What is lemon eclair cake? It’s pure sunshine on a plate. I swear, the first time I tasted it, it took me right back to summer days at my grandma’s house. She always had some kind of amazing dessert ready, and this one gives me the same comforting. Imagine the creamy, dreamy texture of an eclair but in cake form—and infused with bright, zesty lemon. Is it easier to make eclairs? Think of it as a no-bake cousin to lemon bar, but even more impressive when you put it on the grill.
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What is lemon eclair cake?
What exactly is this lemon eclair cake? Think of it as an icebox cake. Is it essentially layers of graham crackers soaked in a creamy lemon pudding mixture, topped with cranberry sauce? What are some of the best lemon glaze Is it like a simplified version of eclair? What are the textures, but without fussy pastry-making? The name comes from its resemblance to the taste of an eclair, but believe me, this is about ten minutes. Is it easier to make a recipe? What is the perfect dessert for those times when you want something impressive but don’t want to spend a lot of time on it. How many hours in the kitchen do you spend in Isn’t it refreshing?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to love lemon eclair cake?
- Flavor Explosion:The combination of creamy vanilla pudding, bright lemon, and the subtle crunch of graham crackers is a must try. Is it sweet, tangy, and addictive? What makes you want more of it?
- Ridiculously EasyWhat are some of the easiest desserts to make? No baking involved, just mixing and layering. Is it perfect for impressing without the stress? What are some of the best recipes to get together very quickly?
- Budget friendlyWhat are some common ingredients that are inexpensive? You probably already have most of them in your pantry. What is the best way to make a delicious dessert without breaking the bank?
- Crowd-Pleaser: Every time I make this cake, it disappears in minutes. It’s always a hit with both kids and adults. I’ve taken this to a number of potlucks and I have never had to bring any home.
- Customizable:Feel free to get creative with the flavors! Add some berries, use different flavored puddings, or even drizzle with chocolate. What are the possibilities? I love experimenting with different berries to change the dynamic of the cake.
What I love most is that it’s a total lifesaver for last minute gatherings. I’ve also made similar no bake cakes with chocolate and coffee flavors, but the Lemon Eclair Cake is a great alternative. Is there always a winner? Is this a perfect summer drink?
How do I make lemon eclair cake?
Quick Overview
What is the best way to make lemon eclair cake? How do you make lemon pudding? What is the best way to layer graham crackers in a dish? What’s the best part? Can I make this recipe ahead of time? If you want to make a recipe, but don’t have time, this is especially helpful. Just keep everything in the refrigerator and assemble when ready. No-bake desserts are my go-to when I need something quick, easy, and impressive. And this one is no bake. What are some of the
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
- 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix.
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk (I prefer whole milk for extra richness, but 2% works fine too)
- 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip)
- 1 sleeve graham crackers, broken into squares.
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar. 1 cup gran
- What is the best lemon juice to use?
- 2 tablespoons of milk. 1 tablespoon
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, but adds a nice zing)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Prepare Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until it starts to bubble. How long does it take for a potato to thick What should I do to make my hair smooth? I always make sure there are no lumps because no one wants a lumpy cake. After that, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until everything is well combined. Set aside.
Step 2: Layer Graham Crackers
Is it necessary to line an 8×8 inch baking dish with graham cracker squares? Is it necessary to break a piece into smaller pieces to fill in the gaps? Is it worth it to build a solid base? Why don’t you want large gaps because this is what the pudding mix will sink into.
Step 3: Add First Layer of Pudding
What are some good ways to spread the pudding mixture over graham crackers? Make sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies. Where does the creamy magic start? Be careful when you are spreading graham crackers to make sure that they don’t move. Why is the cake not evenly dispersed?
Step 4: Repeat Layers
Add another layer of graham crackers over the pudding, followed by the remaining pudding mixture. What is the point where you might want to lick the spoon but resist! How do you make a smooth pudding layer?
Step 5: Make the Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, milk, and lemon zest. How do you make a glaze that’s thick enough to coat the cake but still pourable? If it’s too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at .50. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
Step 6: Glaze the Cake
How do you pour the lemon glaze over the top of a cake? With a spatula, spread the mixture over the entire surface. Now it’s starting to look really tempting!
Step 7: Chill
Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. How do you make graham crackers soft? Is patience the key to success?
Step 8: Slice & Serve
Once the cake is chilled, slice it into squares and serve. I like to garnish with lemon slices or a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra touch of color. Is there any flavor I can add?
