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homemade chocolate eclair cake - featured image

Homemade Chocolate Eclair Cake: Best 5-Ingredient Summer Dessert

  • Author: Thea
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

A no-bake, make-ahead summer dessert featuring layers of chocolate wafers, instant chocolate pudding, and whipped topping. This simple 5-ingredient cake requires zero oven time and sets in the fridge for a creamy, cake-like texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box (14.3 oz / 405g) chocolate wafer cookies (Nilla Wafers)
  • 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 3 cups cold milk (whole milk recommended)
  • 1 large tub (8 oz / 227g) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
  • Chocolate syrup or hot fudge (optional, for drizzling)
  • Chopped nuts (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the two boxes of instant chocolate pudding mix with the 3 cups of milk vigorously for about 2 minutes until smooth and thick. Set aside.
  2. Arrange a single, tight layer of chocolate wafer cookies in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Break cookies as needed to fill gaps.
  3. Pour half of the pudding mixture over the first cookie layer and spread evenly with a spatula, ensuring it gets into the cracks.
  4. Add a second layer of chocolate wafer cookies on top of the pudding, pressing them down gently.
  5. Pour the remaining pudding mixture over the second cookie layer and spread evenly.
  6. Add a final top layer of chocolate wafer cookies, arranging them neatly.
  7. Spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the top layer of cookies, creating a layer about 1/2 to 1 inch thick.
  8. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until the cookies have softened and the pudding has set.
  9. Before serving, drizzle with chocolate syrup and sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired. Cut into squares and serve cold.

Notes

For best results, chill the cake for at least 4 hours, though overnight is ideal to allow cookies to soften properly. Use cold milk to help the pudding thicken faster. If using homemade whipped cream, stabilize it with cream cheese or gelatin to help it hold its shape in the fridge. This cake does not freeze well due to the texture changes in the whipped cream and pudding.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square slice
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 28
  • Sodium: 220
  • Fat: 12
  • Saturated Fat: 6
  • Carbohydrates: 42
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 4

Keywords: no-bake dessert, summer dessert, chocolate eclair cake, easy dessert, make-ahead dessert, 5-ingredient recipe, party dessert

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Find it online: https://rootrecipes.online/homemade-chocolate-eclair-cake-best-5-ingredient-summer-dessert/