Name: Eclair Icebox Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 8 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups chilled evaporated milk; 8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed; 7 ounces instant French vanilla pudding mix (2 3.5-ounce packages); 16 ounces graham crackers; 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped; 1 cup heavy cream

This Eclair Icebox Cake is a decadent and delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Layers of graham crackers, a creamy vanilla pudding mixture, and a rich chocolate ganache come together to create a no-bake treat that’s reminiscent of classic eclairs. This recipe is easy to assemble and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No-Bake Dessert: This cake is perfect for those who want a delicious dessert without turning on the oven.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this icebox cake is a breeze to assemble.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this decadent dessert:

Evaporated milk: Chilled, this creates a creamy base for the pudding mixture.
Cool Whip: Thawed, adds lightness and fluffiness to the filling.
Instant French vanilla pudding mix: Provides a classic vanilla flavor.
Graham crackers: Forms the layers of the cake, providing a delightful crunch.

For the Topping:

Bittersweet chocolate: Creates a rich and decadent ganache.
Heavy cream: Used to make the smooth and velvety ganache.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Eclair Icebox Cake

Step 1: Assemble the Layers

Line a 13×9-inch casserole dish with a layer of graham crackers. In a large bowl, whisk together the chilled evaporated milk and instant pudding mix until thickened. Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip. Spread half of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers in the dish. Top with another layer of graham crackers. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of graham crackers.

Step 2: Chill

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the layers to set.

Step 3: Make the Ganache

While the cake is chilling, make the ganache. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the heavy cream until bubbles form around the edges. Do not let it come to a rolling boil. Stir in the bittersweet chocolate until melted and smooth. Let the ganache cool for about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble and Chill

Remove the chilled cake from the refrigerator. Pour the warm ganache over the top layer of graham crackers and smooth it out with a spatula or spoon. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight to allow the cake to fully set.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use a clear dish: A clear glass casserole dish will showcase the beautiful layers of the cake.
Chill the evaporated milk: Chilling the evaporated milk helps the pudding mixture thicken more quickly.
Don’t overcook the ganache: Overheating the cream can cause the ganache to separate. Heat just until bubbles form around the edges.

How to Serve Eclair Icebox Cake

Dessert: This Eclair Icebox Cake is a delightful dessert for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations.
Party Treat: Cut it into squares and serve it as a delicious party dessert.
Afternoon Snack: Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pudding mix?
Yes, you can use any flavor of instant pudding mix you like, but vanilla complements the chocolate ganache nicely.

Can I use whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, you can use homemade or store-bought whipped cream instead of Cool Whip.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the cake a day or two in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

How can I make this cake vegan?
You can use vegan whipped topping, plant-based milk, and vegan chocolate chips to make a vegan version of this cake.

There you have it! A decadent and easy-to-make recipe for Eclair Icebox Cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!