Eclair Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | incredibly easy 5-ingredient #dessert. This one tastes like eating #chocolate #Eclairs but is so much easier to make. This delectable dessert can be made in about 10 minutes! Perfect for #holidays like #Valentine'sDay & #Easter.

Eclair Dessert

Teresa Ambra

What an amazing and fabulous dessert! Eclair Dessert tastes just like eating Chocolate Eclairs but it’s so much easier. Fluffy vanilla pudding and whipped topping is spread between layers of graham crackers, then the whole is topped with Chocolate Frosting. Wow. This is so spectacular. Chocolate lover’s will especially enjoy this light and airy dessert.

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Eclair Dessert takes only a few minutes to prepare for your family or friends. Plus, you don’t even have to bake it. I got this recipe from my favorite recipe queen, Mimi Pownall, years ago (in the 80s). It is very popular and actually one you can do different things with if you use different flavors of pudding and different canned frostings on top.

You will find this recipe has gone viral on the Internet with folks like Paula Deen, allrecipes, food.com, and many other sites posting it. I’m not sure who actually created the recipe, but it appears it may have been one of Kraft’s creations originally.

If you’re looking for a light, pudding-type dessert then give Eclair Dessert a try. It’s such a wonderful dessert for holidays, special occasions and even family dinners for those of you who indulge in desserts now and then. You can have a batch of this made up in about 15-20 minutes. That’s a win-win situation for me and probably for you, too.

I originally posted this recipe in July of 2012 and my pictures were deplorable. They did not display the texture of this great dessert at all. So I recently remade this recipe for some friends who moved into a new home. These pictures do a little more justice to this sensational dessert than the original ones did. I hope you enjoy drooling with me!

Eclair Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | incredibly easy 5-ingredient #dessert. This one tastes like eating #chocolate #Eclairs but is so much easier to make. This delectable dessert can be made in about 10 minutes! Perfect for #holidays like #Valentine'sDay & #Easter.

Eclair Dessert is a fabulous, light and creamy, dessert that tastes just like eating eclairs!

Eclair Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | incredibly easy 5-ingredient #dessert. This one tastes like eating #chocolate #Eclairs but is so much easier to make. This delectable dessert can be made in about 10 minutes! Perfect for #holidays like #Valentine'sDay & #Easter.

Eclair Dessert is one of the most luscious desserts you will ever eat!  It is like eating chocolate éclairs – so light and fluffy. You can mix and match the puddings and frostings if you like. All taste wonderful.

Eclair Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | incredibly easy 5-ingredient #dessert. This one tastes like eating #chocolate #Eclairs but is so much easier to make. This delectable dessert can be made in about 10 minutes! Perfect for #holidays like #Valentine'sDay & #Easter.

Eclair Dessert is so quick and easy to make. You can have this recipe ready in about 15 minutes, but it does need to be either refrigerated or frozen before serving.

Eclair Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | incredibly easy 5-ingredient #dessert. This one tastes like eating #chocolate #Eclairs but is so much easier to make. This delectable dessert can be made in about 10 minutes! Perfect for #holidays like #Valentine'sDay & #Easter.

Every bite of Eclair Dessert will have you drooling! Beware! This dessert is addictive.

Here’s what I did.

Eclair Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | incredibly easy 5-ingredient #dessert. This one tastes like eating #chocolate #Eclairs but is so much easier to make. This delectable dessert can be made in about 10 minutes! Perfect for #holidays like #Valentine'sDay & #Easter.

This is what you need – 5 ingredients!! Super easy.

Eclair Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | incredibly easy 5-ingredient #dessert. This one tastes like eating #chocolate #Eclairs but is so much easier to make. This delectable dessert can be made in about 10 minutes! Perfect for #holidays like #Valentine'sDay & #Easter.

Empty the contents of 2 instant vanilla pudding and pie filling mixes into a mixing bowl. Add milk.

