Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Instructions
- Pour 3-1/2 cups milk into a large bowl. Add both 3.4-ounce boxes of French vanilla (or regular vanilla) instant pudding and whisk briskly until completely smooth and lump-free, about 2–3 minutes. (You may use a hand mixer if you prefer.)
- Use a spatula to gently fold in the completely thawed 8-ounce package of frozen whipped topping until the pudding mixture is well incorporated. Set the pudding mixture aside.
- Lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray.
- Arrange honey graham crackers in a single layer to fully cover the bottom of the pan. Break crackers as needed to cover the entire surface.
- Spoon half of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers in dollops. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to gently spread into an even layer, taking care not to slide the crackers.
- Place a second full layer of graham crackers over the pudding, covering the surface.
- Spoon the remaining pudding mixture over the second graham cracker layer and gently spread into an even layer.
- Add the final layer of graham crackers on top, covering the pudding completely.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the chocolate ganache.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl combine 1-1/4 cups milk chocolate chips, 2/3 cup heavy cream, and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir for about 20 seconds. Continue microwaving in 15-second bursts, stirring 15–20 seconds after each burst, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
- Let the ganache stand at room temperature for about 5 minutes to cool slightly, then pour it over the top layer of graham crackers and gently spread to cover evenly.
- Cover the pan and chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight so the pudding sets and the graham crackers soften into a cake-like texture.
- When ready to serve, let the cake stand at room temperature for about 5 minutes. Use a hot, sharp knife (run under hot water and dry between cuts) to slice cleanly, and a metal spatula to lift bars. Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator.
Notes
Recipe Notes
Note 1
: I usually buy 2 boxes of graham crackers since there will usually be a few graham crackers crushed up or broken to the point of not being useable in the cake.
Storage
: Store leftover Eclair Cake covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. The graham crackers will get softer over time. I wouldn’t recommend freezing this cake.
Note 1
: I usually buy 2 boxes of graham crackers since there will usually be a few graham crackers crushed up or broken to the point of not being useable in the cake.
Storage
: Store leftover Eclair Cake covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. The graham crackers will get softer over time. I wouldn’t recommend freezing this cake.
