No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake
Indulge in a delightful no-bake dessert that captures all the luscious flavors of a classic French eclair with none of the fuss. This recipe combines layers of creamy vanilla pudding and chocolate icing between tender graham crackers, resulting in a rich and decadent treat. Best of all, the preparation is straightforward and requires no oven, making it perfect for any occasion. Allow the cake to rest in the refrigerator for 24 hours to let the flavors meld and the graham crackers to achieve the perfect, cake-like texture. Impress your family and friends with this elegant yet effortless dessert.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
French vanilla instant pudding
2 (3 1/2 ounce boxes)
Cold whole milk
3 cups
Graham crackers
1 (14 ounce box)
Frozen whipped topping
1 (8 ounce container, defrosted)
Cocoa powder
4 tablespoons
Confectioners' sugar
1 1/2 cups
Unsalted butter
2 tablespoons
Corn syrup
2 teaspoons
Vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
Milk
3 tablespoons
Instructions
1
1. In a mixing bowl, pour 3 cups of cold whole milk and add the vanilla instant pudding mix. Use a hand mixer to beat the mixture until it is thick and creamy.
2
2. Gently fold in the defrosted whipped topping into the pudding mixture until it is well blended. Set this aside.
3
3. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, arrange a single layer of graham crackers to cover the bottom.
4
4. Spread half of the pudding-whipped topping mixture evenly over the graham cracker layer.
5
5. Add another layer of graham crackers over the pudding mixture.
6
6. Spread the remaining half of the pudding mixture over this second layer of graham crackers.
7
7. Top with a final layer of graham crackers.
8
8. To prepare the chocolate icing, sift together the cocoa powder and confectioners' sugar into a saucepan to remove any lumps.
9
9. Add unsalted butter, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of milk to the saucepan.
10
10. Place the saucepan over moderate heat and stir continuously until the ingredients are fully dissolved, and the butter has melted.
11
11. Evenly pour the prepared chocolate icing over the final layer of graham crackers in the baking dish, spreading it to the edges to ensure complete coverage.
12
12. Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 24 hours to allow the crackers to absorb the flavors and soften.
13
13. Once set, cut into portions and serve chilled.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake?
It is a layered dessert that captures the flavors of a classic French eclair using graham crackers, vanilla pudding, and chocolate icing without any baking.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 10 servings.
What size baking dish is required?
You will need a 9x13-inch baking dish for this recipe.
How long does the cake need to refrigerate?
The cake must be refrigerated for at least 24 hours to allow the graham crackers to soften and the flavors to meld.
What kind of pudding is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two 3.5-ounce boxes of French vanilla instant pudding.
How much milk is needed for the pudding mixture?
You will need 3 cups of cold whole milk.
Should the whipped topping be frozen or thawed?
The 8-ounce container of frozen whipped topping should be defrosted before being folded into the pudding.
How many layers of graham crackers are in the cake?
There are three layers of graham crackers in total: one on the bottom, one in the middle, and one on top.
How many layers of pudding mixture are there?
There are two layers of the pudding and whipped topping mixture spread between the graham crackers.
What are the ingredients for the chocolate icing?
The icing consists of cocoa powder, confectioners' sugar, unsalted butter, corn syrup, vanilla extract, and milk.
How do I prevent lumps in the chocolate icing?
Sift the cocoa powder and confectioners' sugar together into the saucepan before adding the wet ingredients.
Does the chocolate icing require cooking?
Yes, it is prepared in a saucepan over moderate heat until the butter melts and the ingredients are fully dissolved.
How much cocoa powder is used in the icing?
The recipe requires 4 tablespoons of cocoa powder.
What type of butter is recommended?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How much corn syrup is needed?
You will need 2 teaspoons of corn syrup for the icing.
What is the purpose of the 24-hour rest period?
The rest period allows the graham crackers to absorb moisture and achieve a soft, cake-like texture.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy, no-bake recipe with straightforward instructions.
How should the cake be served?
Once set, the cake should be cut into portions and served chilled.
Can I use a different milk for the pudding?
The recipe specifically calls for cold whole milk to ensure the pudding is thick and creamy.
What amount of confectioners' sugar is needed for the icing?
You will need 1.5 cups of confectioners' sugar.
How much vanilla extract is in the icing?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
What is the first step in assembling the cake?
The first step is to arrange a single layer of graham crackers to cover the bottom of the baking dish.
How do I combine the whipped topping and pudding?
Gently fold the defrosted whipped topping into the prepared pudding until well blended.
What is the total count of ingredients?
There are 10 total ingredients in this recipe.
How much milk is added to the icing?
Three tablespoons of milk are added to the icing mixture.
Is an oven used at any point?
No, this is a strictly no-bake dessert.
What is the texture of the finished cake?
It is rich, decadent, and creamy with a soft, cake-like consistency from the graham crackers.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Tags include dessert, no-bake, chocolate, vanilla, eclair, easy, quick, refrigerator cake, and make-ahead.
Should the icing be spread to the edges?
Yes, pour the icing evenly and spread it to the edges for complete coverage.
Can I make this dessert the same day I serve it?
It is not recommended, as it needs 24 hours to reach the proper consistency.