Banana Eclair Cake welcomes you with layers of honey graham crackers, luscious banana pudding whipped to cloudlike perfection, and banana slices that sing with sunny sweetness. Each slice is dressed in a glossy chocolate ganache that glistens like a secret indulgence. Building this dessert is like crafting a little bit of joy—just spoon, layer, and chill for a few hours until the grahams soften into dreamy sweetness. The first forkful combines crisp, creamy, and fruity notes in a playful dance that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re hosting brunch or sweetening up a weeknight, this no-bake wonder steals the show every time.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Banana Eclair Cake
- Irresistibly creamy banana flavor in every bite.
- No baking required, making it a breeze to prepare.
- Perfect for gatherings, impressing friends and family.
- Layers of texture with graham crackers and bananas.
- Can be made ahead and stored for later enjoyment.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 0 minutes |
| Extra Time | 240 minutes (Chilling) |
| Total Time | 255 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 12 |
| Best Served | Chilled and garnished with banana slices |
Ingredients
Here are the delightful ingredients you’ll need to create the scrumptious Banana Eclair Cake!
- 6.8 ounces (96g) instant banana cream pudding mix – ensures a rich banana flavor
- 2¾ cups cold whole milk – adds creaminess
- 8 ounces (226g) thawed whipped topping – for a light and fluffy texture
- 14.4 ounces (408g) honey graham crackers – provides the delightful crunch
- 9–10 medium ripe bananas, peeled and sliced – adds natural sweetness (reserve 15 slices for garnish)
- 16 ounces (453g) chocolate frosting – for a luscious chocolatey finish
How to Make Banana Eclair Cake
This delightful Banana Eclair Cake is a no-bake treat that combines creamy banana pudding, fresh bananas, and chocolate frosting. With a preparation time of about 15 minutes and a chilling time of 4 hours, this cake is perfect for any occasion!
Step 1: Whisk the Pudding
In a mixing bowl, whisk cold milk and pudding mix on low speed until thickened (2½–3 minutes).
Step 2: Fold in Whipped Topping
Gently fold whipped topping into pudding with a spatula.
Step 3: Prepare the Dish
Line a 9Ă—13 dish with graham crackers.
Step 4: Add Bananas
Layer sliced bananas over crackers.
Step 5: Spread Pudding
Spread half the pudding mixture over bananas and smooth.
Step 6: Repeat Layers
Repeat layers of crackers, bananas, and remaining pudding.
Step 7: Final Layer of Crackers
Top with a final layer of crackers.
Step 8: Prepare the Frosting
Remove metal lid from frosting, microwave 30–45 seconds until pourable, stir and pour over top layer.
Step 9: Chill the Cake
Chill covered for 4 hours.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Cut into 3Ă—5 slices, garnish with reserved banana slices. Store refrigerated up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months (ungarnished).
Pro Tips for Making Banana Eclair Cake
- Use ripe bananas for extra sweetness.
- Make the layers even for better presentation.
- Use a cold metal bowl to whip ingredients more quickly.
- Garnish just before serving to keep it fresh.
How to Serve this Banana Eclair Cake
- Serve chilled for a refreshing treat.
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
- Add a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for extra crunch.
- Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for a sweet twist.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this cake ahead and store it easily:
Storing Leftovers
- Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Keep it in an airtight container for best results.
Freezing
- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months without garnishing.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
- Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Check for warmth; avoid overheating to maintain texture.
- Serve immediately for the best taste.
Banana Eclair Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, whisk cold milk and pudding mix on low speed until thickened (2½–3 minutes).
- Gently fold whipped topping into pudding with a spatula.
- Line a 9Ă—13 dish with graham crackers.
- Layer sliced bananas over crackers.
- Spread half the pudding mixture over bananas and smooth.
- Repeat layers of crackers, bananas, and remaining pudding.
- Top with a final layer of crackers.
- Remove metal lid from frosting, microwave 30–45 seconds until pourable, stir and pour over top layer.
- Chill covered for 4 hours.
- Cut into 3Ă—5 slices, garnish with reserved banana slices. Store refrigerated up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months (ungarnished).
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 10g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbs | 38g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Fiber | 1g |
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?
Absolutely! While this recipe features banana cream pudding, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or chocolate to create your own unique twist on the Banana Eclair Cake. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change accordingly!
2. How can I prevent the bananas from browning?
To keep your bananas looking fresh, you can toss the sliced bananas in a little lemon juice before layering them in the cake. The acidity in the lemon juice helps slow down the browning process, keeping your dessert looking beautiful until it’s time to serve!
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Banana Eclair Cake a day in advance! Just make sure to cover it well and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious when you serve it!
4. Is it possible to freeze the Banana Eclair Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the Banana Eclair Cake for up to 3 months. However, it’s best to freeze it without the banana garnish, as the bananas may not thaw well. Just remember to cover it tightly to prevent freezer burn!
Final Thoughts
Get ready to indulge in the delightful layers of Banana Eclair Cake! This easy-to-make dessert is a nostalgic treat that brings smiles to every gathering. With its creamy banana filling and rich chocolate frosting, it’s a sweet reminder of simpler times. So gather your loved ones, whip up this cake, and enjoy every delicious bite!