Description
This Eclair Cake with Chocolate Ganache is a no-bake, layered dessert featuring creamy vanilla pudding and fluffy Cool Whip between layers of graham crackers, topped with a rich homemade chocolate ganache. It’s a simple yet elegant treat perfect for gatherings and easy to prepare in advance.
Ingredients
Cake Layers
- 24 graham crackers (1 box)
- 3 cups milk
- 8 ounces Cool Whip (1 container)
- 2 packages instant vanilla pudding mix (3.5 ounces each)
Chocolate Ganache
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Layer graham crackers: In the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, arrange the graham crackers in a single layer, approximately 7 crackers.
- Make pudding: In a medium sized mixing bowl, whisk together 3 cups of milk, 2 boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix, and 8 ounces of Cool Whip until creamy and smooth.
- Spread layers: Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the graham cracker layer. Add another layer of graham crackers on top, then spread the remaining pudding mixture. Finish with a final layer of graham crackers.
- Refrigerate: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the layers to set.
- Make frosting: Heat 1 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until hot with small bubbles forming around edges, but not boiling (about 5 minutes). Place 8 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl, pour the hot cream over the chocolate, and let sit for 3 minutes. Whisk until smooth and slightly cooled.
- Top with frosting: Remove cake from refrigerator and spread the chocolate ganache evenly over the top. Smooth the ganache, cover again with plastic wrap, and chill for at least 3 hours before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the cream does not boil when heating to avoid burning the ganache.
- The cake can be prepared a day in advance for best flavor and texture.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, use bittersweet chocolate chips in the ganache.
- If Cool Whip is unavailable, use any whipped topping or lightly whipped heavy cream as a substitute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
