Eclair Cake

A triumph in no-bake desserts, this eclair cake is made using only seven ingredients. It tastes just like real eclairs like you'd get from a French bakery, but is easy to make. Besides the chilling time, this chocolaty treat takes less than 15 minutes to put together—just whip up the creamy filling, layer it with graham crackers, cover it with velvety chocolate ganache, and dessert is done! Here's an idea: Give eclair cake a tiramisu spin by brushing the graham crackers with espresso or strong coffee as you assemble the layers. What could be better? If you like this easy cake, try your hand at classic chocolate eclairs or any other chocolate dessert recipes next!

What is eclair cake?

This convenient cake is made up of true kitchen workhorses! Vanilla pudding mix, heavy cream, milk, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla bean paste make up the filling. Stabilizing whipped cream with condensed milk and folding it into the pudding mixture makes for an irresistibly fluffy filling and clean-cut slices. Graham crackers provide the cake with structure and a delicate, toasty flavor. Many eclairs are smeared with silky chocolate and this cake is no different. A quick microwave ganache blankets the top of this layered cake. If you don't have chocolate bars or want to skip chopping, use 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips instead.

What kind of pudding mix do you use for eclair cake?

Stick with instant vanilla pudding mix. "Instant" pudding mix and "cook and serve" pudding mix are two different products, so make sure the one you choose says "instant" on the box.

What can I use instead of vanilla bean paste?

If you don't have vanilla bean paste, swap it for an equal amount of vanilla extract.

Can eclair cake be made ahead of time?

Yes, eclair cake is the perfect candidate for a make-ahead treat! The dessert actually needs to be made at least four hours in advance so that the graham crackers have a chance to soften and the creamy filling can set up properly for slicing. Simply assemble the cake the night before and dessert is an easy reach into the fridge.

How long does eclair cake last in the fridge?

This dessert is best served within 24 hours of assembly because the graham crackers will continue to soften the longer it sits. That said, it'll still be delicious (maybe just a bit less pretty!) for up to three days, covered and refrigerated.

Can you freeze eclair cake?

Yes! Once the cake is assembled, wrap the entire baking dish in a layer of plastic, then a layer of foil. Freeze for up to one month. Let the cake thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.