Description
This No-Bake Lemon Éclair Cake is a creamy, refreshing dessert made with layers of graham crackers, lemon pudding, and fluffy whipped topping, all topped with a smooth lemon frosting. With just a few simple ingredients and no baking required, it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for potlucks, summer gatherings, or a light and tangy treat anytime!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (14.4 oz) box graham crackers
- 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant lemon pudding mix
- 3 ½ cups cold milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 (16 oz) can lemon frosting
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh lemon slices
- Lemon zest
- Mint leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Layer Graham Crackers: Arrange a single layer of whole graham crackers at the bottom of the dish. Break crackers as needed to fit.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together instant lemon pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Gently fold in Cool Whip until smooth.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread half of the pudding mixture over the graham crackers. Add another layer of graham crackers, then spread the remaining pudding mixture. Finish with a final layer of graham crackers.
- Top with Frosting: Microwave the lemon frosting for 30–40 seconds until pourable. Stir well and spread evenly over the top layer.
- Refrigerate: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours (overnight is best) to allow flavors to meld and graham crackers to soften.
- Serve & Enjoy: Slice into squares and garnish with lemon zest, lemon slices, or fresh mint leaves before serving.
Notes
- Storage: Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Make It Lighter: Use sugar-free pudding, light Cool Whip, and reduced-fat graham crackers.
- Homemade Frosting Alternative: Mix powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and zest for a natural glaze.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free graham crackers.
- Freezing Instructions: Freeze for up to 1 month, thaw overnight before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (No baking required)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: no-bake lemon éclair cake, lemon pudding dessert, no-bake cake, lemon icebox cake, easy summer dessert, graham cracker cake, no-bake dessert, creamy lemon cake