Today, I’m sharing the classic Chocolate Eclair Cake. It’s a no-bake delight that’s both timeless and incredibly scrumptious.

Think layers of creamy goodness, graham crackers, and velvety chocolate frosting coming together in perfect harmony.

Icebox eclair cake served on a white plate with a bite taken out of it.

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This Chocolate Eclair Cake is a long-time family favorite. I can remember coming home from school and my Mom would have it made in the fridge, ready with a tall glass of milk. Pure comfort food.

This dessert is perfect for potlucks or parties and has the decadence of a classic French Éclair without all the fuss.

This easy dessert recipe is a favorite, as well as Paula Deen’s No Bake Chessman Banana Pudding and this Pumpkin Lush Dessert Recipe.

Graham cracker eclair cake bite shot on a fork with remaining piece of eclair cake on plate.

Why You’ll Love This No Bake Eclair Cake

Quick and Easy: This recipe is a breeze to make and requires no baking. You can have a delightful dessert ready with minimal effort.
Classic Flavor: It captures the beloved flavors of a traditional eclair but in cake form, with layers of creamy pudding, graham crackers, and chocolate frosting.
Make-Ahead Delight: It’s a perfect make-ahead dessert for gatherings and special occasions. You can prepare it in advance and chill until it’s time to serve. You can freeze it too!
Family Favorite: This cake is a crowd-pleaser. Its familiar and comforting taste is loved by kids and adults alike.

What is Chocolate Eclair Cake Made Of?

This simple, no-bake Chocolate Eclair Cake is a timeless dessert favorite. Prepared with graham crackers, pudding, whipped topping, and luscious chocolate frosting, it comes together in just about 10 minutes, with some additional chilling time.

Can I Make this Cake in Advance for a special occasion?

You sure can! Chocolate Eclair Cake is the perfect make-ahead dessert because it is required to chill.

Prepare it a day in advane and it will be ready to impress your guests when you need it!

Ingredients for Chocolate Eclair Cake

Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
Milk – use whole in this recipe
Cool Whip Topping
Sour Cream – I recommend using full fat sour cream.
Chocolate Frosting – this dessert is made with store-bought frosting. If you’d like to make your own homemade chocoalte frosting, that will work too!

How to Make This Easy Chocolate Eclair Cake

You can find a full printable recipe card by scrolling down to the bottom of the page. I’ve added some step-by-step images with instructions below to help you along with the recipe.

Process step for chocolate eclair dessert with pudding mixture in bowl with wire whisk.

STEP ONE – In a large bowl add pudding mix, and milk, whisking thoroughly.

Next step for chocolate eclair recipe which is adding the sour cream and whipped topping to the pudding mixture.

STEP TWO – Add the sour cream and Cool Whip to the pudding mixture.

Graham crackers lining the bottom of 9x13-inch baking dish for eclair grahma cracker cake recipe.

STEP THREE – In the bottom of a 9×13 pan, place a single layer of graham crackers.

TIP: The crackers may not fit in perfectly and that is okay! Break the crackers but hand, or cut them with a serrated knife and fit them in as best as possible.

Pudding mixture is spread on top of the graham crackers for recipe for eclair cake.

STEP FOUR – Scoop 1/3 of the pudding mixture onto cracker layer, about 2 cups, spreading into even layer with spoon or offset spatula.

Final layer of graham cracker spread on top of remaining ingredients for no bake chocolate elair cake.

STEP FIVE – Repeat layering twice, ending with a graham cracker layer.

Chocolate frosting is dropped in dollops on top of final graham cracker layer for eclair icebox cake.

STEP SIX – Stir tub frosting to loosen, alternately microwave frosting for 15-20 seconds to help make easier to spread. Top graham cracker layer with frosting, spread into an even layer, so no pudding or crackers show.

STEP SEVEN – Cover cake, and refrigerate for 3-4 hours, until crackers have softened and can be sliced. Enjoy!

My Top Tips for Making this Recipe

This recipe is very easy to make. The secret to a perfect no-bake eclair cake is to allow it to chill for the full time. The graham crackers will soft and combine perfectly with the pudding layers.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Storage: Cover the dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing: You can freeze this easy no-bake dessert by covering it with plastic wrap, then a layer of foil and freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator to enjoy the following day.

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