Introduction

This Eclair Icebox Cake is a no-bake dessert that combines creamy vanilla pudding, fluffy whipped topping, crunchy graham crackers, and a glossy chocolate ganache. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing treat perfect for warm days or whenever you want a simple yet indulgent dessert.

The image shows a square slice of layered cake on a white plate with a gold rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has four main layers: starting from the bottom, there is a light brown sponge layer with a soft and airy texture, followed by a thick creamy white layer, then another similar sponge layer, topped with a second thick white cream layer, and finished with a smooth, glossy dark chocolate layer on top with slight waves. Some small round brown sprinkles are scattered around the plate for decoration. In the background, a blurred second slice of the cake on a similar white plate is partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 (3.5-ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups whole milk
1 (8-ounce) tub whipped topping, thawed
1 (16-ounce) package graham crackers
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
⅔ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons light corn syrup

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold whole milk until the pudding thickens.
Step 2: Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture until fully combined.
Step 3: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, create layers starting with graham crackers, then half of the pudding mixture. Repeat with another graham cracker layer and the remaining pudding. Finish with a final graham cracker layer on top.
Step 4: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips with the heavy cream and light corn syrup, stirring constantly until smooth.
Step 5: Pour the melted chocolate mixture evenly over the top layer of graham crackers and spread gently to cover.
Step 6: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
Substitute the graham crackers with chocolate grahams or digestive biscuits for a different twist.
Make it nutty by sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or almonds between layers.
Use stabilized whipped cream instead of whipped topping for a fresher homemade option.

Storage

Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes best chilled and softens as it sits. If needed, serve directly from the fridge; reheating is not recommended as this dessert is best enjoyed cold.

How to Serve

A square slice of layered cake sits on a white plate over a white marbled surface. The cake has four layers: starting from the bottom, a light golden sponge layer, then a thick creamy white layer, followed by another golden sponge layer, topped with another thick creamy white layer, and finished with a smooth, dark chocolate layer on top that has slight horizontal ridges. In the background, more pieces of the same cake are slightly out of focus on another white plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?

Yes, you can use low-fat or skim milk, but the pudding may be slightly less creamy. Whole milk gives the best texture and flavor for this recipe.

How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Beyond that, the graham crackers may become too soft and the texture might change.

Eclair Icebox Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 59 reviews

This Eclair Icebox Cake is a no-bake, creamy dessert that layers rich vanilla pudding and whipped topping between graham crackers, topped with a luscious chocolate ganache. Perfect for an easy, chilled treat that captures the flavors of a classic eclair in a simple layered cake.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Pudding Mixture

2 (3.5-ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
3 cups whole milk
1 (8-ounce) tub whipped topping, thawed

Layers

1 (16-ounce) package graham crackers

Chocolate Ganache Topping

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
⅔ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons light corn syrup

Instructions

Prepare the pudding mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold whole milk until the mixture thickens, ensuring a smooth consistency. Then gently fold in the thawed whipped topping, combining carefully to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
Assemble the layers: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start by placing a layer of graham crackers to cover the bottom evenly. Spread half of the pudding mixture on top of the crackers. Add another layer of graham crackers, followed by the rest of the pudding mixture, and finish with a final layer of graham crackers on top.
Prepare the chocolate ganache: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips together with the heavy cream and light corn syrup, stirring constantly until the chocolate mixture is smooth and glossy.
Top the cake: Pour the warm chocolate ganache over the last graham cracker layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover the surface completely.
Chill to set: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the graham crackers to soften and the flavors to meld. Serve chilled for best taste and texture.

Notes

For a lighter version, you may use low-fat milk and reduced-fat whipped topping.
Ensure the whipped topping is fully thawed before folding into the pudding mixture to avoid lumps.
Covering the cake tightly before refrigerating prevents it from absorbing other fridge odors.
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to slice for clean servings.
This dessert can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Eclair Icebox Cake, no-bake dessert, vanilla pudding, chocolate ganache, layered dessert, graham cracker cake, easy dessert