Go Back
–+ servings
eclair cake

No Bake Éclair Cake (So Creamy!)

5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Video
This éclair cake is a creamy, no-bake dessert layered with soft graham crackers, fluffy vanilla filling, and a rich chocolate ganache on top. It’s easy to make, so nostalgic, and perfect for feeding a crowd!
Prep: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 3 hours
Total: 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Author: Cakes by MK

IMPORTANT: For accuracy, I would recommend using the gram measurements provided, as those are the exact quantities I use. Cup measurements are given as estimates (based on US cup measurements) to make it easier for those who do not have a scale.

Ingredients
 

Ganache

  • 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate - roughly chopped. I use 50% dark chocolate
  • ¾ cup (180 g) heavy cream - cold
  • 1 tbsp (15 g) unsalted butter

Eclair Cake

  • 3 3.4oz packets (288 g) instant vanilla pudding mix - equivalent to 2 cups in powdered form
  • 3 cups (720 g) whole milk - cold
  • 1 cup (240 g) heavy cream - cold
  • 2 tbsps powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla essence/extract
  • 1 14.4oz pack graham crackers - or plain sweet biscuits like superwine, digestives, Arnott's marie biscuits, etc.

To Dip Crackers

  • ½ cup (120 g) whole milk - cold
  • ¼ tsp vanilla essence/extract

Instructions

Ganache

  • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped chocolate, heavy cream, and butter.
  • Microwave in 20-second bursts, whisking well between each burst, until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat it.
  • Place the ganache in the refrigerator while you prepare the rest of the recipe (see note 1).

Eclair Cake

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until thickened. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Using a hand or stand mixer, whip until stiff peaks form.
  • Add the whipped cream to the pudding mixture and gently fold together until smooth and fully combined.
  • In a shallow dish, combine the cold milk and vanilla for the graham cracker dip. Stir briefly to combine and set aside.
  • Grab a 9x13-inch dish. Working with one graham cracker at a time, quickly dip each cracker into the milk mixture (see note 2), and arrange them in an even layer across the bottom of the dish. Break crackers as needed to fit the pan.
  • Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the graham cracker layer.
  • Add a second layer of dipped graham crackers, then spread the remaining pudding mixture evenly over the top. Finish with a final layer of dipped graham crackers.
  • Remove the ganache from the refrigerator and give it a quick stir. It should still be smooth and pourable. Pour the ganache over the top layer of graham crackers and gently swirl the dish so the chocolate spreads evenly to the edges.
  • Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the filling to set and the graham crackers to soften.
  • When ready to serve, slice with a knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry for clean, tidy slices. Serve chilled.

Video

Notes

Note 1. The ganache is refrigerated to allow it to cool slightly before being poured over the cake. It should still be smooth, runny, and pourable when ready to use, so avoid making it too far in advance, as it may thicken too much and become difficult to spread.
Note 2. Quickly dipping the graham crackers in milk helps them soften more quickly, reducing the chilling time needed for the dessert. During recipe testing, I found that undipped graham crackers could still be slightly firm, even after chilling overnight. Be sure to dip each cracker only briefly—you don't want them to soak up too much liquid, as this can make the layers overly soft and soggy.

Nutrition

Calories: 206kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 32mg | Potassium: 177mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 524IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 95mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional information are estimates only as they are automatically calculated by a third party application. Actual values may differ based on brands and types of products used.

Keyword: chocolate eclair cake recipe, chocolate eclair dessert, eclair cake, eclair cake recipe, eclair dessert, no bake eclair cake
Tried this recipe?I love hearing from you! Tag me @cakesbymk.nz on instagram so I can see your amazing creations :)