Irresistible Pioneer Woman Chocolate Eclair Cake Recipe

Chocolate eclair cake transforms ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering dessert sensation that will steal the spotlight at any gathering.

This luscious treat blends layers of creamy goodness with irresistible flavor combinations.

Graham crackers create a sturdy base that soaks up rich pudding mixtures, promising pure indulgence.

Smooth vanilla cream and velvety chocolate dance together in perfect harmony.

No fancy baking skills needed, anyone can whip up this stunning masterpiece.

Each spoonful delivers a symphony of textures that melt delightfully on your tongue.

Wow friends and family with this surprisingly simple yet utterly impressive dessert that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet bakery!

Get Ready with Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Chocolate Eclair Cake

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Select ultra-fresh cream with high fat content for maximum fluffiness.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Choose a premium brand for rich, smooth sweetness.
• Whole Milk: Opt for full-fat milk to enhance pudding's luxurious texture.
• Vanilla Pudding Mix: Pick instant mix for quick and consistent results.
• Vanilla Bean Paste: Seek pure paste for authentic, intense vanilla flavor.

• Graham Crackers: Select crisp, fresh crackers that will absorb moisture perfectly.

• Chocolate, Heavy Cream: Choose high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for deep, complex flavor.

Cooking Equipment List for Pioneer Woman Chocolate Eclair Cake

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for whipping cream and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Hand mixer: Essential for creating fluffy cream peaks quickly.
• Whisk: Great for blending pudding mixture until silky.
• 13×9-inch glass baking dish: Ideal for layering and chilling the dessert.
• Heatproof bowl: Necessary for melting chocolate ganache.
• Microwave: Used to heat cream for ganache.
• Spatula: Helps spread pudding and ganache evenly.
• Measuring cups: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping chocolate.
• Spoon: Optional for creating decorative ganache swirls.

Putting Together a Batch of Pioneer Woman Chocolate Eclair Cake

• Whip Creamy Cloud

Grab a mixing bowl and pour cold heavy cream with sweetened condensed milk. Use a hand mixer to transform these ingredients into fluffy peaks that rise majestically.

• Blend Silky Pudding Base

Combine whole milk, vanilla pudding mix, vanilla bean paste, and remaining condensed milk in a separate bowl. Whisk until perfectly smooth. Gently fold whipped cream into pudding mixture, creating a dreamy texture.

• Layer Delightful Cake

In a glass baking dish, build tempting layers starting with graham crackers, covering the bottom completely. Alternate between graham crackers and pudding mixture, ensuring even distribution. Repeat until all ingredients are used.

• Chill And Set

Refrigerate the layered dessert for at least 30 minutes, allowing flavors to mingle and texture to firm up.

• Create Chocolate Drizzle

Chop chocolate into a heatproof bowl. Warm heavy cream until steaming, then pour over chocolate. Let sit briefly, then whisk until achieving a glossy, smooth ganache.

• Finish With Chocolate Magic

Remove cake from refrigerator and generously pour ganache over the top. Use a spatula to spread evenly, creating elegant swirls or patterns for visual appeal.

• Final Transformation

Return cake to refrigerator, letting ganache set and flavors develop. Chill for 4 hours or overnight. Slice and serve this irresistible dessert that’ll make taste buds dance with joy.

Kitchen Notes and Tweaks for Pioneer Woman Chocolate Eclair Cake

• Elevate Your Dessert Game: Experiment with these mouthwatering tips and twists for an unforgettable no-bake experience!
• Swap Graham Crackers: Replace traditional graham crackers with chocolate or cinnamon graham crackers, or even use crushed digestive biscuits for a unique crunch and flavor profile.
• Customize Pudding Flavors: Mix things up by using different pudding mix varieties like butterscotch, chocolate, or cheesecake to create your own signature dessert variation.
• Add Texture Boosters: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or almonds between layers, or fold in mini chocolate chips for extra textural excitement and flavor depth.
• Create Flavor Infusions: Drizzle caramel sauce between layers, add a splash of coffee liqueur to the ganache, or sprinkle sea salt on top to elevate the dessert's complexity and wow factor.

