5.0 from 819 votes
Chocolate Eclair Cake
This easy no-bake Chocolate Eclair Cake is a classic Midwestern dessert. Made with graham crackers, pudding, whipped topping, and chocolate frosting, in comes together in about 10 minutes plus chilling time.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Additional Time
8 hrs
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 20 servings
Calories: 264 kcal
Course:
Dessert
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 2 (3.4 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix (see note 1)
- 3 1/2 cups milk
- 1 (8 ounce) container whipped topping thawed (see note 2)
- 1 box Graham crackers
- 1 can dark chocolate frosting (see note 3)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together pudding mix and milk until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.
- Line bottom of a 9-inch x 13-inch pan with a single layer of graham crackers, breaking some if necessary to fill the layer. Pour half the pudding mixture over the crackers and spread evenly.
- Top with another layer of crackers. Pour the remaining pudding mixture over the second layer of crackers and top with a third layer of crackers.
- Carefully spread the frosting over the top layer of graham crackers. Refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight. Serve chilled and store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Instant vanilla pudding: If you prefer from-scratch, unprocessed food, you could make Homemade Pastry Cream to use instead of the pudding.
- Whipped topping: Or substitute Homemade Whipped Cream for the frozen whipped topping.
- Chocolate frosting: I warm my tub of prepared frosting in the microwave for 20 seconds, then stir. It spreads much easier. Feel free to substitute Homemade Chocolate Frosting if you prefer that.
- Yield: This recipe yields one 9-inch by 13-inch Eclair cake. Your actual servings vary depending on how you cut the slices, but I usually aim for 20 pieces.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The crackers continue to soften in the best way possible (I personally prefer this cake after it sits for at least 24 hours).
- Make ahead: The cake can be made up to 2 days in advance; the graham crackers continue to soften but that's a good thing.
- Freezer: To freeze Eclair Cake, wrap it tightly in a double layer of foil and plastic. Label, date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1 slice
Calories
264kcal
(13%)
Carbohydrates
44g
(15%)
Protein
3g
(6%)
Fat
9g
(14%)
Saturated Fat
4g
(20%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
1g
Monounsaturated Fat
3g
Cholesterol
5mg
(2%)
Sodium
261mg
(11%)
Potassium
158mg
(5%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
30g
(60%)
Vitamin A
78IU
(2%)
Calcium
79mg
(8%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 20servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 264
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 slice | |
| Calories | 264kcal | 13% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 15% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 9g | 14% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Cholesterol | 5mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 261mg | 11% |
| Potassium | 158mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 30g | 60% |
| Vitamin A | 78IU | 2% |
| Calcium | 79mg | 8% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.