Eclair Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | incredibly easy 5-ingredient #dessert. This one tastes like eating #chocolate #Eclairs but is so much easier to make. This delectable dessert can be made in about 10 minutes! Perfect for #holidays like #Valentine'sDay & #Easter.

Mix with your mixer until the mixture thickens – about 3-5 minutes. Add cool whip to pudding mix.

Eclair Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | incredibly easy 5-ingredient #dessert. This one tastes like eating #chocolate #Eclairs but is so much easier to make. This delectable dessert can be made in about 10 minutes! Perfect for #holidays like #Valentine'sDay & #Easter.

Stir cool whip and pudding mix together with spoon.

Eclair Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | incredibly easy 5-ingredient #dessert. This one tastes like eating #chocolate #Eclairs but is so much easier to make. This delectable dessert can be made in about 10 minutes! Perfect for #holidays like #Valentine'sDay & #Easter.

Place a layer of graham cracker crumbs in the bottom of your greased 9×13″ baking dish.

Eclair Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | incredibly easy 5-ingredient #dessert. This one tastes like eating #chocolate #Eclairs but is so much easier to make. This delectable dessert can be made in about 10 minutes! Perfect for #holidays like #Valentine'sDay & #Easter.

Spread half of the pudding mixture on top of the graham crackers.

Eclair Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | incredibly easy 5-ingredient #dessert. This one tastes like eating #chocolate #Eclairs but is so much easier to make. This delectable dessert can be made in about 10 minutes! Perfect for #holidays like #Valentine'sDay & #Easter.

Top with another layer of graham crackers.

Eclair Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | incredibly easy 5-ingredient #dessert. This one tastes like eating #chocolate #Eclairs but is so much easier to make. This delectable dessert can be made in about 10 minutes! Perfect for #holidays like #Valentine'sDay & #Easter.

Spread the remaining pudding mixture over top of the graham crackers.

Eclair Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | incredibly easy 5-ingredient #dessert. This one tastes like eating #chocolate #Eclairs but is so much easier to make. This delectable dessert can be made in about 10 minutes! Perfect for #holidays like #Valentine'sDay & #Easter.

Add a third layer of graham cracker crumbs.

Eclair Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | incredibly easy 5-ingredient #dessert. This one tastes like eating #chocolate #Eclairs but is so much easier to make. This delectable dessert can be made in about 10 minutes! Perfect for #holidays like #Valentine'sDay & #Easter.

Spread chocolate sauce over top of the graham crackers. Smooth the icing so it fills in all the spaces. Continue spreading the icing until the entire surface is covered. Add an attractive swirl pattern with your knife or the back of a spoon if desired.

Eclair Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | incredibly easy 5-ingredient #dessert. This one tastes like eating #chocolate #Eclairs but is so much easier to make. This delectable dessert can be made in about 10 minutes! Perfect for #holidays like #Valentine'sDay & #Easter.

You can refrigerate this dessert now for several hours. I prefer to freeze it. It is a lot easier to cut this dessert with a knife and lift out with a spatula if you freeze it and then set it out on the counter for 20-30 minutes or so before serving. Garnish with fresh strawberries, if desired.

Eclair Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | incredibly easy 5-ingredient #dessert. This one tastes like eating #chocolate #Eclairs but is so much easier to make. This delectable dessert can be made in about 10 minutes! Perfect for #holidays like #Valentine'sDay & #Easter.

This is what the inside of the dish looks like after I’d cut out a few pieces.

Eclair Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | incredibly easy 5-ingredient #dessert. This one tastes like eating #chocolate #Eclairs but is so much easier to make. This delectable dessert can be made in about 10 minutes! Perfect for #holidays like #Valentine'sDay & #Easter.

Doesn’t Eclair Dessert look marvelous?

Eclair Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | incredibly easy 5-ingredient #dessert. This one tastes like eating #chocolate #Eclairs but is so much easier to make. This delectable dessert can be made in about 10 minutes! Perfect for #holidays like #Valentine'sDay & #Easter.

