Ready to win hearts at your next gathering? The No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Dessert is the decadent, crowd-pleasing treat you’ve been looking for. Luscious layers of creamy vanilla pudding and airy whipped topping nestle between crunchy graham crackers, all blanketed by a homemade fudge-like chocolate glaze. The magic is in the overnight chill; everything melds into a pillowy, cake-like dessert that tastes like a little celebration all on its own. If you’re craving a foolproof, show-stopping recipe that comes together with minimal effort, this is the dessert to bookmark!

No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Dessert Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Dessert truly irresistible is how just a handful of classic ingredients unite into something so much greater than the sum of their parts. Every element plays a key role in achieving those dreamy layers and crave-worthy chocolate topping.

Vanilla instant pudding (2 boxes, 3.4 oz. each): This is the creamy, custardy base that wraps every layer in smooth vanilla sweetness.

Milk (2 1/2 cups for filling, plus 1/4 cup for glaze): Use whole milk if you want extra richness, but any milk works to blend the pudding and create a silky glaze.
Cool Whip (8 oz. container) or homemade whipped cream (3 cups): Folding this in lightens the pudding and makes each bite fluffy and luscious.

Graham crackers (1 box, 14.4 oz.): These form the layered backbone of the dessert and absorb moisture overnight for that “eclair cake” texture.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup): Leading the charge in the homemade chocolate glaze, this provides intense chocolate flavor and excellent color.

Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens up that glossy glaze for a perfect finish.
Butter (1 stick, 1/2 cup): Adds richness to the glaze and helps set the glossy top layer.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out and deepens both the pudding and the chocolate glaze for major dessert shop vibes.

How to Make No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Dessert

Step 1: Mix the Creamy Pudding Layer

Start by combining both boxes of dry vanilla pudding mix with 2 1/2 cups of milk in a large bowl. Whisk or beat this mixture until it thickens up—this usually takes a couple of minutes. Next, fold in the Cool Whip (or homemade whipped cream) gently; this makes the filling light, airy, and perfectly spoonable. Be careful not to overmix so you don’t deflate all that beautiful fluff.

Step 2: Create the Graham Cracker Base

Arrange a single layer of graham crackers on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, covering as much of the surface as possible. Break crackers to fit any gaps if needed; don’t worry about perfection, as the layers will settle and meld as the dessert chills.

Step 3: Start Layering the Pudding and Crackers

Spread half of your pudding mixture evenly over the graham cracker base. Smooth it out so the layer is even all the way to the edges. Add another full layer of graham crackers right on top of the pudding, followed by the remaining pudding. Finish with a final, neat layer of graham crackers, as this will support your fudge glaze.

Step 4: Make the Rich Chocolate Glaze

In a medium saucepan, stir together the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup milk. Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring frequently so nothing sticks. Once boiling, let it bubble vigorously for about one minute—this step is crucial so the glaze thickens and sets up properly later.

Step 5: Finish and Frost

Take the pan off the heat and let the glaze cool for one minute. Add the butter and vanilla extract, stirring until the butter melts completely and you have a glossy, decadent glaze. Immediately pour and gently spread the chocolate topping over the final layer of graham crackers, making sure every corner is covered.

Step 6: Chill Overnight

Cover your pan with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This step may test your patience, but it’s totally worth it—a long chill ensures the layers meld, allowing the crackers to soften and become cake-like, and that chocolate glaze to set up just right.

Step 7: Slice and Savor!

When you’re ready to serve, use a sharp knife to slice through all those dreamy layers. The No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Dessert will cut beautifully if fully chilled, revealing those pretty striations of pudding, crackers, and fudgy chocolate topping. Trust me: every forkful is pure joy.

