This no-bake Chocolate Éclair Dessert layers graham crackers with creamy vanilla pudding and whipped topping, all finished with a smooth chocolate frosting. It’s cool, creamy, and a total crowd-pleaser.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

With just a handful of ingredients, this dessert delivers big flavor and texture. It’s easy to assemble, requires no baking, and can be made ahead — making it perfect for busy schedules. The layers soften overnight, creating a cake-like texture that tastes even better the next day.

Chocolate Éclair Dessert

Sometimes the best desserts are the simplest, and this Chocolate Éclair Dessert proves it. Inspired by the flavors of a classic French éclair, it mimics the creamy filling, the pastry base, and the chocolate topping — but in a no-fuss, casserole-style format.

Instead of choux pastry, graham crackers form the “pastry” layers. They soften beautifully as they rest, giving the dessert a texture similar to cake without the need for baking.

The filling is made by blending instant vanilla pudding with cold milk, then folding in whipped topping. This creates a light, creamy texture reminiscent of the custard inside éclairs.

Finally, the dessert is finished with a generous layer of chocolate frosting, which firms up in the fridge and adds just the right amount of richness.

One of the joys of this dessert is its make-ahead nature. It actually tastes better after chilling for several hours or overnight, as the crackers absorb the cream and meld with the pudding.

It’s a perfect recipe for family gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight treats because it comes together quickly and doesn’t require an oven.

You can also play with variations: swap vanilla pudding for chocolate or butterscotch, add sliced bananas between the layers, or drizzle caramel over the top before frosting.

The dessert also slices cleanly, revealing neat layers of cracker, cream, and chocolate. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party but casual enough for a picnic.

With only five main ingredients, it’s also incredibly budget-friendly — a true bonus for feeding a crowd.

This dessert has been passed around kitchens for decades and remains a favorite because it’s nostalgic, comforting, and so easy to love.

Children adore the creamy texture and chocolate topping, while adults appreciate its lightness compared to heavier desserts.

It’s also adaptable for any season — refreshing in the summer as a chilled dessert, yet still cozy enough for holidays.

Serving is simple: cut into squares and lift out with a spatula. You’ll notice the layers holding together beautifully, making presentation a breeze.

Store any leftovers in the fridge, where the dessert stays soft and fresh for several days.

Servings

Serves 12

Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Chill Time: 2 hours (minimum)

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 packages graham crackers

• 3 cups cold milk

• 2 (3 oz) packages instant vanilla pudding mix

• 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping, thawed

• 1 (16 oz) container prepared chocolate frosting

Instructions

1. Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan with graham crackers.

2. In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes until thickened. Fold in whipped topping.

3. Spread half the pudding mixture over the graham cracker layer.

4. Add another layer of graham crackers, then spread with remaining pudding mixture.

5. Finish with a final layer of graham crackers.

6. Spread chocolate frosting evenly over the top.

7. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Tips

• Frosting Trick: Microwave frosting for 10 seconds to make it easier to spread.

• Flavor Variations: Try using chocolate pudding or adding sliced bananas or strawberries between layers.

• Make Ahead: Best made a day in advance for optimal texture.

• Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days.