This dessert goes really fast. Everyone always wants some! It is so tasty.

Eclair Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | incredibly easy 5-ingredient #dessert. This one tastes like eating #chocolate #Eclairs but is so much easier to make. This delectable dessert can be made in about 10 minutes! Perfect for #holidays like #Valentine'sDay & #Easter.

If you’re looking for a terrific dessert for your next holiday party or menu, you’ve got to make this quick and easy dessert. It’s so delectable you won’t be able to stop eating it!

Here’s the recipe.

ÉCLAIR DESSERT

(Adapted from recipe from Mimi Pownall, when we attended First Baptist Church Indian Rocks, Largo, FL; source:  adapted from Kraft Foods)

Eclair Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | incredibly easy 5-ingredient #dessert. This one tastes like eating #chocolate #Eclairs but is so much easier to make. This delectable dessert can be made in about 10 minutes! Perfect for #holidays like #Valentine'sDay & #Easter.

Eclair Dessert

Teresa Ambra
Sensational dessert that's reminiscent of eating chocolate eclairs--but much easier! This light and fluffy dessert is a chocolate lover's delight!
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Southern
Servings 20
Calories 277 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9x13" glass baking dish
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 electric mixer
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 knife to spread icing
  • measuring cups

Ingredients
  

ECLAIR DESSERT:

  • 1 box graham crackers
  • 6 oz. pkg. instant French vanilla pudding (two 3-ounce packages)
  • 3 cups 2% milk
  • 16 oz. container cool whip or other non-dairy whipped topping
  • 1 can ready to spread chocolate frosting

Instructions
 

ECLAIR DESSERT:

  • Spray 9x13” pan or baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Mix pudding and milk in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer until thickened.
  • Add cool whip.
  • Take one package of the graham crackers and spread over bottom of baking dish.
  • Cover with half of the pudding mixture.
  • Spread with another layer of graham crackers, followed by the remaining pudding mixture.
  • Top with the last layer of graham crackers.
  • Spread chocolate frosting over all.
  • Refrigerate a few hours before serving.

Notes

NOTE: This dessert is actually better frozen and thawed about 30 minutes before serving. It's easier to cut that way.
 
NOTE: The original recipe calls for this Homemade Chocolate Sauce. You can use this if you don’t have canned chocolate frosting.
 
HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE SAUCE:
2 squares bitter chocolate
2 tbsp. butter
2 tbsp. white corn syrup
3 tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
Melt chocolate with butter. Add remaining ingredients. Mix together and pour over top of graham cracker layer. Refrigerate 8 hours before serving.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 277kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 263mgPotassium: 155mgFiber: 1gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 53IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 77mgIron: 1mg
Keyword chocolate, eclair dessert, eclairs, vanilla pudding
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

[b]Eclair Dessert[/b]
Recipe Type: Dessert
Cuisine: Southern
Author: Teresa Ambra adapted from Mimi Pownall when we attended First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks, Largo, FL; source: adapted from [url href=”http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/easy-chocolate-eclair-squares-51693.aspx” target=”_blank” title=”eclair dessert”]Kraft Foods[/url]
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 15
Sensational dessert that’s reminiscent of eating chocolate eclairs–but much easier! This light and fluffy dessert is a chocolate lover’s delight!
Ingredients
  • 1 box graham crackers
  • 2 3-oz. pkg. instant French vanilla pudding
  • 3 cups milk
  • 16-oz. container cool whip
  • 1 can ready to spread chocolate frosting
Instructions
  1. Spray 9×13” pan or baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Mix pudding and milk until thickened.
  3. Add cool whip.
  4. Take one package of the graham crackers and spread over bottom of baking dish.
  5. Cover with half of the pudding mixture.
  6. Spread with another layer of graham crackers, followed by the remaining pudding mixture.
  7. Top with the last layer of graham crackers.
  8. Spread chocolate frosting over all.
  9. Refrigerate a few hours before serving.
Notes
This dessert is actually better frozen and thawed about 30 minutes before serving. It’s easier to cut that way.

