No Bake Lemon Eclair Cake (Printable)

Refreshing layers of graham crackers, lemon cream, and silky glaze make this chilled dessert perfect for easy entertaining.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cake Components

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

→ 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 It:

01 - Whisk together the instant lemon pudding mixes and cold milk in a large mixing bowl for 2 minutes until mixture begins to thicken.
02 - In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using an electric mixer or whisk until stiff peaks form.
03 - Gently fold the whipped cream into the prepared lemon pudding mixture until smooth and fully incorporated, taking care not to deflate the cream.
04 - Arrange whole graham crackers in a single layer in a 9x13-inch baking dish, breaking pieces as needed to completely cover the bottom.
05 - Spread half of the lemon cream mixture evenly over the first layer of graham crackers using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
06 - Place another layer of graham crackers over the cream, then spread the remaining lemon cream mixture evenly on top.
07 - Complete the cake with a final top layer of graham crackers, ensuring even coverage.
08 - Whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, milk, and grated lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
09 - Pour the lemon glaze evenly over the top layer of graham crackers, spreading gently with a spatula to cover completely.
10 - Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the cake to set and the graham crackers to soften to a cake-like texture.
11 - Slice into squares while cold and serve chilled. Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean cuts.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The magic transformation of crunchy graham crackers into cake-like layers overnight
  • That perfect balance of tangy lemon and sweet cream everyone reaches for seconds
  • How something this elegant comes together in under 30 minutes of active work
02 -
  • The chilling time is not optional, those graham crackers need those hours to soften properly
  • Room temperature ingredients for the glaze prevent it from seizing up and becoming grainy
03 -
  • Use a offset spatula to spread the layers evenly and avoid pulling up the crackers
  • Clean your knife between every few slices for those picture-perfect servings

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