No Bake Lemon Eclair Cake (Print Version)
Layers of graham crackers, creamy lemon pudding, and whipped topping with tangy lemon glaze.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cake Base
01 - 1 box (14.4 oz) honey graham crackers
→ Lemon Cream Filling
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
→ Lemon Glaze
07 - 1 cup powdered sugar
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
09 - 1 tablespoon milk
10 - 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
# Directions:
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 the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish, breaking crackers as needed to cover completely.
05 - Spread half of the lemon cream mixture evenly over the graham cracker base.
06 - Top with another layer of graham crackers, then spread the remaining lemon cream mixture over them.
07 - Complete the cake with a final layer of graham crackers.
08 - Whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, milk, and grated 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 for full coverage.
10 - Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the cake to set and crackers to soften.
11 - Slice into squares and serve chilled.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The graham crackers transform into cake like layers without any baking required
- Lemon flavor stays bright and fresh because it never sees heat
02 -
- Chilling time is non negotiable. The crackers need hours to soften into cake like texture.
- Cutting through the top layer of graham crackers can be tricky. Use a sharp knife and let the cake sit out five minutes before slicing.
03 -
- Buy an extra box of graham crackers. Broken pieces and filling gaps always require more than you expect.
- Room temperature ingredients will ruin the whipped cream. Keep everything cold until you mix.