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No-Bake Lemon Eclair Cake

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

Layer sweet cookies flat in a pan, cover with creamy lemon pudding mixed with fluffy whipped cream. Keep going - cookies, then more cream mix till pan's full. Top it all with sweet lemon coat that runs down the sides. Let it sit in the cold box overnight so cookies get soft and cream sets firm. No cooking needed, just mixing and stacking. Makes enough for a party, and tastes like fancy bakery stuff without the work.

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Fatiha
Updated on Fri, 02 May 2025 12:23:25 GMT
A slice of layered lemon dessert with creamy filling and a slice of lemon on top, served on a white plate. Pin it
A slice of layered lemon dessert with creamy filling and a slice of lemon on top, served on a white plate. | zestplate.com

Whip up this simple No-Bake Lemon Eclair Cake with summer vibes. Stack graham crackers between layers of lemon pudding and cool whip, finish with zesty lemon frosting. Takes minutes to put together, then just chill until it's set. The waiting's tough, but you'll love the results.

Benefits of This Dessert

Crazy about lemon? You'll adore this treat. It only needs 5 minutes of prep and there's no oven needed. Let it rest overnight and you'll get a fresh, light dessert that'll have everyone asking how you made it. Perfect for gatherings since you can fix it beforehand, and it usually disappears before you can save any!

Ingredients List

  • Graham Crackers: Create the base structure
  • Lemon Pudding: Go for the instant variety
  • Milk: Whole milk creates creaminess
  • Cool Whip: Make sure it's defrosted
  • Lemon Frosting: Covers the whole thing

How To Make Lemon Eclair Cake

Prepare Container:
Coat a 9x13 dish with cooking spray for easy serving later.
Begin Base:
Place graham crackers flat across the bottom for your first level.
Create Mixture:
Stir pudding with milk about 2 minutes until it thickens. Carefully fold Cool Whip into it.
Stack Layers:
Spread half your pudding mix onto crackers. Add more crackers, pour remaining pudding, then final cracker layer.
Finish Top:
Heat frosting in microwave until it's pourable. Drizzle over the top crackers.
Refrigerate:
Chill in fridge overnight or minimum 12 hours.

Crowd Pleaser

This cake gets attention whenever it shows up. Basic items like pudding and crackers transform into something amazing. The lemon twist makes it stand out from everyday sweets, and you don't need fancy baking skills to nail it.

Patience Pays Off

Don't rush the chilling time - it really matters. The crackers need that time to soften from the pudding mixture. When you finally dig in, everything has blended perfectly. The texture combo tastes like you bought it from a fancy shop.

Perfect for Gatherings

Bring it to cookouts, celebrations, or casual hangouts. It travels well and pleases everyone - from little ones to adults. Keep the instructions handy because you'll get requests for your secret.

A Fresh Twist

The chocolate version might be familiar, but this lemony take feels special. It's got a lighter taste that works great during hot weather. It brings summer feelings and refreshes after heavy meals.

A slice of lemon-layered dessert topped with lemon slices, served on a turquoise plate, with whole lemons and a bowl in the background. Pin it
A slice of lemon-layered dessert topped with lemon slices, served on a turquoise plate, with whole lemons and a bowl in the background. | zestplate.com

Decoration Ideas

Want to jazz it up? Try adding fresh lemon slices on the top or scatter some lemon zest around. These small touches boost both looks and aroma. Since we taste with our eyes first, making it pretty will make it even more tempting.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Need to make ahead?

Better if you do! Let sit all night. Flavors mix nice. Stays good few days. Gets soft perfect.

→ Got different cookies?

Plain ones work fine. Tea biscuits good. Must be flat kind. Check they ain't sweet. Need em dry type.

→ Rather use real cream?

Works good if thick. Whip it real stiff. Mix in bit sugar. Might get soft quick. Watch it in fridge.

→ No lemon sweet coat?

Mix sugar and juice. Make it real thick. Taste as you mix. Should run slow. Even honey works.

→ Need it no wheat?

Get special cookies. Check pudding box. Watch cream stuff. Rice cookies work. Still sets nice.

→ Getting too soft?

Less wet stuff. Pack layers tight. Chill longer time. Use cold stuff. Fresh cookies help.

→ Taking it places?

Keep it real cold. Pack it flat. Box with sides. Don't stack stuff. Take extra quick.

→ Need it faster?

Use ready pudding. Quick mix cream. Stack it faster. Skip long chill. Still tastes good.

→ Making big batch?

Double works fine. Need bigger pan. More layers okay. Watch edge bits. Keep stuff cold.

→ Want more zip?

Add more lemon. Zest helps lots. Tart cream good. Even lime works. Try fresh juice.

→ Not setting up?

Chill longer time. Less wet things. Pack tight more. Cold bowl helps. Check your mix.

→ Kids want different?

Skip strong lemon. More sweet stuff. Fun colors help. Cut small bits. Maybe add sprinkles.

Conclusion

Like this? Try cold lemon pie next. Or make lemon cheese squares. Both nice and cool.

No-Bake Lemon Eclair Cake

Easy cool lemon treat.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 (14.4-oz) box graham crackers.
02 2 (3.4-oz) boxes instant lemon pudding.
03 3½ cups milk.
04 1 (8-oz) container Cool Whip, thawed.
05 1 (16-oz) can lemon frosting.

Instructions

Step 01

Lightly spray the bottom of a 9x13 pan with cooking spray to ensure easy serving.

Step 02

Construct a base by arranging one-third of the graham crackers as the first layer at the pan's bottom.

Step 03

In a mixing bowl, combine the lemon pudding mix and milk. Using a hand mixer, blend at medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth. Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip with a spatula, integrating entirely without deflating the fluffy cream.

Step 04

Pour half of this creamy pudding mixture over the layer of graham crackers, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 05

Add another layer of whole graham crackers over the pudding mixture to create structure and crunch.

Step 06

Pour the remaining pudding mixture over this new graham cracker layer, smoothing it out to the edges.

Step 07

Finish with a final layer of graham crackers on top to hold the cake together.

Step 08

Warm up the lemon frosting by removing its lid and heating it in the microwave for 30-40 seconds until pourable but not too hot.

Step 09

Cascade the warm lemon frosting over the top layer of graham crackers, spreading to cover completely.

Step 10

Place the cake in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 12 hours or overnight for best flavor fusion.

Notes

  1. This dessert is best prepared the night before and left to chill overnight to enhance its flavors.
  2. Store any leftovers (if there are any!) in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Tools You'll Need

  • Hand Mixer.
  • Mixing Bowls.
  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~