Description
This easy-to-make Éclair Cake is a no-bake dessert featuring layers of graham crackers, creamy vanilla pudding, and a rich chocolate glaze. Its smooth texture and classic flavors make it a crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion, especially when chilled to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 box (14.4 oz) graham crackers
- 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Chocolate Glaze
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the pudding mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until the mixture thickens, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Combine with whipped topping: Fold in the whipped topping gently until fully incorporated, resulting in a smooth, creamy filling.
- Layer graham crackers: Arrange a layer of graham crackers on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, breaking them if necessary to fit the dish.
- Spread pudding filling: Evenly spread half of the pudding mixture over the first graham cracker layer, smoothing it out.
- Add second graham cracker layer: Place another layer of graham crackers on top of the pudding mixture.
- Spread the remaining pudding: Spread the remaining pudding mixture evenly over the second layer of graham crackers.
- Top with final graham cracker layer: Place the last layer of graham crackers over the pudding filling.
- Make the chocolate glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the milk and cocoa powder, mixing until smooth.
- Sweeten the glaze: Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, stirring continuously until the glaze becomes smooth and thickened.
- Apply the glaze: Pour the chocolate glaze over the top layer of graham crackers, spreading it evenly to fully cover the surface.
- Chill the cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set firmly.
- Serve: Cut the cake into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy your delicious Éclair Cake!
Notes
- For best results, allow the cake to chill overnight so that the graham crackers soften completely and the flavors meld beautifully.
- You can use regular whipped cream if Cool Whip is not available, but the consistency might vary slightly.
- To customize, try using chocolate or butterscotch pudding mix instead of vanilla for different flavors.
- If you prefer a less sweet chocolate glaze, reduce the powdered sugar by a quarter cup.
- Ensure the chocolate glaze is slightly cooled before pouring to prevent dissolving or melting the graham crackers’ top layer.
