No Bake Lemon Eclair Cake (Printable)

Refreshing layers of graham crackers, creamy lemon pudding, and whipped topping finished with tangy lemon glaze.

# Ingredient List:

→ For the Cake

01 - 1 box (14.4 oz) honey graham crackers
02 - 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant lemon pudding mix
03 - 3 cups cold whole milk
04 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream
05 - 1/3 cup powdered sugar
06 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ For the Lemon Glaze

07 - 1 cup powdered sugar
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
09 - 1 tablespoon milk
10 - 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

# How to Make:

01 - Whisk together the instant lemon pudding mixes and cold milk in a large mixing bowl for 2 minutes until thickened.
02 - Beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form.
03 - Gently fold the whipped cream into the lemon pudding mixture until smooth and fully incorporated.
04 - Arrange a single layer of graham crackers in a 9x13-inch baking dish to cover the bottom completely.
05 - Spread half of the lemon cream mixture evenly over the bottom graham cracker layer.
06 - Place another layer of graham crackers over the cream, then spread the remaining lemon cream mixture on top.
07 - Complete the cake with a final layer of graham crackers.
08 - Whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, milk, and lemon zest until smooth and pourable.
09 - Pour the lemon glaze evenly over the top layer of graham crackers, spreading with a spatula if necessary.
10 - Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the cake to set and crackers to soften.
11 - Cut the chilled cake into squares and serve cold.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The graham crackers transform into cake-like layers overnight, creating that perfect eclair texture without any baking
  • It gets better with time, making it ideal for making ahead when hosting
02 -
  • The chilling time isn't optional—the crackers need hours to soften into that cake-like texture everyone loves
  • If your glaze is too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time until it pours easily
03 -
  • Buy an extra box of graham crackers—broken pieces and gaps happen, and you'll want full coverage
  • Room temperature pudding mix incorporates into milk much more smoothly than cold mix from the pantry

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