No Bake Lemon Eclair Cake (Printable Version)

Refreshing layers of graham crackers, lemon cream, and tangy glaze make this chilled dessert perfect for warm weather serving.

# 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

# How to Make It:

01 - Whisk together instant lemon pudding mixes and cold milk in a large mixing bowl for 2 minutes until mixture thickens noticeably.
02 - In a separate bowl, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using electric mixer or whisk until stiff peaks form.
03 - Gently fold whipped cream into thickened lemon pudding mixture using spatula until smooth and fully incorporated.
04 - Arrange single layer of graham crackers in bottom of 9x13-inch baking dish, breaking crackers as needed to fit snugly.
05 - Spread half of lemon cream mixture evenly over graham cracker base using offset spatula or back of spoon.
06 - Place another layer of graham crackers over cream filling, then spread remaining lemon cream mixture on top.
07 - Top with final layer of graham crackers, creating even surface for glaze application.
08 - Whisk together powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, milk, and grated lemon zest until completely smooth and pourable consistency achieved.
09 - Pour lemon glaze evenly over top layer of graham crackers, using spatula to spread to edges if necessary.
10 - Cover baking dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight, allowing crackers to soften and flavors to meld.
11 - Cut into 12 equal portions and serve cold directly from refrigerator.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Every bite tastes like sunshine and simpler times
  • You can assemble it in under 30 minutes with zero baking required
  • The texture gets better overnight, making it perfect for make-ahead hosting
02 -
  • The glaze will seem too thick at first but keep whisking and it will loosen up beautifully
  • Refrigerating overnight makes all the difference for texture, so don't rush this step
  • If your glaze is too thick, add just one teaspoon more milk at a time until it pours easily
03 -
  • Work quickly when spreading the filling since the crackers start softening immediately
  • For extra lemon intensity, add another teaspoon of zest directly to the cream filling

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