Chocolate Eclair Cake

User Reviews

5

24 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    15 mins

  • Cook Time

    8 hrs

  • Total Time

    8 hrs 15 mins

  • Servings

    16 Servings

  • Course

    Dessert

  • Cuisine

    American

Chocolate Eclair Cake

Chocolate Eclair Cake consists of layers of graham crackers alternated with a creamy vanilla pudding and whipped topping mixture, topped with a smooth chocolate ganache made from chocolate chips, heavy cream, corn syrup, and vanilla. The cake layers soften as they chill, developing a rich, pudding-filled texture contrasted by a glossy chocolate topping. It’s a no-bake dessert assembled in a 9x13 inch pan and chilled before serving.

Description

The Chocolate Eclair Cake features layers of crisp graham crackers covered with a creamy mix of instant vanilla pudding and whipped topping. These layers are stacked three times in a baking dish, creating alternating textures of crunchy cracker and smooth pudding. The top is finished with a homemade chocolate topping made by melting chocolate chips in heavy cream with corn syrup and vanilla extract, then cooled slightly and poured over the assembled cake.

The refrigerated soak softens the crackers to a cake-like consistency while the filling remains creamy and light. The chocolate ganache layer adds a rich, finely textured finish balancing the sweetness and offering a shiny surface. Preparation requires no baking, relying on the pudding to set and the chocolate topping to firm slightly when chilled.

This dessert can be served chilled as a refreshing, creamy treat that holds well in the refrigerator. It is easy to portion for groups and makes an appealing finish for casual meals or celebrations.

Optional variations include using fat-free or sugar-free pudding and whipped topping products. The cake stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months, thawing overnight before serving to maintain texture.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 box graham crackers 3 sleeves of graham crackers
  • 7 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix 2 3.5 ounce boxes pudding
  • 3 cups milk cold
  • 8 ounces whipped topping COOL WHIP Whipped Topping works well, frozen, thawed

Chocolate Topping

  • 1 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Place instant vanilla pudding mix and milk into a large bowl.  Using a mixer or whisk, mix well to combine. Fold in the thawed whipped topping. 
  2. Cover the bottom of a 9X13 inch baking dish with graham crackers. Break them as necessary to completely cover the bottom. Each layer should use about 1 sleeve of graham crackers. Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over this layer of graham crackers.
  3. Use another sleeve of graham crackers to create a second layer. Spread the remaining pudding mixture evenly over this layer of graham crackers. Use the last sleeve of graham crackers to cover the pudding mixture.
  4. Place chocolate chips, heavy cream, corn syrup, and vanilla into a medium sized microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir. Continue cooking for 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each interval.  Once you are able to stir it to a smooth consistency, allow to cool for a few minutes. After cooling slightly pour the chocolate mixture over the eclair cake.  Smooth chocolate with a spatula. 
  5. Cover the cake with foil or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Chill for at least 8 hours, though overnight is prefered.

Notes

  • You can use fat-free, sugar-free vanilla pudding and light whipped topping to make a lighter version of the cake.
  • Cover and refrigerate the cake; it keeps well for up to 5 days.
  • The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 316kcal (16%) Carbohydrates 45g (15%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 13g (20%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g (6%) Monounsaturated Fat 4g (20%) Trans Fat 1g (50%) Cholesterol 23mg (8%) Sodium 284mg (12%) Potassium 196mg (4%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 27g (54%) Vitamin A 269IU (5%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 102mg (10%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 16Servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 316kcal 16%
Carbohydrates 45g 15%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 13g 20%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 4g 20%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 23mg 8%
Sodium 284mg 12%
Potassium 196mg 4%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 27g 54%
Vitamin A 269IU 5%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 102mg 10%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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User Reviews

Overall Rating

5

24 reviews
Excellent

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