices in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving.

This dessert is best served chilled, so no reheating needed. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to make slicing easier.

Variations and Substitutions

This No Bake Eclair Cake is easy to customize, so feel free to get creative with these variations:

Chocolate Lovers’ Eclair Cake: Use chocolate graham crackers and chocolate pudding for a double-chocolate experience. Drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving for even more indulgence!
Strawberry Eclair Cake: Add a layer of thinly sliced strawberries between the pudding layers for a burst of fresh fruit flavor.
Peanut Butter Twist: Mix a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter into the pudding mixture, or spread a thin layer of peanut butter over the graham crackers before layering. Chocolate and peanut butter is always a crowd-pleaser!
Caramel Eclair Cake: Drizzle caramel sauce over each pudding layer or add a caramel topping along with the chocolate for a decadent twist.
Dairy-Free Option: Use almond or coconut milk for the pudding, and find a non-dairy whipped topping. Many grocery stores carry dairy-free chocolate frosting as well.

Each version adds a new spin to this classic recipe. Experiment with flavors and find the variation your family loves best!

This No Bake Eclair Cake is a dream come true for anyone looking for a quick, no-fuss dessert that’s sure to please. Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or a cozy night at home, it combines all the best parts of an éclair into a sliceable, shareable cake. Give it a try – it might just become your new go-to dessert!