No-Bake Éclair Cupcakes are everything you love about classic chocolate éclairs—light, creamy, and chocolatey—reimagined as easy-to-make, individual cupcakes. With layers of buttery graham cracker crust, silky vanilla filling, and rich ganache on top, these chilled treats are perfect for parties, summer gatherings, or whenever you want a dessert that feels fancy with zero oven time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No Baking Required – Great for warm days when you want dessert without turning on the oven.

• Classic Flavor, New Form – A creative twist on the traditional éclair in cupcake form.

• Make-Ahead Friendly – These cupcakes need chilling, making them ideal for prepping the day before.

• Customizable – Swap the pudding flavor, add fruit, or use different crust options for variety.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 12 graham crackers, finely crushed

• 4 tablespoons melted butter

For the Filling

• 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding

• 1½ cups cold milk

• 1 cup Cool Whip or whipped topping

• Optional: 4 oz cream cheese, softened

For the Ganache

• 1 cup chocolate chips

• ½ cup heavy cream

Directions

Step 1: In a bowl, mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter until the crumbs are fully coated.

Step 2: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of cupcake liners placed in a muffin tin to create the crust base. Set aside.

Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding and cold milk for about 2 minutes, until thickened.

Step 4: Fold in Cool Whip and softened cream cheese (if using) until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.

Step 5: Spoon the filling evenly over the prepared crusts, smoothing the tops.

Step 6: To make the ganache, heat heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer.

Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips until fully melted and the ganache is smooth.

Step 8: Spoon or drizzle the ganache over the top of each cupcake.

Step 9: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until completely set.

Serving Ideas

• Garnish with chocolate curls or crushed graham crackers for extra flair.

• Add fresh berries on top for a fruity twist.

• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.

Tips & Variations

• Add Texture: Mix chopped nuts or crushed toffee bits into the crust or ganache.

• Flavor Boost: Swap vanilla pudding for chocolate, banana, or even cheesecake flavor.

• Mini Version: Use mini muffin tins and liners for bite-size éclairs—perfect for parties.

• Cream Cheese Bonus: Adding cream cheese makes the filling more cheesecake-like and rich.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes! Whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form as a substitute.

Do these cupcakes need to be stored in the fridge?
Absolutely. They must be kept chilled to maintain their texture and prevent the ganache from melting.

Can I freeze No-Bake Éclair Cupcakes?
Yes, they freeze well. Freeze them in an airtight container without ganache, then thaw in the fridge and add ganache before serving.

How far ahead can I make them?
These cupcakes are best when made a day in advance. They’ll keep in the fridge for 3–4 days.

Final Thoughts

These No-Bake Éclair Cupcakes offer the classic charm of an éclair with none of the fuss. Elegant yet effortless, they’re a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as easy to make as it is to love. Whether for celebrations, picnics, or weeknight treats, this recipe delivers layers of cool, creamy perfection every time.