Easy No Bake Eclair Cake

If you love éclair donuts but don’t feel like dealing with pastry bags, custard filling, or anything requiring too much effort, this no-bake éclair cake is about to be your new best friend.

It’s got all the flavors of a classic éclair—creamy vanilla pudding, soft layers, and a rich chocolate topping—but instead of fancy choux pastry, we’re using good ol’ graham crackers. It’s easy, ridiculously delicious, and perfect for feeding a crowd (or just yourself because, no judgment).

Ingredients

Graham crackers—because we need layers that soften into cake-like perfection
Instant vanilla pudding—this gives that dreamy, creamy filling without the hassle
Milk—to bring the pudding to life
Whipped cream—because light and fluffy makes everything better
Chocolate frosting—the pièce de résistance that makes this taste like a real éclair

How to Make It

Start by whisking together the instant pudding and milk until it thickens up—just about 3-5 minutes. Once it’s set, fold in the whipped cream until it’s smooth and luscious.

Grab a 13×9 pan and line the bottom with graham crackers. You might need to break some to fit, but don’t stress—it’s all going to get deliciously soft in the fridge anyway.

Spread half of your pudding mixture over the crackers, smoothing it out so every bite gets that creamy goodness. Add another layer of graham crackers on top, then spread the rest of the pudding mixture.

Finish it off with one last graham cracker layer, then spread the chocolate frosting all over the top. If the frosting is a little stiff, pop it in the microwave for about 10 seconds to make it easier to spread.

Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better!) so the crackers absorb all that pudding and turn into a soft, cake-like texture.

Slice into 12 pieces, serve, and enjoy every silky, chocolatey, creamy bite!

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! It actually tastes better the next day when the flavors have really melded together.

What if my frosting is hard to spread? Microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften it up, but don’t make it too hot or it’ll melt the filling.

Can I use homemade pudding? Sure! But honestly, the instant stuff works like a charm and saves time.

Can I switch up the flavors? Yep! Try using chocolate pudding for an even richer version, or swap the graham crackers for vanilla wafers.

My Éclair Obsession & Why This Cake is the Best No-Bake Dessert

So, I’ve been in a long-term relationship with éclair donuts for as long as I can remember. That crisp pastry, the creamy filling, the thick layer of chocolate—it’s my weakness. But making éclairs from scratch? Whew, that’s an event. When I discovered éclair cake, I felt like I unlocked a cheat code. My kids love it because it’s basically a giant, soft cookie sandwich, and I love it because it gives me all the flavors I crave without the work.

Why This Recipe Works

It’s no-bake, so there’s zero stress involved—no ovens, no special techniques, just layering and chilling. The graham crackers soften into the most cake-like texture, soaking up that creamy pudding just right. And that chocolate frosting? It seals everything together with a rich, fudgy finish that makes each bite taste like a legit bakery-style éclair. Whether you’re making this for a party, a potluck, or just a random Tuesday when you need a little dessert magic, this recipe never disappoints.

Here are some more amazing no bake desserts: