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Delicious No-Bake Eclair Cake Recipes
Experience a dessert that you can customize with endless variations! Our Eclair Cake, made with graham crackers, instant pudding, and whipped topping, promises to be a new favorite dessert. Whether it’s a summer gathering, a birthday party, or just a weeknight treat, this easy, no-bake delight is perfect for any occasion. Scroll down for our complete guide along with creative combos to inspire your dessert-making journey!
Ingredients
- 2 boxes (3.5 ounces each) of instant pudding (chocolate, vanilla, or your favorite flavor)
- 3 cups of whole milk
- 1 (8-ounce) container of thawed whipped topping (or homemade whipped cream)
- 1 box (1 pound) of graham crackers or your choice of crushed cookies
- 1 (16-ounce) container of canned chocolate or vanilla frosting (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and whole milk until the mixture thickens.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold the whipped topping into the pudding mixture until well combined.
- Prepare the Dish: To make removal easier, line a 13 x 9-inch glass baking dish with parchment paper.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Start by placing a single layer of graham crackers or crushed cookies on the bottom of the dish.
- Spread half of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers.
- Add another layer of graham crackers on top.
- Repeat the layers, ending with the last layer of graham crackers.
- Frosting Time: If using frosting, microwave it for about 10-15 seconds to make it easier to spread. Pour or spread the frosting over the top layer of graham crackers.
- Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until ready to serve.
- Serve: Once chilled, slice into squares and serve with a dollop of whipped cream and mini chocolate chips, if desired!
Eclair Cake Combinations or Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Here are some fun combinations to get your creativity flowing:
- Vanilla Pudding: Top with bananas and whipped cream for that nostalgic flavor reminiscent of classic banana pudding.
- Chocolate Pudding: Add chopped candy, mini chocolate chips, or fresh raspberries for a delightful twist.
- Banana or Coconut Pudding: Layer diced pineapple or toasted coconut with the pudding for a tropical flair.
- Butterscotch Pudding: Pair with chopped peanut butter cups for a sweet and savory mix.
- If using whipped topping: Feel free to tint it with food coloring or mix in cocoa powder for added flavor and fun!
- Graham Cracker Alternatives: Consider using crushed pretzels, vanilla wafers, or your favorite cookies for something uniquely yours.
- Fruits and Candies: Mix in fruits like sliced bananas, diced apples, or berries. You could even sprinkle crushed candy bars on top for an added crunch.
No matter how you mix and match, each version of this dessert will certainly be a hit!
Shopping List
- Instant pudding mix (chocolate, vanilla, or sugar-free)
- Whipped topping or heavy cream
- Graham crackers or your choice of cookies
- Canned frosting (optional)
Other Combinations to Try
- Peach paired with vanilla pudding
- Cherries or strawberries mixed with chocolate pudding
- Mango with vanilla or coconut pudding
- A mixture of banana, chopped cherries, and vanilla pudding
- Pineapple combined with vanilla pudding
- Coconut, diced mango, and dry-blotted pineapple work wonderfully with vanilla pudding
- Blueberries and vanilla pudding make a fresh mix
No-Bake Dessert Tips
- Consider serving this dessert in elegant glassware to showcase the layers beautifully.
- Add holiday sprinkles as a fun finish to match your event’s theme.
- Using disposable wine glasses can help if you’re in a pinch for serving dishes.
- Layering in glass containers offers a lovely presentation and makes it feel extra special.
- Color the whipped topping to coordinate with your party’s color scheme.