🍰 Classic Eclair Cake (with 3 Flavor Twists!)
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!
✨ Classic Eclair 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 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 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.
💡 3 Fun Twists to Elevate 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 white chocolate or French vanilla pudding
- Add a layer of fresh sliced strawberries 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.
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