 

[b]Homemade Chocolate Sauce [/b](if desired)
Recipe Type: Dessert
Cuisine: Southern
Author: Teresa Ambra adapted from Mimi Pownall when we attended First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks, Largo, FL; source: adapted from [url href=”http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/easy-chocolate-eclair-squares-51693.aspx” target=”_blank” title=”eclair dessert”]Kraft Foods[/url]
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 15
Sensational dessert that’s reminiscent of eating chocolate eclairs–but much easier! This light and fluffy dessert is a chocolate lover’s delight!
Ingredients
  • 2 squares bitter chocolate
  • 2 tbsp. butter
  • 2 tbsp. white corn syrup
  • 3 tbsp. milk
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
Instructions
  1. Melt chocolate with butter.
  2. Add remaining ingredients.
  3. Mix together and pour over top of graham cracker layer.
  4. Refrigerate 8 hours before serving.
Notes
The original recipe calls for this Homemade Chocolate Sauce. You can use this if you don’t have canned chocolate frosting.
Eclair Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | incredibly easy 5-ingredient #dessert. This one tastes like eating #chocolate #Eclairs but is so much easier to make. This delectable dessert can be made in about 10 minutes! Perfect for #holidays like #Valentine'sDay & #Easter.

A delicious comfort food…creamy, fluffy, melt-in-your mouth dessert that friends will you think spent hours preparing yet it only takes about 10-15 minutes!

Eclair Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | incredibly easy 5-ingredient #dessert. This one tastes like eating #chocolate #Eclairs but is so much easier to make. This delectable dessert can be made in about 10 minutes! Perfect for #holidays like #Valentine'sDay & #Easter.

This piece has your name on it!

Eclair Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | incredibly easy 5-ingredient #dessert. This one tastes like eating #chocolate #Eclairs but is so much easier to make. This delectable dessert can be made in about 10 minutes! Perfect for #holidays like #Valentine'sDay & #Easter.

Beautiful, yummy, fluffy, light dessert that goes great after a heavy meal like pasta or meat dishes.

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Banana Split Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this fabulous #dessert is perfect for the #holidays. It's like eating #BananaSplits! #bananas #pineapple #cherries

Cherry Berries on a Cloud

Cherry Berries On A Cloud | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | Prepare to wow your guests with this awesome, decadent #dessert! It has a meringue crust, #cheesecake layer with #marshmallows & topped with a #cherry & #strawberry glaze. It's perfect for #holidays like #Christmas, #ValentinesDay or special occasions.

Peaches and Cream Cheesecake

Peaches and Cream Cheesecake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this spectacular #dessert is perfect for special occasions, #holidays like #Easter & #MothersDay, & whenever you want to impress your company! #peaches #cheesecake
Eclair Dessert | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | incredibly easy 5-ingredient #dessert. This one tastes like eating #chocolate #Eclairs but is so much easier to make. This delectable dessert can be made in about 10 minutes! Perfect for #holidays like #Valentine'sDay & #Easter.

Eclair Dessert

Teresa Ambra
Sensational dessert that’s reminiscent of eating chocolate eclairs–but much easier! This light and fluffy dessert is a chocolate lover’s delight!
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Southern
Servings 20
Calories 277 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9×13" glass baking dish
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 electric mixer
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 knife to spread icing
  • measuring cups

Ingredients
  

ECLAIR DESSERT:

  • 1 box graham crackers
  • 6 oz. pkg. instant French vanilla pudding (two 3-ounce packages)
  • 3 cups 2% milk
  • 16 oz. container cool whip or other non-dairy whipped topping
  • 1 can ready to spread chocolate frosting

Instructions
 

ECLAIR DESSERT:

  • Spray 9×13” pan or baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Mix pudding and milk in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer until thickened.
  • Add cool whip.
  • Take one package of the graham crackers and spread over bottom of baking dish.
  • Cover with half of the pudding mixture.
  • Spread with another layer of graham crackers, followed by the remaining pudding mixture.
  • Top with the last layer of graham crackers.
  • Spread chocolate frosting over all.
  • Refrigerate a few hours before serving.

