No Bake Lemon Eclair Cake (Printable)
Refreshing layers of graham crackers, lemon cream, and silky glaze make this no-bake dessert perfect for any occasion.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Cake
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
→ For the 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 Steps:
01 - Whisk together instant lemon pudding mixes and cold milk in a large mixing bowl for 2 minutes until mixture thickens noticeably.
02 - Beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form and cream holds its shape.
03 - Gently fold whipped cream into lemon pudding mixture using a spatula until fully incorporated and smooth, being careful not to deflate the cream.
04 - Arrange whole graham crackers in a single layer across the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish, breaking pieces as needed to cover completely.
05 - Spread half of the lemon cream mixture evenly over the initial graham cracker layer using an offset spatula.
06 - Place another complete layer of graham crackers over the cream filling, ensuring full coverage.
07 - Spread remaining lemon cream mixture evenly over the second graham cracker layer.
08 - Finish with a final layer of graham crackers to create the base for the glaze.
09 - Whisk powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, milk, and grated lemon zest in a small bowl until completely smooth and pourable consistency is achieved.
10 - Pour lemon glaze evenly over the top graham cracker layer, spreading gently with a spatula to ensure complete coverage.
11 - Cover baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow crackers to soften and flavors to meld.
12 - Slice into squares and serve cold directly from the refrigerator.
# Expert Pointers:
01 -
- No oven required means your kitchen stays cool even on the hottest days
- The contrast between creamy lemon filling and softened graham crackers creates texture similar to a traditional eclair but with half the effort
02 -
- The chilling time is not optional because the graham crackers need those hours to absorb moisture from the cream and soften into a cake-like texture
- Let the glaze cool slightly before pouring if your cream mixture is very cold, otherwise the glaze may seize into tiny sugar crystals
03 -
- Arrange your graham crackers thoughtfully so the seams do not line up between layers, which helps the cake hold together better when sliced
- Grate your lemon zest before juicing the lemon, as it is much easier to zest a whole lemon than a half squeezed one