No Bake Eclair Dessert

This is one of the easiest and tastiest desserts on the planet. Not even lying. It takes about 15 minutes from start to finish and then just has to chill. And, don't even get me started on how delicious it is. I could go on and on and on. It is rich and creamy with a wonderfully decadent chocolate topping yet somehow isn't too sweet. 

Combining two classics - vanilla and chocolate - is a brilliant idea. 

The next time you have to bring a dessert to a family gathering I recommend this one. You'll be the hit of the party. 

No Bake Eclair Dessert

Ingredients

1 box (3 sleeves) graham crackers

Cream/pudding layer

1 3/4 cups whipping cream

2 boxes (4 servings each) instant vanilla pudding

3 cups milk

Chocolate topping

1/3 cup cocoa powder

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup milk

1/2 cup butter

1 tsp vanilla

Directions

Line the bottom of a 9 X 13 pan with graham crackers. Set aside. 

In a mixing bowl, whip the 1 3/4 cup whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, beat together the milk and pudding until smooth, about 2 minutes. 

Fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until smooth.

Drop half of this mixture on top of the graham crackers in the 9 X 13 pan and spread evenly.

Repeat another layer of graham crackers and then the remaining pudding mixture.

Top with the remaining graham crackers.

Set aside while you prepare the chocolate topping.

Prepare chocolate topping - In a medium saucepan whisk together baking cocoa, milk, and sugar. Bring to a full rolling boil. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. 

Remove from the heat. Whisk in the butter and vanilla until smooth. 

Immediately pour over the graham crackers on top of the dessert. Use the back of a spoon to spread the chocolate glaze to complete cover the dessert.

Chill, covered, until ready to serve - at LEAST 6 hours, but overnight is even better. 

How easy was that, am I right?

You do have to dirty 2 bowls and a pot to make it but, seriously, totally worth it. We have this at a lot of our family gatherings and it is perfect for a work potluck too. 

You can easily change it up by using a different flavor of pudding. 

OH, yes, and I should mention another shortcut that Sue discovered. When she makes this she simply buys a container of Betty Crocker Chocolate Frosting, microwaves it for about 20 - 40 seconds (until it is pour-able), and pours it on top of the dessert instead of the chocolate glaze I mentioned here. Sue's way saves you a step and tastes almost completely the same. (I still like the chocolate glaze a little bit better but it's pretty hard to tell the difference!)