** Easy Graham Cracker Eclair Cake Recipe
Searching for an easy, no-bake dessert that’s sure to impress every time?! Make this heavenly graham cracker éclair cake recipe ASAP! What could be better than vanilla pudding, Cool Whip, and chocolate?! I love that it tastes similar to an éclair but feeds a crowd.
Easy Graham Cracker Éclair Cake
yield: 6 SERVINGS
Ingredients
- 2 (3.4 oz) boxes of dry Vanilla Instant Pudding mix
- 3 1/2 cups whole milk
- 12 oz. Cool Whip
- 1 box (2-3 sleeves) of graham crackers
FROSTING:
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 5 tablespoons milk
- 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Directions
1
In a large bowl, blend milk and vanilla pudding packets for about 2 minutes. Fold in Cool Whip.
2
Line the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan with graham crackers. (You may have to cut some crackers so they fit neatly.)
3
Spread half of the pudding mixture over graham cracker layer. Top with another layer of graham crackers and the remaining pudding.
4
Melt butter in the microwave and mix well with milk, cocoa, and powdered sugar to make the frosting. (It will be very thin in texture.)
5
Top all with a final layer of graham crackers bumpy side down. (This will make the top look smooth.)
6
Finally, pour chocolate frosting on top and spread evenly.
7
Refrigerate at least four hours before serving to allow the graham crackers to soften.
Additional Notes
(Adapted from Chef In Training)
My family LOVED this so much, and the kids had fun helping make it. This recipe’s a winner that’s going to be so popular for you, too! Enjoy!
I make this all the time! It is so easy and soooo good!!
And one time I want to try it with chocolate flavored graham crackers. See what it would taste like.
Made this before too and it is delish!
My Mom has made this before too and it is VERY yummy! 🙂
I can’t wait to try this! Perfect for the potluck this weekend while watching football!!
Yes it is a great potluck dessert! ;0
OMG, that looks soo mouthwatering! Good thing I don’t have all the ingredients or I’d be on this like white on rice!!! LOL
It’s best with French vanilla pudding mix. I’ve made this for 20 years. Great and simple recipe. It’s the kind of dessert recipe that no matter where you take it, you always bring home an empty dish.
Helpful tip thanks!
that looks yummy. thanks for the recipe
I make this, but I take it to the next lazy level. I take a container of chocolate frosting, melt, and pour all over it. I never even turn my stove on!
Thanks for the tip!
My recipe calls for a can of chocolate frosting, too. Melted. Yummy!
so much better w/the canned chocolate frosting. Just my opinion. I tried the DIY and it wasn’t great. Ended up melting the canned frosting and putting it over the other.
Yes, I’ve seen this posted on Money Saving Mom numerous times, and when I tried it , it was awesome. Your version looks awesome! I used the recipe to create a coupon-friendly version of what I call Napoleon Cake, and its awesome! 🙂
Can I use instant chocolate pudding mix instead of vanilla?
Sure! Sometimes we NEED all chocolate :0
I’ve made this and it’s always a big hit! yum!
Sure! It won’t have the exact same taste, but will still be good. There’s never anything bad involved when you’re talking about chocolate and cool whip!
We make this all of the time! Always a big hit!
Thanks for sharing! Will definitely be making this!
Has anyone used 2% milk or half and half??
Yes I actually did one cup half and half to 2 cups nonfat. Worked great!
This sounds amazing! Wonder if there would be any substitution that would work for the Cool Whip. I try very hard to not use hydrogenated fats…although sometimes I must bend. (:-
I’m sure you could whip some real whipping cream and sugar instead. Then fold it into the pudding. 🙂
you can make your own! Its heavy whipping cream (found next to half & half), sugar and vanilla. It won’t taste just like cool Whip, but I don’t think it will make a difference in this recipe.
maflies1…you can easily substitute real whipped cream for the Cool Whip. I never use CW in my baking…it’s nothing but a bunch of chemicals.
If you google “substitute for cool whip” you’ll find lots of different recipe options. Some call for using cream of tartar and plain gelatin.
I’d simply stick with the basics….whipping cream, confectioner’s sugar and vanilla like mel stated and you’ll be good to go!
I’ve lost 5lbs, 10 more to go to wedding weight! 15 for my ultimate dream goal. I will resist! Help me out other dieters lol
Just remember…nothing tastes as great as thin feels! This is my new mantra, don’t know where I heard it, but it is what I tell myself. I need to get it tattooed on my chip-eating hand.
Wow that’s motivating!! I texted it to myself for future reference. Needed a kick to start counting calories after having baby number 4 ( she’s 5 weeks old ) and I think that did it for me!!!!!!
And chips are my fav too lol!!!!
Happy to help….and take it easy, Mama! Having a 5 week old is hard work! 🙂
So is resisting chips!!! Lol
Myfitnesspal app or online Awesome for keeping track of what you eat. I am restricted to low fat or no fat and as few processed products as possible so like whole wheat roll once every couple days. Two weeks in and Im starting to feel better. All the inflamation in my joints (joint pain) is gone! That alone feels better than chocolate tastes.
