Description
Chocolate Eclair Cake blends graham crackers, pudding, and whipped cream into a dreamy dessert. Cool layers meld rich flavors, creating a simple yet elegant treat you’ll savor to the last creamy bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (720 ml) cold milk
- 2 boxes (3.4 oz, 96.4 g each) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup (240 ml) whipped topping (e.g., cool whip)
- 1 box (14.4 oz, 408.2 g) graham crackers (about 3 sleeves)
- 4 oz (120 g) semisweet chocolate, chopped
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsps corn syrup (optional, for shine)
Instructions
- Pudding Preparation: Whisk instant pudding mix with cold milk until thickened, blending whipped topping for a smooth, airy consistency.
- Layering Foundation: Arrange graham crackers in a rectangular dish, covering the entire bottom surface with whole and broken crackers.
- First Pudding Layer: Spread half the pudding mixture evenly over the initial graham cracker base, ensuring complete coverage.
- Second Cracker Layer: Position graham crackers atop the first pudding layer, creating a uniform surface.
- Final Pudding Application: Distribute remaining pudding mixture over the second cracker layer with gentle precision.
- Chocolate Glaze Creation: Simmer heavy cream, pour over chopped chocolate, allowing to rest briefly before stirring to achieve a glossy consistency.
- Glaze Finishing: Incorporate butter and corn syrup into the chocolate mixture, stirring until smooth and fully integrated.
- Topping and Chilling: Pour molten chocolate over the top layer, spreading evenly, then refrigerate for a minimum of four hours to allow layers to meld.
- Serving: Cut into elegant squares and present the chilled dessert.
Notes
- Chill Thoroughly: Refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours or overnight to allow graham crackers to soften completely and layers to meld together perfectly.
- Prevent Soggy Base: Use room temperature ingredients and pat graham crackers dry to maintain crisp texture and prevent excess moisture.
- Smooth Chocolate Glaze: Stir chocolate and cream gently to avoid air bubbles, creating a silky, glossy chocolate topping without graininess.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives, use sugar-free pudding mix, or replace whipped topping with whipped coconut cream for alternative diet versions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg