No Bake Lemon Eclair Cake (Print View)
Layers of graham crackers, lemon cream, and zesty glaze make this chilled dessert perfect for warm weather gatherings.
# 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
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - Whisk together instant lemon pudding mixes and cold milk in large mixing bowl for 2 minutes until mixture thickens considerably.
02 - Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract in separate bowl until stiff peaks form and mixture holds its shape.
03 - Gently fold whipped cream into lemon pudding mixture using spatula until smooth and fully incorporated, maintaining airy texture.
04 - Arrange single layer of graham crackers in 9x13-inch baking dish, breaking crackers as necessary to cover bottom completely.
05 - Spread half of lemon cream mixture evenly over graham cracker layer using offset spatula for uniform coverage.
06 - Place another complete layer of graham crackers over cream filling, ensuring full coverage.
07 - Spread remaining lemon cream mixture evenly over second graham cracker layer, smoothing top with spatula.
08 - Arrange final layer of graham crackers over cream, creating solid top surface for glaze application.
09 - Whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, milk, and grated lemon zest until smooth and pourable consistency achieved.
10 - Pour lemon glaze evenly over top graham cracker layer, spreading with spatula to cover entire surface.
11 - Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight, until graham crackers soften completely and cake sets.
12 - Cut into squares and serve chilled directly from refrigerator for best texture and flavor.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- No oven means your kitchen stays cool even when its sweltering outside
- The overnight chill transforms crackers into something impossibly cake like and tender
02 -
- The chilling time is not optional, as the crackers need those hours to soften into a cake like texture
- Cutting through the glaze can be tricky, so use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between slices
03 -
- Work quickly when folding the whipped cream into the pudding to maintain as much air as possible
- Arrange your graham crackers thoughtfully so the seams between layers do not line up, which helps the cake hold together better when sliced