Notes

NOTE: This dessert is actually better frozen and thawed about 30 minutes before serving. It’s easier to cut that way.
 
NOTE: The original recipe calls for this Homemade Chocolate Sauce. You can use this if you don’t have canned chocolate frosting.
 
HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE SAUCE:
2 squares bitter chocolate
2 tbsp. butter
2 tbsp. white corn syrup
3 tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
Melt chocolate with butter. Add remaining ingredients. Mix together and pour over top of graham cracker layer. Refrigerate 8 hours before serving.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 277kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 263mgPotassium: 155mgFiber: 1gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 53IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 77mgIron: 1mg
Keyword chocolate, eclair dessert, eclairs, vanilla pudding
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

21 Comments

  • Ripon hassan

    July 30, 2023 at 6:20 am

    5 stars
    Truly appreciate the way you have made and described this wonderful Eclair recipe. Everything is so nicely described that really helped me lots.

    1. Teresa Ambra

      July 30, 2023 at 9:38 pm

      Thanks. One of the easiest dessert recipes I’ve ever made.

  • Peggy S.

    May 28, 2022 at 11:15 am

    Why on earth would you need to grease the dish? What’s going to stick? Totally unnecessary step. I recommend microwaving the frosting in its container for about a minute, then just pouring it over the top. Effortless and so much easier than trying to spread the frosting, which just messes all the crackers. This dessert is a such an easy dish to make, and it really does taste like an eclair!

    1. Teresa

      May 30, 2022 at 5:31 am

      Hi Peggy. I shared the recipe the same way it was given to me a few decades ago. That included greasing the dish. Enjoy your week.

  • Chris

    November 22, 2015 at 6:36 am

    A great idea for a dessert. i will be using this recipe at the weekend coming for a dinner party i have… : )

    Many Thanks
    Christopher

    1. Teresa

      November 23, 2015 at 9:33 am

      Hope you and your company enjoy this great recipe, Chris. I love how easy it is to make.

  • Jordan

    April 12, 2015 at 9:26 am

    5 stars
    I’m making this today, mom. Love ya.

    1. Teresa

      April 12, 2015 at 8:48 pm

      Hope you guys enjoy it! Love this recipe.

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  • Lisa

    August 4, 2013 at 5:14 pm

    I live alone but love having fresh baked desserts around for myself sometimes. In terms of freezing leftovers, would you let it set up in the fridge for an hour before freezing? I know it’s important to let the graham crackers soften.

  • Becky Buchanan

    December 26, 2012 at 5:20 pm

    This has been one of our favorites for years! I microwave the frosting about 45 seconds and then pour it over the graham crackers…really easy. The frosting sets up in the refrigerator.

    1. Teresa

      December 26, 2012 at 8:14 pm

      What a great idea, Becky, I’ll have to try this some time. Thanks.

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  • petit4chocolatier

    October 1, 2012 at 6:00 pm

    This looks scrumptious!

    1. Teresa

      October 1, 2012 at 8:59 pm

      It is! And it is just SOOOO easy! Hey, I can do a 5 minutes dessert!

  • Suny

    September 25, 2012 at 3:51 am

    I am dying to try this dessert! It looks delicious :P. I wish I found your site earlier. So many recipes and all of them look so great! It is obvious that you enjoy cooking 🙂

    1. Teresa

      September 25, 2012 at 1:44 pm

      It is delicious and, if you feel like experimenting, you can make it with many different flavors of pudding or frostings like chocolate pudding and chocolate frosting, or stuff with butterscotch, peanut butter. The sky is the limit with the different ways you can make this.

      Even better, is it really only takes about 5 minutes to make it! I like that!

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