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About This Recipe
Who doesn’t love a good dessert recipe that requires very little hard work? This no-bake, Lightened Up Chocolate Eclair dessert is seriously so simple you’ll truly be amazed at how delicious it is. Don’t get me wrong… I’m all about a good homemade dessert but when you can get something equally as yummy without all the extra steps, sign me up! This recipe only requires 5 ingredients and will take you less than 10 minutes to put together.
Of course, if you prefer you can sub any of the store-bought ingredients for homemade ones but I promise it’s just as tasty this way and WAY easier. This easy dessert recipe is lightened up by using just a few simple swaps that you’re already probably buying anyways. Sugar-free pudding mix, lite whipped cream and skim milk (I like Fairlife for the added protein!).
And the best part about this recipe is it seriously gets better the longer it sits. The graham cracker layer softens to just the perfect bite after 24 hours so I always enjoy making this recipe when I need to prep something in advance. You can prep this one up to two days in advance or depending on how soft you like your cookie layer!
Looking for more recipes that are a big hit and easy to prep in advance? Try my No Bake Oreo Pie with Cool Whip, Fresh Strawberry Pie with Jello or these delicious No Bake Mini Cherry Cheesecakes!
Why You’ll Love This Lightened Up Chocolate Eclair Dessert
- A lightened up version of the classic icebox cake dessert!
- This no bake chocolate eclair cake is the perfect dessert for any spring or summer get-together!
- An easy recipe that only requires 5 ingredients and less than 10 minutes of prep work.
- Great for prepping in advance! Can be made up to 2 days in advance.
- The best thing is each serving is less than 300 calories and even has a little bit of protein!
- Instant pudding mix – I used sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix. Use vegan pudding mix if needed.
- Milk – I used Fairlife skim milk. I wouldn’t recommend almond milk for this recipe because it won’t mix as well with the pudding mix.
- Lite whipped topping – I used store-bought but you can use homemade whipped cream or dairy-free topping like Truwhip if needed
- Cinnamon graham crackers – you can use regular, low fat or gluten-free graham crackers if needed
- Chocolate fudge frosting – I used store-bought chocolate frosting for connivence but you can use any chocolate icing you prefer! Homemade, sugar-free, dairy-free, etc.
- Different pudding flavor! Switch this recipe up and use your favorite instant pudding mix flavor. Try butterscotch, french vanilla, banana cream, cheesecake, pistachio, etc.
- Extra protein! Swap the skim milk for your favorite vanilla protein shake like these Fairlife protein shakes!
- Mix up the cookie flavor! Use chocolate graham crackers, Oreo Thins, Vanilla Wafers, or Ginger Snaps to mix it up!
- Mix-ins! Add a layer of strawberries or raspberries after the layer of cool whip and pudding mixture or even sprinkle some chocolate chips on top!
How To Make
The full printable recipe is below, but let me walk you through the process so you know what to expect when you’re making it!
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and pudding mix until well combined.
2. Then fold in the whipped topping.
3. Arrange a single layer of crackers on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. (Basically one whole pack, I had one cracker in each pack left. You may have to break a few crackers to cover the edges so you don’t overlap them).
4. Top with half of the pudding mixture and gently smooth out evenly with a spatula.
5. Arrange another layer of graham crackers over the pudding. Then add the remaining pudding and top with the final layer of graham crackers.
6. Carefully spread the frosting over top. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 3-4 hours then slice and enjoy!
Keep eclair cake store in the fridge until right before you’re ready to serve to ensure that it doesn’t soften up too much.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The layers of graham crackers continue to soften the longer this cake sits so keep that in mind before enjoying (I personally prefer this cake after it sits for at least 24 hours).
Is this no bake eclair cake a good recipe to prep ahead of time?
Yes, this is a great recipe to prepare ahead of time. Just assemble everything as directed then let chill for a minimum of 3-4 hours or up to overnight. The cake can be made up to 2 days in advance. The graham crackers will continue to soften so just keep that in mind while preparing.
Can I freeze this chocolate éclair cake recipe?
To freeze, wrap it tightly in a double layer of foil and plastic and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator.
Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
I would personally recommend not recommend using almond milk for this recipe. The pudding will not set up correctly and create the creamy filling we are going for. Instead, I’d try to use oat milk or dairy-free creamer to help achieve the the consistency we want for the pudding.
More No Bake Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure leave a review, tag me on Instagram or TikTok at @LaurenFitFoodie or hashtag #LaurenFitFoodie so I can see your creations!
Lightened Up Chocolate Eclair Cake (Only 5 Ingredients!)
Ingredients
- 2 (1-oz.) boxes sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3.5 cups skim milk (840g)
- 1 (8-oz.) lite whipped topping thawed
- 1 box cinnamon graham crackers
- 1 can chocolate fudge frosting
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Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and pudding mix until well combined. Then fold in the whipped topping.
- Arrange a single layer of crackers on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. (Basically one whole pack, I had one cracker in each pack left. You may have to break a few crackers to cover the edges so you don’t overlap them).
- Top with half of the pudding mixture and gently smooth out evenly with a spatula.
- Arrange another layer of graham crackers over the pudding. Then add the remaining pudding and top with the final layer of graham crackers.
- Carefully spread the frosting over top.
- Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 3-4 hours then slice and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition is hand-calculated and accurate. No autocalulations! However, note that values can vary based on the brands you use and if you substitute ingredients.
