Decadent Club Cracker Chocolate Éclair Cake
Elevate your dessert game with this delightful and innovative take on the classic chocolate éclair cake. By substituting traditional graham crackers with buttery Club crackers, this dessert delivers a richer, less sweet flavor profile reminiscent of true chocolate éclairs. Layers of creamy vanilla pudding and light Cool Whip bring an airy texture, while the glossy chocolate frosting adds a decadent finish. Ideal for potlucks or family gatherings, this no-bake dessert is as easy to make as it is indulgent. For a lighter version, swap in sugar-free ingredients without sacrificing flavor!
N/A
Servings
233
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Club crackers
16 ounces (none)
vanilla instant pudding mix
2 boxes (3.5 ounces each) (none)
milk
3 cups (none)
Cool Whip
9 ounces (thawed)
chocolate squares
2 ounces (none)
butter
3 tablespoons (none)
light corn syrup
2 tablespoons (none)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups (none)
milk
3 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by lining the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with a single layer of Club crackers, ensuring they cover the entire surface.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the vanilla instant pudding mix with the milk. Whisk thoroughly until the pudding is smooth and begins to thicken, about 2 minutes.
3
Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip until the mixture is well combined and fluffy.
4
Carefully pour the pudding mixture over the first layer of Club crackers, spreading it evenly to cover them completely. Add another layer of Club crackers on top, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
5
To prepare the chocolate frosting, melt together the chocolate squares and butter in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
6
Stir in the light corn syrup, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and the additional 3 tablespoons of milk, mixing until the frosting is smooth and pourable.
7
Once the pudding layer has set, pour the chocolate frosting over the top, ensuring it covers the entire dessert evenly.
8
Return the cake to the refrigerator and let it chill for a minimum of 3 hours, or overnight for best results, before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
36g
Carbs
2g
Protein
0.4g
Fiber
20g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Club Cracker Chocolate Éclair Cake?
It is a no-bake dessert that uses buttery Club crackers instead of graham crackers, layered with vanilla pudding and topped with homemade chocolate frosting.
How many calories are in one serving of this éclair cake?
Each serving contains approximately 233 calories.
What makes the use of Club crackers special in this recipe?
Club crackers provide a buttery, slightly salty, and less sweet profile that more closely mimics the flavor of a traditional pastry éclair.
Is this a no-bake recipe?
Yes, this is a completely no-bake dessert, making it easy to prepare without an oven.
How long does the cake need to chill before serving?
The cake should chill for a minimum of 3 hours, though overnight is recommended for the best results.
How much fat is in a serving?
Each serving contains 9 grams of fat.
What type of pudding mix is required?
The recipe calls for two 3.5-ounce boxes of vanilla instant pudding mix.
Can I make a lighter version of this dessert?
Yes, you can swap in sugar-free pudding and sugar-free whipped topping without sacrificing the overall flavor.
How much milk is needed for the pudding layer?
You will need 3 cups of milk to combine with the pudding mix.
What size baking dish should be used?
A 9 x 13 inch baking dish is the recommended size for this recipe.
How do you prepare the chocolate frosting?
Melt chocolate squares and butter together, then stir in corn syrup, vanilla, powdered sugar, and a small amount of milk until smooth.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 36 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Should the Cool Whip be frozen when used?
No, the 9 ounces of Cool Whip should be thawed before being folded into the pudding mixture.
How many grams of sugar are in each serving?
There are 20 grams of sugar per serving.
How long do you whisk the pudding and milk?
Whisk for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and starts to thicken.
What is the purpose of light corn syrup in the frosting?
The corn syrup helps create a glossy, smooth, and pourable chocolate finish.
How many layers of Club crackers are in the cake?
The cake features two layers of crackers: one on the bottom and one on top of the pudding mixture.
How much protein is provided per serving?
There are 2 grams of protein per serving.
What type of chocolate is used for the frosting?
The recipe uses 2 ounces of chocolate squares.
How much powdered sugar is needed for the topping?
The frosting requires 1.5 cups of powdered sugar.
Does the cake need to set before adding the frosting?
Yes, the pudding layer should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to set before the chocolate frosting is poured on top.
Is there any fiber in this dessert?
Each serving contains a small amount of fiber, approximately 0.4 grams.
How much butter is used in the chocolate frosting?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of butter.
Can I use real whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
While Cool Whip is recommended for stability, you can use stabilized real whipped cream for a different texture.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 10 total ingredients used in this recipe.
Why is vanilla extract added to the frosting?
One teaspoon of vanilla extract is added to enhance the depth of flavor in the chocolate topping.
Is this recipe suitable for large groups?
Yes, it is ideal for potlucks and family gatherings as it is easy to slice and serve.
How do you ensure the pudding layer is fluffy?
Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip after the pudding has thickened to maintain an airy texture.
What amount of milk is added specifically to the frosting?
In addition to the milk used for pudding, 3 tablespoons of milk are used to thin the frosting to a pourable consistency.
What is the first step in assembling the cake?
The first step is to line the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with a single layer of Club crackers.