This No Bake Chocolate Eclair Pie Recipe is made with layers of creamy vanilla pudding, whipped topping, graham crackers, and rich homemade chocolate ganache.
This easy no bake dessert is perfect for holidays, potlucks, and warm summer days.
If you love layered graham cracker desserts and easy no bake pies, this recipe is a simple make-ahead treat the whole family will love.
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This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2014 with better photos and information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!
Table of Contents
- Recipe at a Glance
- Main Ingredients Needed
- Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Directions
- Why I Use Homemade Chocolate Ganache Instead of Canned Frosting
- Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Storage and Serving Tips
- More No Bake Dessert Recipes You'll Love!
- LOVE this recipe? SAVE it for Later!
- 🗒️Shopping List
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments
Recipe at a Glance
Prep: 20 min | Cook/Bake: 5 min | Difficulty: Easy | Chill: | Servings: 12
Main Ingredients: vanilla pudding mix, graham crackers, whipped topping, chocolate ganache
Why You’ll Love It: This no bake dessert is easy to make ahead and combines creamy pudding layers with graham crackers and a rich chocolate ganache similar to the topping used in my Chocolate Brownie Cake.
👉Make sure you check out all the other easy desserts available here on the site for you!
Main Ingredients Needed
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Find the exact amounts and click the Instacart button to easily add them to your cart – all in the printable recipe card below!
Substitutions and Variations
- Want a richer flavor? Try using French vanilla pudding instead of regular vanilla pudding mix.
- Looking for more chocolate? Use chocolate graham crackers between the pudding layers.
- Need a shortcut? Swap the homemade ganache for prepared chocolate frosting.
- Want to dress it up? Add mini chocolate chips or chocolate curls before serving.
Step-by-Step Directions
This section includes step-by-step photos and instructions to guide you through the recipe. For the complete printable version, scroll down to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Whisk the pudding mix and milk together until smooth, then fold in the Cool Whip.
Step 2: Layer graham crackers in the bottom of a 9X13 baking pan, breaking them as needed to fit. Spread half the pudding mixture over the graham crackers. Add another layer of graham crackers followed by the remaining pudding mixture. Top with one final layer of graham crackers.
Why I Use Homemade Chocolate Ganache Instead of Canned Frosting
This homemade chocolate ganache adds a richer chocolate flavor and smoother texture than the canned frosting often used in similar no bake eclair desserts.
Step 3: Heat the heavy whipping cream until hot and just beginning to simmer. Add the chocolate chips and let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring over the top layer of graham crackers and spreading evenly to cover the dessert.
Insider Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
✔️ DO let the dessert chill for at least 4 hours so the graham crackers soften into cake-like layers.
❌ DO NOT pour the ganache over the pie while it’s too hot or it can melt the pudding layers underneath.
Storage and Serving Tips
Refrigerate: Cover the dessert tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Serving Tips: For the best texture, serve chilled straight from the refrigerator after the layers have fully set.
Tip: I don’t recommend freezing this dessert because the pudding and whipped topping layers can separate and become watery after thawing.
More No Bake Dessert Recipes You'll Love!
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📖 Recipe Card
Chocolate Eclair Pudding Pie
Ingredients
- 14 ounces graham crackers
- 2 3.4 ounce boxes instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 8 ounces Cool Whip; thawed
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
Method
- Combine the pudding mix with the milk until smooth.
- Fold in the Cool Whip until fully combined.
- Arrange a layer of graham crackers in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish, breaking crackers as needed to fit.
- Spread half the pudding mixture over the graham crackers.
- Add another layer of graham crackers, followed by the remaining pudding mixture.
- Top with a final layer of graham crackers.
- Place the heavy whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until hot and just beginning to simmer, about 2 minutes.
- Carefully add the chocolate morsels and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Whisk until smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool for about 20 minutes before spreading over the dessert.
- Spread the cooled ganache evenly over the top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Tips:
- Use cold milk when mixing the pudding so the filling thickens properly.
- Break the graham crackers as needed to fit evenly in the baking dish.
- Let the ganache cool slightly before spreading over the top layer.
Storage & Make Ahead:
- Cover and refrigerate the dessert for up to 4 days.
- This recipe is best made ahead so the graham crackers have time to soften into cake-like layers.
- Freezing is not recommended because the filling can separate after thawing.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
Allyson says
I'm sure this is melt-in-your-mouth goodness ~ pinned!
Kate - Gluten Free Alchemist says
Love this twist on eclairs. Such fun. #CreativeMuster
Terri says
I have made this a couple times. I especially like it in the summertime. Its delicious, easy and affordable. Its definitely a keeper.
Cherryl Ehlenburg says
This sounds amazing! I love eclairs, but I especially love easy eclair recipes. Pinned!
Bernard Kapuscinski says
This looks great, but can I use stabilized whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Lois says
I sent you an email as well as this comment. I do think you could use traditional whipped cream, however, I'm not sure how long the pie will last if you have leftovers. The whipped cream might start to get runny. If you do try, please let me know!
Jacquelyn Stager says
I won the dessert contest at our family reunion a couple years back with this dessert. I had never made it before and it was a real hit! Very easy and delicious! I call it Eclaire Cake.
Lois says
I agree, this is a very easy and delicious recipe. Thanks for visiting Jacquelyn!
Joanne DiPalo says
I love this Lois, it's so easy and I can just taste how creamy and delicious it is. I'll have to give this a try, what a great dessert for Mother's Day. Thanks for sharing, pinned/shared.
Joanne