No Bake Lemon Eclair Cake (Printable Version)

Refreshing layers of graham crackers, creamy lemon filling, and zesty glaze. An effortless chilled dessert perfect for warm weather gatherings.

# What You Need:

→ Cake Base

01 - 1 box (14.4 oz) honey graham crackers

→ Lemon Cream Filling

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

# Directions:

01 - Whisk together instant lemon pudding mixes and cold milk in a large mixing bowl for 2 minutes until thickened.
02 - Beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form.
03 - Gently fold whipped cream into lemon pudding mixture until smooth and fully incorporated.
04 - Arrange a single layer of graham crackers in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish to completely cover the surface.
05 - Spread half of the lemon cream mixture evenly over the graham cracker base.
06 - Place another layer of graham crackers over the cream, then spread remaining lemon cream mixture on top.
07 - Top with a final layer of graham crackers to complete the cake structure.
08 - Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, milk, and lemon zest together until smooth and pourable consistency.
09 - Pour lemon glaze evenly over the top graham cracker layer, spreading with a spatula if necessary for full coverage.
10 - Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow cake to set and crackers to soften.
11 - Cut into squares and serve chilled directly from the refrigerator.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The graham crackers transform into cake-like layers overnight, creating texture that nobody believes came from a box.
  • You can assemble the entire thing while standing at the counter in your barefoot pajamas.
02 -
  • The crackers absolutely must soften completely, so cutting into the cake too early will result in a crumbly messy situation.
  • Work quickly once you start assembling, because the pudding begins setting up and becomes harder to spread smoothly.
03 -
  • Press down gently on each cracker layer to ensure there are no air pockets that might collapse later.
  • Run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between each slice for restaurant-quality squares.

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