How to Serve No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Dessert

Garnishes

Sprinkle the top with a dusting of powdered sugar, a few chocolate curls, or a handful of chopped toasted nuts for extra flair. For fun, add a colorful handful of sprinkles if you’re serving kids, or a few fresh berries for a tart, juicy contrast that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

Pair your No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Dessert with a cup of coffee, espresso, or an after-dinner liqueur for grown-up gatherings. For summer parties, it’s perfectly at home next to a bowl of fresh strawberries, or alongside fruit salad to brighten up the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn individual squares into parfaits by layering small cubes with extra whipped cream in clear glasses. Pop slices onto pretty plates with a mint sprig or drizzle with a little caramel sauce on the side. For potlucks, cut smaller squares for finger-food style bites—watch them disappear.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. The dessert keeps well in the fridge for up to five days. In fact, the texture often gets even better after a day or two, as the flavors meld further and the layers settle into each other.

Freezing

No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Dessert actually freezes surprisingly well. Slice into portions, wrap them individually in plastic and foil, and store in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving—don’t thaw on the counter or the pudding may separate.

Reheating

This dessert truly shines cold and doesn’t require reheating. If frozen, just be sure to let it thaw in the fridge so the pudding and graham crackers retain their dreamy textures. A quick 5–10 minutes at room temperature before serving can soften the glaze if you prefer a silkier bite.

FAQs

Can I use real whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Absolutely! Just whip up 3 cups of heavy cream with a few tablespoons of powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Fold it into the pudding like you would with Cool Whip for a more homemade feel.

How far in advance can I make No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Dessert?

Ideally, prepare the dessert the night before so it can chill overnight. It’ll actually keep (and taste amazing) for up to 2 days in advance, making it perfect for parties and meal planning.

Can I use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla?

You can, but it will change the signature flavor of this No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Dessert. Vanilla pudding gives you that classic “eclair” filling vibe, while chocolate will double down on the cocoa. Both are delicious, so choose your craving!

Why does my chocolate glaze stay soft and runny?

The trick is bringing the cocoa mixture to a full rolling boil for at least a minute before adding the butter. If you skip this step, the glaze won’t set into that perfect, fudge-like layer on top.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes! Just substitute gluten-free graham crackers and double-check that your pudding mix is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally free from gluten, making it easy to accommodate special diets.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that impresses every time, look no further—No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Dessert is the kind of treat you’ll reach for again and again. Each bite is pure nostalgia and pure joy, and I genuinely hope it becomes as cherished in your kitchen as it is in mine. Try it soon and share the magic!

No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Dessert Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 6 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the heavenly layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and graham crackers soaked in a rich chocolate sauce with this easy No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Dessert recipe.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pudding Mixture:

2 (3.4 oz.) boxes vanilla instant pudding

2 1/2 c. milk
1 (8 oz.) container Cool Whip non-dairy whipped topping (or 3 c. homemade whipped cream)

For the Graham Cracker Layers:

1 (14.4 oz) box graham crackers

For the Chocolate Topping:

1/3 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 c. granulated sugar
1/4 c. milk

1/2 c. butter (1 stick)
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Pudding Mixture: Combine dry pudding mix and 2 & 1/2 cups milk; beat until well mixed. Stir in Cool Whip.

Layer the Graham Crackers: Place a layer of graham crackers in the bottom of a 9×13″ dish.
Assemble the Dessert: Spread 1/2 of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers. Repeat with another layer of graham crackers and pudding; then top with a final layer of graham crackers.
Make the Chocolate Topping: In a medium-sized saucepan, bring cocoa, milk, and sugar to a full rolling boil; boil about 1 minute, stirring very frequently. Remove from heat and cool one minute. Add butter and vanilla; stir until butter is melted.

Top the Dessert: Pour chocolate topping over the top layer of graham crackers. Spread evenly to completely cover graham crackers.
Chill Overnight: Cover dessert and refrigerate overnight to allow the layers to set and meld.
Important Tip: Ensure the chocolate topping reaches a full rolling boil for it to set properly.

Serve and Enjoy: Indulge in the decadent No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Dessert!

Notes

Chilling overnight is crucial for the dessert to set properly.
Ensure the chocolate topping boils fully for the right consistency.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert

Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (assuming 1/12 of the recipe)

Calories: 320
Sugar: 26g
Sodium: 290mg

Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 1g

Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Dessert, no-bake dessert, easy dessert recipe, chocolate dessert, pudding dessert