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If you’re looking for an easy make-ahead dessert that always disappears quickly, this No-Bake Eclair Icebox Cake is a great choice.
Made with layers of graham crackers, creamy vanilla pudding filling, and a rich chocolate topping, it delivers all the flavors of a classic chocolate eclair without any baking.
I’ve lightened up the traditional version by using sugar-free pudding, low-fat milk, light whipped topping, and fewer graham crackers, creating a dessert that’s still creamy, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing.
The hardest part is waiting for it to chill overnight while the graham crackers soften into cake-like layers.
It’s the perfect dessert for potlucks, family gatherings, summer cookouts, or anytime you need an easy dessert that can be made ahead.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Eclair Cake
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- How Many Calories and WW Points?
- How to Make WW Friendly Icebox Eclair Dessert
- Recipe Notes
- Easy Variations
- Easy No-Bake Eclair Icebox Cake Recipe
- Easy Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- The Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert
- More Easy No-Bake Desserts You’ll Love
Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Eclair Cake
- No oven required
- Easy make-ahead dessert
- Only a handful of ingredients
- Perfect for potlucks and parties
- Lightened-up from traditional recipes
- Great warm-weather dessert
- Easy to customize
- Family favorite
Ingredients & Substitutions
Sugar-Free Vanilla Instant Pudding
Creates the creamy filling. French vanilla, cheesecake, banana cream, coconut cream, or chocolate pudding all work well.
Low-Fat Milk
Helps keep the filling light. Any milk you enjoy can be used.
Vanilla Extract
Adds extra flavor and richness.
Light Whipped Topping
Light Cool Whip, Truwhip, or your favorite whipped topping all work well.
Graham Crackers
The classic choice for icebox cakes. Chocolate grahams, cinnamon grahams, vanilla wafers, or cookie thins can also be used.
Chocolate Fudge Glaze
Provides the signature chocolate eclair topping.
How Many Calories and WW Points?
According to my calculations, each serving has 155 calories.
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
How to Make WW Friendly Icebox Eclair Dessert
Step 1: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk until smooth.
Fold in the vanilla extract and whipped topping until fully combined.
Step 2: Create the First Layer
Arrange half of the graham cracker pieces in the bottom of an 8-inch square baking dish.
Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the crackers.
Step 3: Add the Top Layer
Arrange the remaining graham crackers over the pudding mixture.
Step 4: Add the Chocolate Topping
Prepare the chocolate fudge glaze and while it is still warm, spread it evenly over the graham crackers. Refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight before serving.
Step 5: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
This resting time allows the graham crackers to soften and develop that classic cake-like texture.
Step 6: Serve
Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Recipe Notes
This dessert actually improves with time. Overnight chilling gives the best texture.
Because the filling is light and creamy, be sure to keep the dessert refrigerated until serving.
For clean slices, use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
Easy Variations
Chocolate Lovers Version
Use chocolate pudding and chocolate graham crackers.
Banana Eclair Cake
Use banana cream pudding and add thinly sliced bananas between the layers.
Lemon Icebox Cake
Use lemon pudding and top with fresh berries.
Cheesecake Version
Use cheesecake-flavored pudding for a rich cheesecake-inspired dessert.
Cookies and Cream
Use cookies and cream pudding and crushed chocolate sandwich cookies.
If you’ve made this Easy No-Bake Eclair Icebox Cake please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Easy No-Bake Eclair Icebox Cake
Ingredients
- 1 (4 serving size) package sugar free vanilla instant pudding
- 1.5 cups low fat milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups light whipped topping (such as Truwhip or Cool Whip)
- 9 full sheet graham crackers, broken in half
- Chocolate Fudge Glaze
Instructions
- In a medium bowl whisk together the pudding mix and milk until it is smooth and lump free. Gently fold in the vanilla and whipped topping.
- Break the graham cracker sheets in half. Arrange 9 of the 18 halves in the bottom of an 8-inch square pan. (Note: there will be a little space between each cracker and the sides of the pan which is fine. )
- Top the crackers with the pudding mixture, spreading evenly to cover. Arrange the remaining 9 graham crackers on top of the pudding.
- Prepare the chocolate fudge glaze (https://simple-nourished-living.com/skinny-chocolate-fudge-glaze/) and while it is still warm, spread it evenly over the graham crackers.
- Refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight before serving.
- Cut into 9 even pieces: 3 times each way.
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 4 PointsPlus (Old plan) For best results this eclair cake needs to be kept refrigerated until you’re ready to serve it and then promptly returned to the refrigerator to ensure that it doesn’t soften up too much.
Easy Variations
Chocolate Lovers Version
Use chocolate pudding and chocolate graham crackers.
Banana Eclair Cake
Use banana cream pudding and add thinly sliced bananas between the layers.
Lemon Icebox Cake
Use lemon pudding and top with fresh berries.
Cheesecake Version
Use cheesecake-flavored pudding for a rich cheesecake-inspired dessert.
Cookies and Cream
Use cookies and cream pudding and crushed chocolate sandwich cookies. Different Graham Cracker and/or Cookie Flavors – Cinnamon grahams, chocolate grahams, Oreo Cookie Thins, Chocolate Chip Cookie Thins, Vanilla Wafers, Chocolate Wafers, Ginger Snaps, etc.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe source: Eat What You Love Everyday (affiliate link) by Marlene Koch
Frequently Asked Questions
How far ahead can I make this?
This dessert can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. It becomes more like an ice cream cake when frozen. Let it soften slightly before serving.
Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Yes, though commercial whipped topping tends to hold its texture longer.
Why does it need to chill overnight?
The graham crackers absorb moisture from the pudding mixture and soften into cake-like layers.
Can I use a different pan?
An 8-inch square pan works best, but a similar-sized baking dish can also be used.
The Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert
This Easy No-Bake Eclair Icebox Cake is one of those old-fashioned desserts that never seems to go out of style.
It’s simple, nostalgic, easy to make, and always a hit. Whether you’re bringing dessert to a potluck or simply looking for a cool treat on a warm day, this creamy layered dessert is hard to beat.
how to make chocolate glaze
Hi Sue, Here is the link to the chocolate glaze which is also in the ingredients list of the Easy Icebox Eclair Dessert Recipe: https://simple-nourished-living.com/skinny-chocolate-fudge-glaze/. Enjoy! ~Martha
Martha, my husband is gluten free and I’m having trouble finding gluten free graham crackers. Is there a way that I could use graham cracker crumbs? I did find them. Thank you! I love your recipes and have quite a few that are in my rotation.
Hi Anita,
I’ve never tried this with crumbs so I’m not sure how it would turn out. If you do decide to give it a go would love to know how it works for you. Another alternative might be some type of simple gluten free cookie. Hope this helps. ~Martha
Husband loved this! Didn’t tell him how easy it was, tho 🙂