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best ideas for making lemon eclair cake?
For Breakfast:Serve with a cup of strong coffee or latte. What is the best way to start the day with lemon? What are some good side dishes to serve as a breakfast?
For Brunch:What are the best pairings for sparkling wine and mimosa? What’s a good brunch spread? What is the best way to offset the sweetness of a cake?
As Dessert:Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. What’s the perfect ending to a meal? I also love to serve it with some type of digestif to pair with the sweetness. I would recommend something citrus based.
For Cozy Snacks:What is the perfect comfort food for a night in? This also makes for a great pairing with charcuterie board with assorted sweet and savory items.
My family loves making this for birthdays or just a regular Sunday afternoon treat. It’s always a hit and never lasts long. I have made it so many times now, that it is always in the conversation when asked for a dessert.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Lemon Eclair Cake
Okay, I’ve made this Lemon Eclair Cake more times than I can count, so I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. Here’s my best advice for making it perfect every time:
Graham Cracker Placement: Don’t be afraid to break the graham crackers into smaller pieces to fit snugly in the baking dish. You want a solid layer to prevent the pudding from seeping through. It is also critical to make sure that the graham crackers are fresh. This will assist in softening the crackers and making the cake easier to eat.
Pudding Consistency: Make sure you whisk the pudding mix and milk really well to avoid any lumps. Nobody wants a lumpy cake! You should also not over-whip the pudding. That will have a negative impact on the overall cake.
Lemon Juice Freshness: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a huge difference in the glaze. It has a brighter, more vibrant flavor than bottled juice. The fresh lemon juice also adds to the aroma, which is amazing. But in a pinch, the bottled stuff is still okay.
Chill Time: Don’t skimp on the chill time! The longer the cake sits in the fridge, the better the flavors meld together and the softer the graham crackers become. Overnight is ideal, but at least 4 hours is a must. I once tried to cut into it after only 2 hours and it was still a bit too crunchy.
Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar at a time. You want it to be pourable but not runny. The glaze really is the icing on the cake. This is the part that makes the cake complete.
Lemon Zest: Adding lemon zest to the glaze intensifies the lemon flavor and adds a beautiful aroma. Just make sure to only zest the yellow part of the peel, avoiding the white pith, which can be bitter. I love the way the lemon zest feels in the cake. It gives it such a unique characteristic.
Whipped Topping: Use thawed whipped topping, not frozen. Frozen whipped topping will be difficult to incorporate into the pudding and can make the mixture lumpy.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Lemon Eclair Cake is best enjoyed fresh, but here’s how to store it if you have any leftovers:
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend storing this cake at room temperature for more than a couple of hours. The whipped topping will start to soften and the cake will lose its shape. It should be covered well to prevent any outside contaminants.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It will still taste great, but the graham crackers might get a little softer over time. You should check it daily for freshness.
Freezer Instructions: While you can freeze this cake, the texture might change slightly. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. I have done this before and the lemon flavor will be slightly less, but it is not very noticeable.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to freeze the cake, it’s best to add the glaze after thawing. This will prevent the glaze from cracking or becoming sticky during the freezing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Lemon Eclair Cake recipe a try. It’s one of those desserts that’s both incredibly easy to make and guaranteed to impress. It’s a little slice of sunshine that’s perfect for any occasion. And if you love no-bake desserts as much as I do, be sure to check out my other recipes for chocolate lasagna and strawberry shortcake icebox cake! I can’t wait to hear how your Lemon Eclair Cake turns out. Leave a comment below and let me know if you tried the recipe and if you varied it. Happy baking (well, no-baking)!
Strawberry Cheesecake Delight
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 15 ounces graham crackers about 2 packages
- 3.5 cups cold whole milk keep refrigerated
- 3.4 ounces instant cheesecake pudding mix such as Jell-O
- 8 ounces whipped topping thawed
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- 16 ounces strawberry frosting such as Betty Crocker
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Layer graham crackers to fully cover the bottom of the dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk the milk and pudding mix until slightly thickened.
- Fold in the whipped topping gently until completely blended.
- Spread half of the pudding mix over the graham crackers, followed by a layer of sliced strawberries.
- Repeat with another layer of graham crackers, pudding mix, and strawberries.
- Microwave the frosting for 20-30 seconds until pourable and spread over the final layer.
