No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake

🎂 No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake

Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 8 hours (minimum)
Servings: 12–15
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

Layer	Item	Quantity
The Base	Honey Graham Crackers	1 box (approx. 14.4 oz)
The Filling	Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix	2 boxes (3.4 oz each)
	Whole Milk	3 cups
	Whipped Topping (e.g., Cool Whip)	1 tub (8 oz), thawed
The Frosting	Chocolate Frosting	1 container (16 oz)

Instructions

Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the two boxes of instant pudding and the milk for about 2 minutes until thickened. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the mixture is uniform and fluffy.
First Layer: Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with a single layer of graham crackers. You may need to break some crackers to fit the edges perfectly.
Spread: Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the graham crackers.
Repeat: Add a second layer of graham crackers on top of the pudding, followed by the remaining half of the pudding mixture.
Final Layer: Top with a final layer of graham crackers.
The Glaze: Remove the lid and foil from the chocolate frosting. Microwave it for 20–30 seconds until it reaches a pourable consistency. Pour the warm frosting over the top layer of crackers and spread it smooth.
The Big Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, though 24 hours is even better. This is crucial for the crackers to soften into a “cake” texture.

💡 Pro Tips & Notes

The “Snap” Test: If you try to eat this after 2 hours, the crackers will still be crunchy. Patience is the secret ingredient here!
Homemade Frosting Option: If you prefer from-scratch chocolate, whisk together 1/3 cup cocoa powder, 1 cup sugar, and 1/4 cup milk. Boil for 1 minute, add 2 tbsp butter, let cool slightly, and pour.
Even Layers: Use an offset spatula to spread the pudding and frosting for that professional, flat-top look.

🥗 Nutritional Info & Benefits

Per serving (based on 15 servings):

Calories: 290 kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fat: 10g
Protein: 3g

The Benefit: Aside from being a massive crowd-pleaser, this recipe is fail-proof. Because there is no baking involved, you don’t have to worry about cakes sinking or pastries not rising. It’s also an excellent “make-ahead” dessert that frees up your oven during busy holidays or dinner parties.