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Make Ahead Chocolate Eclair Icebox Cake

A delicious no-bake dessert layered with graham crackers, creamy vanilla pudding, and topped with rich chocolate frosting, perfect for potlucks and gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 205
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1 box 14.4 oz honey graham crackers Choose fresh crackers for best results.
  • 2 packages 3.4 oz each instant French vanilla pudding Regular vanilla pudding can be used as a substitute.
  • 2.5 cups milk Use 2% or whole milk for a richer filling.
  • 12 oz Cool Whip, thawed Can be substituted with another whipped topping.
For the Chocolate Frosting
  • 2 oz unsweetened baking chocolate Semi-sweet chocolate can be used for a less sweet frosting.
  • 2 tsp corn syrup Light corn syrup can be used for a milder frosting.
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 3 Tbsp butter
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 3 Tbsp milk

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by whisking the instant French vanilla pudding mix with the milk in a medium bowl until it thickens slightly.
  2. Fold in the thawed whipped topping until everything is smooth and creamy.
Layering
  1. Place a layer of honey graham crackers in a 13x9 dish.
  2. Spread half of the pudding mixture over the crackers.
  3. Add a layer of graham crackers and spread the remaining pudding mixture over it.
  4. Finish with one final layer of graham crackers on top.
Frosting
  1. Melt the baking chocolate with the corn syrup in a double boiler over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
  2. Stir in vanilla, butter, milk, and powdered sugar until fully combined and glossy.
Assembly and Chilling
  1. Spread the chocolate frosting over the top layer of graham crackers.
  2. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate the cake for 8 hours before serving.
Storage
  1. Cover the dish and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
  2. For freezing, wrap it in plastic and foil and keep for up to 3 months, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Notes

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator. For firmer slices, keep graham cracker layers neat and evenly spaced during assembly.