Good job!!!
I am totally w/ you Em! Keep up the good work!
Sorry Em you’re on your own…
JK! I would try to make this but only to take to potluck for others to enjoy. I’ve been working out 4-5 days/week since last summer so no way to undo all the hardwork. Maybe… I’ll just take one bite.
Anyway hang in there!
I’ve been on weight watchers for some time and thus far have lost thirty-four pounds. For me, its about moderation, not deprivation; I count my points and stay on track, so having a weekend square of this would be fine. Depriving yourself is the start of a diet that will yo-yo your weight in the long run. Weight lose is an ugly term, as true weight lose is a lifestyle change, not a caloric-cutting sprint, for me anyway! Small obtainable goals, with a little of the sweet stuff, is the way to go.
I have no willpower. I wouldn’t be able to have one square of this, I would end up eating way too much and then feeling lousy about it. So I will just look at the pretty pictures instead! 🙂
I’m with you… But haven’t lost as much as you… but I’m trying…. lots of other healthy choices though…
You can make this low fat. Just use skim milk with the instant sugar free/fat free pudding. Use fat free coolwhip. Low fat graham crackers and use sugar free/fat free chocolate syrup that you pour on. Enjoy guilt free!
Is there any way to print the recipe without the pictures? Thanks!
I copied each part individually to Notepad (Title; Credits-added Lina’s name; Ingredients; Directions) and then pasted, and printed. Works great.
Just take the first part of the recipe that you want to print, highlight that area, then press ‘copy’. Leave this window open while you open another window with one that has Notepad in it. Open the Notepad and you can put your mouse on the paper and press ‘Paste’ and you will have that transferred. I also add Lina/Hip2Save on these receipes. 🙂
Then just skip to the next area you wish to print and do the same thing. Doesnt take long, and if others have added comments on how they do things differently, I add those at the bottom. Doing it this way, you can also keep it in your computer or make aa nice recipe booklet with recipes that you know you will love, easy and quick to make, and they were given by a friend. Thanks so much Lina. I love this part of Hip’s Show! 🙂
I have made this for 20 years. It is wonderful and is my teenager’s favorite! I have made it with chocolate graham crackers and chocolate pudding for a change. The chocolate-type doesn’t need the frosting on top so if you use the FREE or Lite cool whip, sugar-free pudding, and skim milk you save a lot of calories.
Another great tip! Maybe I’ll take two bites… 😉
Yummy! My momma used to make this! Sure do miss her and her yummy treats!!
Thank you so much Lina! My friend’s mom used to make this all the time and I have been searching for the recipe but didn’t know what I would call it to search. Thank you thank you!!!!
Funny. I just saw this recipe on another couponer/moneysaving blog within the past month. I wonder what makes it frugal? I never find really good deals on graham crackers, though pudding goes on sale occasionally and Cool Whip always has a sale and coupon.
Costco has the best deal on graham crackers by far. A large box of honey maid (4 regular size boxes inside) for $7 or $8. That’s less than half the cost for the same crackers at the grocery store.
Whip up those boxes folks!
This is a favorite of our family and I love see it with the homemade chocolate on top – makes such a difference! We actually do 3-4 layers of graham crackers though and I always use Honey Maid. I love Keebler, but their grahams don’t come within 5 feet of my Eclair Cake! 😀
Also, if you’re in a hurry you can spritz the grahams with a spray bottle of water to speed along the process a bit.
Great tip! Thanks 🙂
I just made this for the first time… it’s in the fridge for after dinner tonight because it’s my birthday! I only had an 8 oz tub of cool whip so I hope the extra 4 oz missing wont make a big difference. With all these great reviews, I had to try it! 🙂
Aw yeah! Happy Birthday! Enjoy 🙂
Oh I am so making this!! Yum, I have so many boxes of Vanilla Pudding (my grandma loved banana cream pie, so I bought a bunch but she passed away right after Christmas 🙁 ) I can’t bring myself to make a pie, but I will make this!!!! Thanks Lina, but we still want to meet you!
Ha thanks Barb, Enjoy!!
We make this all the time–and it’s fun to experiment with different puddings and graham crackers–chocolate Graham’s with mint chocolate or white chocolate pudding are good! I’m just outside Chicago and one of the most popular fast food restaurants is Portillos–they’ve added this to their menu and sell it for catering at a ridiculous price for eat it costs to make!
DO YOU THINK, MELTING THE CHOCOLATE CHIPS, WILL DO THE JOB?
Ya I think so 🙂 maybe add a little shortening so it’s smooth.
Thank you Lina 🙂
Thank you for your delicious recipe ideas! I can’t wait to start making some of these and I think you are a great addition to Hip2Save!
Thanks!!
my used to make this. yummy!
I made 6 big pans of this recipe (used my own fave chocolate icing though) for 60 teenagers at youth camp last summer. HUGE hit! Super fast and easy to make when you’re cooking for a crowd.
Impressive! 🙂
Instead of vanilla pudding, use white chocolate instead….mmmmmmmm….good!
