Best No-Bake Eclair Cake Recipe with Chocolate Ganache

This no-bake chocolate eclair cake is the perfect easy dessert for anyone who loves the rich flavors of a classic chocolate éclair. Made with layers of chocolate graham crackers, a creamy filling of instant pudding mix—specifically french vanilla pudding mix—and a luscious homemade chocolate frosting chocolate frosting, this chocolate éclair cake is sure to impress. Simply layer graham crackers in the bottom of a baking dish, followed by the pudding mixture, and then a top layer of graham crackers to create a delightful easy recipe icebox cake made with cinnamon graham crackers that requires no baking whatsoever.

Once assembled, it’s topped with a rich chocolate topping made in the microwave for a quick and easy finish. This no-bake chocolate eclair cake recipe is not only a delicious treat but also one of my favorite desserts to whip up for gatherings. If you’re looking for easy no-bake dessert recipes, this easy no-bake chocolate eclair cake will become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy this delightful dessert that tastes like it was baked, but requires no effort at all!

🍰 Traditional Eclair Dessert (featuring 3 Unique Flavor Variations!)

This recipe is perfect for those who prefer a hassle-free baking experience. There’s no need for an oven or complicated steps—just indulge in creamy, dreamy chocolate bliss layered between graham crackers. The best part? It only improves after resting overnight. 

We’ll begin with the original version and then explore some exciting flavor variations that will impress!

✨ Traditional Éclair Cake Recipe

🛒 Ingredients:

• 1 box (14.4 oz) graham crackers
• 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 3 cups cold milk
• 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed

For the Chocolate Ganache Topping:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp of instant pudding mix butter (optional for shine)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Mix the pudding

Mix the pudding blends with cold milk for about 2 minutes until thick. Gently fold in the whipped topping.

2. Layer it up

In a 9×13 inch dish, lay a layer of graham crackers, breaking them to fit. Spread half of the pudding mixture on top, then repeat with another layer of graham crackers followed by the remaining pudding. Finish with a final layer of graham crackers.

3. Make the ganache

Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it is just about to simmer, but not boiling. Pour the hot cream over the single layer of graham crackers chocolate chips in a bowl. Wait 2 minutes, then stir until the mixture is smooth. If desired, stir in the butter.

4. Top and chill

Pour the ganache over the cake, spreading it evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours (overnight is best) to allow it to soften into glorious, cakey perfection with a layer of graham crackers and pudding.

💡 3 Exciting Variations to Enhance Your Eclair Cake

🥜 1. Peanut Butter Cup Eclair Cake

• Swap vanilla pudding for chocolate pudding
• Swirl in ½ cup peanut butter to the pudding layer
• Top with chopped mini peanut butter cups before pouring ganache

🍓 2. Strawberries & Cream Eclair Cake

• Use instant pudding mix for a creamier texture white chocolate or French vanilla pudding
• Add a layer of fresh sliced strawberries with homemade chocolate frosting between the pudding layers
• Drizzle white chocolate over the ganache and sprinkle with freeze-dried strawberries

☕ 3. Mocha Hazelnut Eclair Cake

• Use chocolate pudding with 1 tsp instant espresso powder mixed in
• Stir in ¼ cup hazelnut spread (like Nutella) to the pudding
• Garnish the ganache with shaved chocolate and crushed hazelnuts

📝 Pro Tips

• • Don’t skimp on relaxation time. That overnight rest gives it that “real cake” texture.
  • Use full-fat pudding and whipped topping for best flavor.
  • For cleaner slices, freeze for 30 minutes before cutting.

  At blog-bee, we have started “Quick Recipes” series. Please let us know in the feedback how did you like this recipe and share your variations to help other viewers of this site. We believe that cooking should be fun, easy, and accessible to everyone, which is why our Quick Recipes are designed to be simple yet delicious. Each recipe will be accompanied by step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to ensure your culinary success.
  In our first installment, we’re excited to share a delightful 15-minute pasta dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can whip up a meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.
  **Quick Garlic Lemon Pasta**
  **Ingredients:**
  – 200g spaghetti or your choice of pasta
  – 3 cloves garlic, minced, paired with an easy dessert recipe
  – Zest and juice of 1 lemon
  – 2 tablespoons olive oil
  – Salt and pepper, to taste
  – Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  – Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  **Instructions:**
  1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. In the same pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Add the cooked pasta back into the pot, along with the lemon zest, lemon juice, and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until well combined. If the pasta seems dry, add more pasta water as needed.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
  5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
  Now it’s your turn! We encourage you to experiment with this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, proteins, or even spices to give it your personal touch. Whether it’s sautéed spinach, grilled chicken, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper, the possibilities are endless!
  Don’t forget to leave your feedback in the comments below, and share your variations or any tips you’ve discovered along the way. Happy cooking, and stay tuned for more quick and tasty recipes in our upcoming posts! 

  A couple of products that may help in making this recipe:

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