Eclair Cake

This no-bake dessert is a fun and easy twist on a traditional eclair. Homemade vanilla pudding layered with graham crackers and topped with a smooth chocolate ganache. When you want all the flavor of a French pastry without all the work.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 10

Rest/chill time 8

Total Time 8 40

Servings

Calories 401kcal

Author Allison - Celebrating Sweets

Ingredients

½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
⅛ teaspoon salt
2½ cups whole or 2% milk
2 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1¼ cups chilled heavy whipping cream divided
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
14 oz box graham crackers see note

Instructions

Begin by making the vanilla pudding filling. In a medium saucepan whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, salt, milk, and egg yolks. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking occasionally (every minute or two), until the mixture is bubbling all throughout. Once bubbling, continue cooking for 1-2 additional minutes, whisking occasionally, and making sure that the pudding isn't burning on the bottom of the pan. At this point the pudding should be thickened but still pourable (it will thicken more as it cools).
Immediately whisk in butter and vanilla. If you notice any lumps, pour through a fine mesh sieve. Transfer to a bowl and cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then place a piece of plastic wrap directly over the pudding and refrigerate until chilled completely, at least 3 hours or even overnight.
Once the pudding has chilled: use a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment to whip ½ cup chilled heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Remove the pudding from the fridge. Vigorously stir or whisk the pudding until smooth. Using a rubber spatula, fold the whipped cream into the pudding until fully combined.
Line the bottom of an 8x8 square baking dish with a single layer of graham crackers, breaking some if necessary to fit. Add one third of the pudding mixture (I just eyeball it) and spread into an even layer. Repeat with another layer of graham crackers, half the remaining pudding, another layer of graham crackers, all the remaining pudding, then one final layer of graham crackers. Place in the refrigerator while you prepare the topping.
Add chocolate chips and remaining ¾ cup heavy cream to a microwave safe bowl. Heat in 20 second increments, stirring well in between, until smooth and fully melted. Cool at room temperature for 10 minutes. Pour over the top layer of graham crackers and smooth into an even layer. Refrigerate for 4-12 hours*, then serve.

Notes

Graham crackers: You will not use the whole box of graham crackers but you will come close.

*The longer this sits in the fridge the softer it will be. The graham crackers will soften and absorb the custard over time.

Nutrition