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No-Bake Eclair Cake

This easy, traditional dessert comes together in minutes and chills into a creamy, chocolate-topped crowd-pleaser — perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 packages 2 (3.4 oz) small packages instant vanilla pudding mix or 2 cups powdered instant vanilla pudding
  • 3 cups 3 cups cold milk use dairy or any plant-based milk for dairy-free
  • 1 container 1 (8 oz) container thawed whipped topping (Cool Whip) or 2 cups dairy-free whipped topping for vegan
  • 1 package 1 (14–16 oz) package graham cracker squares about 2 sleeves — use gluten-free graham crackers if needed
  • 1 jar 1 (12–16 oz) jar prepared chocolate frosting or 12–16 oz homemade chocolate ganache
Optional Homemade Ganache
  • 1 cup 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free
  • 8 oz 8 oz semisweet chocolate chopped
Optional Garnishes
  • chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips, flaky sea salt, or sprinkles

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl whisk instant vanilla pudding mix with 3 cups cold milk until smooth. Let it sit 2–3 minutes to thicken.
  2. Fold the thawed whipped topping into the pudding until fully combined and fluffy (about 20–30 seconds). This is your creamy filling.
  3. Spread a thin layer of the pudding mixture across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to keep graham crackers from sticking.
  4. Arrange a single layer of graham cracker squares on top of the pudding to cover the bottom. Break crackers as needed to fit.
  5. Spread half of the remaining pudding mixture evenly over the graham crackers.
  6. Add a second layer of graham crackers on top of that pudding layer.
  7. Spread the remaining pudding mixture over the second graham-cracker layer. Finish with a final layer of graham crackers on top.
Frosting/Ganache
  1. If using prepared chocolate frosting: microwave the frosting in a microwave-safe bowl for 20–30 seconds and stir until pourable.
  2. If using homemade ganache: heat cream until it just starts to simmer, pour over chopped chocolate, let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
  3. Spread frosting or ganache evenly over the final graham cracker layer.
Chilling
  1. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  2. Garnish as desired and cut into squares with a sharp knife. Enjoy chilled.

Notes

Make-ahead friendly: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance for parties. The graham layers will continue to soften over time. Keep covered in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. Freezing is possible but texture may change — thaw overnight in the refrigerator.