🍫 Chocolate Éclair Cake
Chocolate Éclair Cake is a no-bake dessert inspired by the classic French éclair. It’s layered with graham crackers, creamy vanilla pudding, and topped with a rich chocolate frosting. It’s sweet, creamy, and easy to make ahead for parties or potlucks.
🥄 Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
Cake Layers
- 1 box graham crackers (about 9–12 sheets)
Cream Filling
- 2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding
- 3 cups cold milk
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup butter
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare filling:
- In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk instant pudding with cold milk until thickened.
- Fold pudding into cream cheese mixture, then fold in whipped topping.
2️⃣ Assemble cake:
- In a 9×13-inch pan, layer graham crackers on the bottom.
- Spread half of the cream filling over crackers.
- Add another layer of graham crackers and remaining cream filling.
- Top with a final layer of graham crackers.
3️⃣ Make chocolate topping:
- In a small saucepan, melt chocolate chips, butter, and milk over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour over top layer of graham crackers, spreading evenly.
4️⃣ Chill:
- Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight for graham crackers to soften and flavors to meld.
5️⃣ Serve: Slice into squares and enjoy!
🌟 Tips for the Best Éclair Cake
- Soft layers: Refrigerate overnight for perfect “cake-like” texture.
- Chocolate topping: Smooth and glossy if poured warm, but let it set in fridge.
- Variations: Use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla for a chocolate-on-chocolate version.
- Make-ahead: This dessert keeps well in the fridge 3–4 days.
I can also provide:
- Mini individual chocolate éclair parfaits
- Peanut butter chocolate variation
- Gluten-free version using gluten-free crackers
Do you want the mini individual parfait version?
