No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake
No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake is a luscious layered dessert combining rich chocolate pudding and creamy vanilla filling sandwiched between soft graham crackers. This smooth, decadent treat requires no oven time, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings. Its fuss-free preparation, make-ahead convenience, and crowd-pleasing texture make it a beloved family favorite.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pudding Mixtures
- 1 box instant chocolate pudding mix (approx. 3.9 oz)
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix (approx. 3.4 oz)
- 4 cups cold milk (divided between both pudding mixes)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for vanilla pudding)
- 8 oz whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), divided
Layers and Toppings
- 2 to 3 sleeves graham crackers (enough to create multiple layers in a 9x13 inch dish)
- 1 cup chocolate chips or 4 oz melted chocolate (for topping)
- Prepare the pudding mixtures: In separate bowls, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk until thickened. In another bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with the remaining 2 cups of cold milk, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in whipped topping: Gently fold half of the whipped topping into the chocolate pudding mixture and the other half into the vanilla pudding mixture to create light, creamy layers.
- Layer the dessert: In a 9×13-inch rectangular dish, spread a layer of the chocolate pudding on the bottom. Add a layer of graham crackers on top, followed by the vanilla pudding layer, then another graham cracker layer. Repeat the layering process until all mixtures are used, finishing with a pudding layer on top.
- Add the chocolate topping: Melt the chocolate chips and drizzle evenly over the top layer, or sprinkle mini chocolate chips, creating a glossy finish that hardens slightly as it chills.
- Chill and set: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the graham crackers to soften and flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use full-fat ingredients for the richest flavor and creamiest texture.
- Do not rush the chilling process; longer chilling results in better texture.
- Spread pudding mixtures in thin, even layers for consistent soaking of graham crackers.
- Choose high-quality chocolate chips or bars for a more indulgent topping.
- Cover the cake tightly to prevent drying out or absorption of fridge odors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: no-bake, chocolate eclair cake, pudding dessert, easy dessert, graham cracker cake, layered dessert, chocolate pudding, vanilla pudding