The Best Eclair Cake
The Best Eclair Cake is a classic dessert. It’s made with graham crackers, vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and topped with chocolate ganache. This no-bake Eclair Cake has all the taste of an éclair in the form of a cake. This is hands down my kid’s favorite dessert.
INGREDIENTS TO MAKE IT
- Graham Crackers
- Instant Vanilla Pudding
- Heavy Whipping Cream
- Milk
- Sugar
- Butter
- Cocoa Powder
- Vanilla Extract
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST ECLAIR CAKE
To a large mixing bowl add the heavy whipping cream and beat with a hand mixer until it forms whip cream with stiff peaks. Set aside for a minute.
In another bowl add the vanilla pudding powder and add the whole milk. Beat with the mixer until the instant pudding firms up.
Fold the whipped cream into the vanilla pudding. Place in the refrigerator while you prepare the graham crackers.
Line the bottom of the whole glass baking dish with graham crackers. Pour half the pudding mixture over the graham crackers. Place another layer of whole graham crackers on top of the pudding layer. Pour over the remaining half of the pudding mixture and cover with another layer of graham crackers.
PREPARING THE CHOCOLATE GANACHE
In a small saucepan heat the milk, sugar, and cocoa powder to a rolling boil. Remove from heat and add the stick of butter and the vanilla extract. Stir until the chocolate ganache is well incorporated.
Pour the ganache over the graham crackers and spread evenly. Don’t eat it on the same day! The graham crackers need time to soften within the vanilla pudding.
PRO TIPS THE BEST ECLAIR CAKE:
- Be sure to allow enough time in the fridge for the graham crackers to soften. I recommend at least 4 hours but overnight is recommended.
- Top the final layer of graham crackers with the side with the holes down. This will make the top look very smooth after the chocolate ganache is poured on top!
- If you don’t have time to make homemade whip cream, you use store-bought cool whip instead.
CRAVING MORE DESSERTS TRY A COUPLE OF THESE
CAN THE CAKE BE FROZEN?
YES! If you are preparing the Eclair Cake in advance you can freeze in an airtight for up to 30 days and to thaw place in the refrigerator overnight. It also helps to put the cake in the freezer for 30 minutes prior to serving doing this will ensure clean cuts when serving.
The Best Éclair Cake
Equipment
- 9 x 13 Glass Baking Dish
Ingredients
Eclair Cake Ingredients
- 2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
- 3 Boxes Instant Vanilla Pudding (7 oz total)
- 4½ Cups Whole Milk
- 1 14.4 oz Graham Crackers (3 sleeves)
Chocolate Ganache
- ¼ Cup Milk
- ¾ Cup Sugar
- ⅓ Cup Cocoa Powder
- 1 Stick Unsalted Butter
- 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- To a large mixing bowl add the heavy whipping cream and beat with a hand mixer until it forms whip cream with stiff peaks. Set aside for a minute.
- In another bowl add the vanilla pudding powder and add the whole milk. Beat with the mixer until the instant pudding firms up.
- Fold the whipped cream into the vanilla pudding. Place in the refrigerator while you prepare the graham crackers.
- Line the whole pan with graham crackers. Pour half the pudding mixture over the graham crackers. Place another layer of whole graham crackers on top of the pudding layer. Pour over the remaining half of the pudding mixture and cover with another layer of graham crackers.
Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
- In a small saucepan heat the milk, sugar, and cocoa powder to a rolling boil.
- Remove from heat and add the stick of butter and the vanilla extract.
- Stir until the chocolate ganache is well incorporated.
- Pour the frosting over the graham crackers and spread evenly. Don't eat it on the same day! The graham crackers need time to soften within the vanilla pudding.The next day, cut into squares and enjoy it cold!
Very easy to make and Delicious