![\"ingredients](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Eclair-Cake_FT25_52876_JR_0225_1.jpg\")
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- Whole milk:<\/strong> Rich and creamy whole milk hydrates the instant vanilla pudding mix, turning it into a luscious custard.<\/li>\n
- Instant pudding mix:<\/strong> We forgo the usual homemade pastry cream in favor of easy and just-as-yummy instant vanilla pudding. Make sure the packaged mixes say \u201cinstant\u201d and not \u201ccook and serve.\u201d<\/li>\n
- Frozen whipped topping:<\/strong> Buy a frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip) and thaw it before using in this eclair cake recipe.<\/li>\n
- Graham crackers:<\/strong> No need to make a tricky pate a choux here! Graham crackers act as the easy, bready base for our chocolate eclair cake.<\/li>\n
- Chocolate frosting:<\/strong> This eclair cake is finished with chocolate frosting. You can use homemade chocolate frosting<\/a>, but feel free to keep this recipe easy by using the best store-bought chocolate frosting<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Directions<\/h2>\n
Step 1: Prepare the pudding mixture<\/h3>\n
![\"In](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Eclair-Cake_FT25_52876_JR_0225_2.jpg\")
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk and the instant vanilla pudding mix for two minutes.<\/p>\n
![\"Fold](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Eclair-Cake_FT25_52876_JR_0225_3.jpg\")
Fold in the thawed frozen topping until everything is well-combined.<\/p>\n
Editor’s Tip:<\/em> Switch to a rubber spatula when folding in the frozen topping.<\/p>\n
Step 2: Build the cake<\/h3>\n
![\"Spread](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Eclair-Cake_FT25_52876_JR_0225_4.jpg\")
In a 13×9-inch baking dish, layer the graham crackers evenly over the bottom. Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over graham crackers, then repeat the layers once more. Top the pudding mixture with the remaining graham crackers.<\/p>\n
Step 3: Add the chocolate frosting<\/h3>\n
![\"Spread](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Eclair-Cake_FT25_52876_JR_0225_5.jpg\")
Spread the chocolate frosting over the top of the graham crackers.<\/p>\n
Editor\u2019s Tip:<\/em> Let the frosting come to room temperature so it\u2019s easy to spread. Otherwise you’ll end up dragging and breaking the graham crackers.<\/p>\n
Step 4: Chill and serve the eclair cake<\/h3>\n
Cover the pan tightly with storage wrap, and refrigerate the eclair cake for at least three hours. Once the cake is thoroughly chilled and set, cut the cake into squares and serve.<\/p>\n
![\"high](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Eclair-Cake_FT25_52876_JR_0225_6.jpg\")
Eclair Cake Variations<\/h2>\n
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- Use another instant pudding mix flavor:<\/strong> Leave the instant vanilla pudding on the shelf and pick something with a bolder flavor, like chocolate, lemon, pistachio or French vanilla.<\/li>\n
- Add fresh fruit:<\/strong> Fold fresh berries into the filling, or dot slices of banana on top of the graham crackers for a banana pudding flavor.<\/li>\n
- Change the frosting flavor:<\/strong> You can really use any flavor of frosting you\u2019d like here. We used chocolate since it’s traditional on French eclairs, but feel free to try strawberry, lemon or vanilla frosting. You could also pour a decadent chocolate ganache<\/a> on top.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
How to Store Eclair Cake<\/h2>\n
Keep the eclair cake in its pan and cover the top tightly with storage wrap. Refrigerate the cake for up to four days.<\/p>\n
Can you freeze eclair cake?<\/h3>\n
No, eclair cake does not freeze well. Pudding-like fillings tend to not thaw very well, and doing so will ruin the texture of the cake.<\/p>\n
Can you make eclair cake ahead of time?<\/h3>\n
Yes, you can make eclair cake ahead of time. I recommend only making it up to a day in advance, though, because the graham crackers will soften and take on a cakey texture the longer they sit. Some people prefer that, though!<\/p>\n
Eclair Cake Tips<\/h2>\n
![\"close](\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Eclair-Cake_FT25_52876_JR_0225_7.jpg\")