No Bake Lemon Eclair Cake (Printable)

Refreshing layers of graham crackers, zesty lemon cream, and silky glaze make this chilled dessert perfect for warm days.

# What You 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

# How-To Steps:

01 - Whisk together instant lemon pudding mixes and cold milk in large mixing bowl for 2 minutes until mixture thickens noticeably.
02 - Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract in separate bowl until stiff peaks form, ensuring maximum volume.
03 - Gently fold whipped cream into lemon pudding base using spatula until completely smooth and no white streaks remain.
04 - Arrange single layer of graham crackers in 9x13-inch baking dish, breaking pieces as needed to cover bottom completely.
05 - Spread half of lemon cream mixture evenly over graham cracker base using offset spatula for uniform coverage.
06 - Place another layer of graham crackers over cream, then spread remaining lemon cream mixture on top.
07 - Finish with final layer of graham crackers, pressing gently to adhere to cream layer beneath.
08 - Whisk powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, milk, and grated lemon zest until completely smooth and pourable.
09 - Pour lemon glaze evenly over top graham cracker layer, spreading with spatula to cover entire surface.
10 - Cover dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate minimum 4 hours (overnight preferred) until crackers soften and cake sets completely.
11 - Cut into squares while cold and serve chilled.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The graham crackers transform into cake like layers without any baking at all
  • That bright lemon flavor tastes like you spent hours making something fancy
02 -
  • The chilling time is absolutely non negotiable, so plan ahead
  • Breaking crackers to fit the edges is better than leaving gaps
03 -
  • Grate your lemon zest before juicing the lemons, it is so much easier that way
  • Room temperature whipping cream whips up faster than cold

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