How to Dish Out Pioneer Woman Chocolate Eclair Cake

• Serve Chilled Delights: Enjoy this heavenly dessert straight from the refrigerator for maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.
• Garnish with Gourmet Touches: Sprinkle crushed graham crackers, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries on top to add visual appeal and extra crunch.
• Perfect Pairing Recommendations: Complement this rich dessert with a hot espresso, cold milk, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful flavor contrast.
• Celebratory Slice Suggestions: Cut into neat squares for elegant individual servings at dinner parties, potlucks, or family gatherings where everyone craves a decadent treat.

How to Keep Fresh and Ready Pioneer Woman Chocolate Eclair Cake

• Preserve Freshness: Store the layered dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Tightly sealed storage prevents moisture loss and maintains the cake's delightful texture.
• Freezing Potential: Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the creamy consistency.
• Serving Temperature Tips: Remove the cake from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving. Allowing it to sit at room temperature slightly softens the layers, enhancing the dessert's rich, velvety mouthfeel.
• Portion Control Hack: Use a sharp, clean knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. This technique creates clean, precise slices that showcase the beautiful layered structure of the dessert.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 11

Dreamy Pioneer Woman Chocolate Eclair Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Classic chocolate eclair cake offers creamy layers of pudding and graham crackers, topped with rich chocolate frosting. Dessert enthusiasts love this simple yet elegant no-bake treat that delivers delightful sweetness without complicated preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 14.4 oz (408 g) graham crackers
• 2 boxes (3.4 oz/96 g each) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk
• 3 cups (720 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 14 oz (397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 8 oz (226 g) semisweet chocolate bars, finely chopped
• 2 tsps vanilla bean paste

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Instructions

1. Whip Cream Creation: Combine cold heavy whipping cream and sweetened condensed milk in a mixing bowl. Whip with an electric mixer until firm, voluminous peaks form.
2. Pudding Preparation: In a separate bowl, whisk whole milk, vanilla pudding mixes, vanilla bean paste, and remaining sweetened condensed milk until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Cream and Pudding Fusion: Gently fold whipped cream into pudding mixture in three careful additions, maintaining an airy texture.
4. Layer Foundation: In a 13×9-inch glass baking dish, create the first graham cracker base, trimming crackers to ensure an even surface.
5. First Pudding Layer: Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the graham cracker base, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Secondary Construction: Add a second graham cracker layer, then distribute remaining pudding mixture uniformly.
7. Final Structure: Top with a final graham cracker layer, completing the dessert’s foundational layers.
8. Initial Chilling: Refrigerate the assembled cake for 30 minutes to stabilize and set layers.
9. Ganache Development: Place chopped chocolate in a heat-resistant bowl.
10. Cream Heating: Warm heavy cream until steaming, approximately 45-60 seconds in the microwave.
11. Chocolate Melting: Pour warm cream over chocolate, allowing it to rest for one minute to facilitate gentle melting.
12. Ganache Refinement: Whisk chocolate and cream until achieving a smooth, glossy consistency.
13. Ganache Application: Remove chilled cake and generously pour ganache over the top layer.
14. Surface Perfection: Use a spatula to spread ganache evenly, creating an elegant coating.
15. Final Chilling: Return cake to refrigerator, covered, to set ganache and thoroughly chill for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight before serving.

Notes

• Whip with Precision: Achieve firm peaks by keeping heavy cream and equipment cold, preventing overbeating that can turn cream grainy.
• Pudding Perfection: Whisk thoroughly to eliminate lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth base that blends seamlessly with whipped cream.
• Layer Strategically: Trim graham crackers precisely to create an even, stable foundation that prevents structural collapse and ensures uniform texture.
• Ganache Technique: Let chocolate rest in warm cream to melt gradually, creating a glossy, smooth topping without burning or separating the mixture.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg