The Best Eclair Cake

The Best Eclair Cake
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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. 

IN THE PAN ECLAIR CAKE

INGREDIENTS TO MAKE IT

PLATED ECLAIR CAKE

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.

Heavy whipping cream whipped

In another bowl add the vanilla pudding powder and add the whole milk. Beat with the mixer until the instant pudding firms up.

WHIP CREAM AND PUDDING

Fold the whipped cream into the vanilla pudding. Place in the refrigerator while you prepare the graham crackers.

ECLAIR PUDDING COMBINED

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.

LAYERING THE ECLAIR CAKE
FINAL 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.

CHOCOLATE GANACHE

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.
CLOSE UP ECLAIR CAKE PHOTO

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.

FORK FULL OF ECLAIR CAKE... YUM
RECIPE CARD PHOTO
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5 from 1 vote

The Best Éclair Cake

The Best Eclair Cake is a classic dessert. It's made with graham crackers, vanilla pudding, whipped cream, and topped with chocolate ganache. Eclair Cake is all of the great flavors of an éclair in the form of a cake. This is hands down my kid's favorite dessert.
Prep Time20 minutes
Refrigeration Time8 hours
Total Time8 hours 20 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Eclair Cake
Servings: 8 People
Calories: 474kcal
Author: George – U Keep Cooking

Equipment

  • 9 x 13 Glass Baking Dish

Ingredients

Eclair Cake Ingredients

  • 2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 3 Boxes Instant Vanilla Pudding (7 oz total)
  • Cups Whole Milk
  • 1 14.4 oz Graham Crackers (3 sleeves)

Chocolate Ganache

  • ¼ Cup Milk
  • ¾ Cup Sugar
  • 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!

Nutrition

Calories: 474kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 91mg | Potassium: 333mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 1462IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 226mg | Iron: 1mg


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