The recipe says 12oz cool whip , I could only find 8- but made it tonight and it was awesome!! Ran out of milk at the end- so the 5tbsp milk in frosting ended up being creme brulee coffee creamer. Mmmmmmm thanks !!! I pinned it too
Is the cocoa just cocoa powder? I have Hershey’s unsweetened cocoa powder but I’m afraid to use and this not turn out right!!
Yes unsweetened cocoa powder. Thanks!
Would you be able to amend the recipe to say “unsweetened cocoa powder” Lina? Some folks might not know that and use the wrong kind of cocoa.
Yes, done. Thanks!
Can you please tell me, how much this dessert yields to. Like 5-7 serving or ?
It’s served in a standard 9×13 pan and I would estimate 12 realistic servings. Thanks!
Lina, I just made this Eclair dessert. I wanted to really taste the vanilla pudding so I put the first layer in the pudding n the second layer the cool whip. Did not mix them Right now it is in the refrig.as I wanted the cool whip to set before adding the last layer of crackers n chocolate topping Taking it to a Confirmation luncheon tomorrow. Do you think it was OK to do this???
It would have been super helpful, for those of us that have never cooked, baked, or made anything in the kitchen, like ever, to include in the instructions that the vanilla pudding mix should be made following the instructions on the packets, AND then mixed with the cool whip. Also helpful to include in the instructions that if the homemade frosting is all bubbly and not smooth, you can “cook” it or whatever over medium heat.
I was lucky that my mom was there to help me with these issues that were not addressed by the recipe.
Also, the frosting was nearly enough to make the cake as decadent and full as an eclair.
Overall, I was pretty disappointed and became frustrated that the cake did not turn out the way I expected it to, especially since I made it for my dad and was hoping it turn out perfect.
I would suggest improving your instructions.
Hi, Cat!
I am one of those folks who needs to be told to crack the eggs open and discard the shells if a recipe calls for eggs, so I understand where you are coming from. For example with this recipe, knowing the Cool Whip needs to be defrosted and not straight from the freezer, is important.
Unless the recipe has been updated since your post, I think it is very clear about the mixing of the pudding. Your wording would have me make the pudding and thereby end up using double the milk (which would ruin the recipe).
As to the suggestions regarding the frosting, I have found that reading through any recipe’s comments before deciding to try the recipe is a great idea. I personally don’t believe every single type of problem (like here, with your bubbly issue) can be nor should be addressed in the original recipe. If enough people experience the issue, it’ll show up in the comments. If it is a rare thing, asking for clarification in the comments is useful.
Those are just my suggestions, if your mom didn’t already mention such things.
I make this and my children LOVE it. But I use cheesecake pudding. SO good. Even though it’s hard to wait, it really tastes better if you can let it set for 2 days.
I think your instructions are just fine!!
After our Christmas cookie baking day I was left with 4 boxes of graham crackers so was in search of how to use them. I made this recipe and screwed it up the first time…added to much milk to the pudding, forgot the top layer of graham crackers and did not mix the frosting correctly. It still tasted good but didn’t look very appetizing. Second time I made this I nailed it! It looks and tastes amazing and so simple. I just over thought it the first time.
another variation…I sliced a banana on top of first layer of crackers, and used banana cream pudding…I also use the choc frosting instead of making my own
I made this with my home made Amaretto whiped cream. amazingly good
I’m So Rady To Make This Its A lot Like One I Make But This EnCair Cake Is So Much Easy Than The One I’ve Been Making Thank You So Much I’ll Let You Know . How It Turns Out Enjoy
Made this for my fiance’ for his Birthday Cake and he LOVED it!!! Thanks for posting this delicious recipe.. definitely saving this recipe 🙂
Oh good! Thanks for coming back to tell us.
Hi Lina,
I was wondering if you could please make a correction to the recipe. It currently states:
2-3 (14.4) oz packages graham crackers
The correct version should be amended to:
One 14.4 oz. package graham crackers–of which you will use approximately 2 to 3 of the packages inside.
I purchased three 14.4 packages of graham crackers–WAY TOO MUCH for this recipe! ARGHHHHHHH! 🙁
You’ll just have to purchase two more sets of the other ingredients to make two additional pans! I think I could polish off three pans . . . .
Funny, though, because I normally pay a lot of attention to measurements, but for this, I just went by the one box of grahams shown in the photo.
Oh no, I’ll check this out and thanks for letting me know!
Thanks for making the change Lina. BTW, brought this to a friend’s house the other night and it was a HUGE hit. Served it with sliced strawberries to give it a little summer flair, and it was perfect! This makes a lot so we split the leftovers. Nom nom nom!!
Can you use Hershey’s chocolate syrup?
Sounds great, but I make most things from scratch ,so I would make my own vanilla custard and use real whipped cream. If I used melted choc. chips for the top,will it set too hard to cut through?
I was wondering if I could use the pudding u cook instead of instant? Let it cool then add
The cool whip… Thank ypu
hi, Im in Australia and havnt heard of graham crackers can someone give me an idea please. I have made the vanilla slice and use sao biscuits or lattice biscuits thankyou
My mom made this last night best ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
yes it tis goood!