Chocolate Eclair Cake is an easy no bake dessert recipe that is always a huge crowd pleaser. Eclair cake is layers of graham crackers, instant vanilla pudding and chocolate frosting. This recipe comes together quick and is perfect for those days when you just don’t want to turn on the oven.

Looking for other simple no bake desserts? Check out my recipes for No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars, Peanut Buster Parfait Cake or No Bake Oatmeal Cookies.

slice of layered cake with graham crackers, vanilla pudding and chocolate frosting

Eclair Cake Recipe

We love a good no bake dessert recipe and this one is at the top of our favorites list. I love how simple this recipe is to make, and it is one of those recipes that is handed down in the fam or even just passed around the neighborhood, because everyone loves it.

Save this simple icebox cake recipe for the next family gathering, backyard bbq or potluck, it is always a hit!

slice of layered eclair cake with graham crackers, vanilla pudding and chocolate frosting

Ingredients for Chocolate Eclair Cake

This chocolate eclair is just too easy to make and only takes a few ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:

instant vanilla pudding– make sure it is instant setting pudding
milk– whole milk will make this recipe creamier, but any variety will work fine
whipped topping– thaw on the countertop for about 10 minutes before mixing in, or longer if it is frozen solid
graham crackers– these are the delicious layers in the cake
chocolate frosting– I like to use a rich milk chocolate frosting

⭐️ Full ingredient measurements and recipe instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

glass mixing bowl with vanilla pudding inside and a whisk in the pudding

How to make Refrigerator Eclair Cake

To make this simple eclair cake recipe, start by mixing together the instant pudding, milk and whipped topping. Place them all into a large mixing bowl and whisk together until everything is well combined and the pudding is all mixed in.

glass baking dish with a layer of graham crackers on the bottom of the pan

Place a layer of graham crackers all along the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Break up pieces of graham crackers to fit them all along the bottom of the pan.

Cover the graham crackers with a layer of the pudding mixture and spread it evenly over the top of the crackers.

glass baking dish with a layer of graham crackers over a layer of vanilla pudding

Once the pudding layer is evenly spread over the top of the graham crackers, lay down another layer of the graham crackers.

Continue making another layer of graham crackers and then pudding, ending with a last layer of graham crackers at the top.

hand pouring chocolate frosting from a frosting container over a cake in a glass pan

The last layer of the eclair cake will be the frosting. To make it easier to spread over the top of the graham cracker layer, place the frosting in the microwave for 30 seconds, then stir, it will easily pour over the top.

Use a spatula to evenly spread the chocolate frosting over the top of the graham crackers. If you don’t want to use canned frosting as simple substitute is this microwave chocolate ganache.

image of chocolate covered eclair cake that is in a glass baking dish

Place the cake into the refrigerator for at least 3 hours before serving to allow everything to chill and set.

Can I make Eclair Cake ahead?

This cake is simple to make a day in advance of when you will be serving it. Simply follow the recipe directions and keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

How to Store Eclair Cake

This cake will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The graham crackers will continue to get softer the longer it has been kept in the refrigerator. Keep covered with plastic wrap if storing for more than one day.