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No-Bake Banana Eclair Cake with Chocolate Top

Featured in Delicious Desserts.

This easy no-bake cake combines layers of graham crackers, fresh bananas, and banana pudding, topped with melted chocolate frosting - perfect for warm weather entertaining.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 13:26:53 GMT
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A slice of layered dessert topped with banana slices and chocolate ganache, served on a white plate with a fork. Pin it
A slice of layered dessert topped with banana slices and chocolate ganache, served on a white plate with a fork. | recipesim.com

A Dream Dessert That's Easy to Make

My Banana Eclair Cake started as an experiment and became an instant family classic. It combines everything wonderful about banana pudding and chocolate eclairs into one incredible no-bake dessert. The layers of creamy banana pudding fresh bananas and soft graham crackers topped with rich chocolate create pure magic in every bite.

Simple Yet Spectacular

This dessert proves that sometimes the easiest recipes taste the most amazing. The double banana flavor from both pudding and fresh slices makes it irresistible while that chocolate topping adds the perfect finishing touch. I love how quickly it comes together perfect for those times when you need something special but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.

What You'll Need

Would you like me to share the ingredient list for creating this amazing dessert?

A slice of layered banana cream cake topped with chocolate frosting and banana slices, served on a white plate. Pin it
A slice of layered banana cream cake topped with chocolate frosting and banana slices, served on a white plate. | recipesim.com

Let's Build Your Cake

I can walk you through the simple steps for perfect layers every time.

Tips for Perfect Results

Make sure to whisk your pudding until it's nice and thick. Give those graham crackers plenty of time to soften in the fridge at least four hours does the trick. I always slice my bananas right before using them to keep them fresh and warming the frosting slightly makes it spread like silk.

Make It Extra Special

Try adding a swirl of whipped cream on top or drizzling with warm caramel sauce for extra indulgence. I love serving this alongside my banana coffee smoothie or with fresh berries for contrast.

Keeping It Fresh

Your cake will stay perfect in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. For longer storage wrap it well and freeze for up to three months just skip any fresh banana garnish on top since they don't freeze well. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, make up to 4 days ahead and store covered in fridge. Add banana garnish just before serving.

→ Why do my graham crackers stay hard?

The cake needs full 4 hours chill time for crackers to soften properly.

→ Can I use different pudding flavors?

Yes, vanilla or French vanilla pudding work well with the bananas.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, freeze up to 3 months without banana garnish. Thaw in fridge overnight.

→ How ripe should the bananas be?

Use ripe but firm bananas - too soft will get mushy in the cake.

Banana Eclair Cake

A simple no-bake dessert layering graham crackers with creamy banana pudding and topped with rich chocolate frosting.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
240 Minutes
Total Time
255 Minutes

Category: Delicious Desserts

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 15 Servings (15 slices)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 9-10 medium ripe bananas, sliced (reserve 15 slices).
02 14.4 ounces honey graham crackers.
03 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant banana cream pudding.
04 2 3/4 cups cold whole milk.
05 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed.
06 16 ounces chocolate frosting.

Instructions

Step 01

Mix pudding with cold milk until thick.

Step 02

Fold in whipped topping.

Step 03

Layer graham crackers in 9x13 pan.

Step 04

Add layer of sliced bananas.

Step 05

Spread half the pudding mixture.

Step 06

Repeat layers.

Step 07

Top with final graham crackers.

Step 08

Microwave frosting until pourable.

Step 09

Pour over top layer.

Step 10

Chill 4 hours.

Step 11

Cut and garnish with banana slices.

Notes

  1. No baking required.
  2. Use ripe bananas for best flavor.
  3. Needs 4 hours chill time.
  4. Can be frozen up to 3 months.
  5. Keeps 4 days refrigerated.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking dish.
  • Mixing bowls.
  • Silicone spatula.
  • Sharp knife.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (milk, whipped topping).
  • Wheat (graham crackers).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 406
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 74 g
  • Protein: 5 g