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- 1 package of chocolate graham crackers - 2 cups heavy whipping cream - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon peppermint extract - 1 chocolate pudding mix (3.4 oz) - 2 cups milk - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 tablespoon coconut oil - Crushed peppermint candies for garnish When I make peppermint chocolate eclair cake, I gather all the ingredients first. This cake is simple, yet it feels fancy. Chocolate graham crackers form the base, creating a rich, chocolatey flavor. Heavy whipping cream adds a light and fluffy texture, while powdered sugar sweetens it just right. Vanilla and peppermint extracts bring warmth and a cool touch to each bite. The chocolate pudding mix adds depth, and milk makes it creamy. Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt beautifully with coconut oil for the topping. Finally, crushed peppermint candies give a festive crunch. Each ingredient plays a part in the magic. Together, they create a dessert that is both eye-catching and deeply satisfying. You will love making this cake, and your friends will love eating it! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, mix the chocolate pudding. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and 2 cups of milk. You want it smooth and thick. After mixing, set it aside. Let the pudding mixture sit for about 5 minutes. This time helps it firm up nicely. Next, we whip the cream. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of heavy whipping cream, 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract. Use a hand mixer to whip until you see soft peaks. This should take a few minutes. Now it’s time to assemble the cake. Grab a 9x13-inch baking dish. Start with a layer of chocolate graham crackers at the bottom. Cover it completely. Spread half of the chocolate pudding mixture over the graham crackers. Add another layer of graham crackers, followed by the rest of the pudding mixture. Finally, add one more layer of graham crackers on top. For the chocolate topping, melt the chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Use a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals. Stir in between until it becomes smooth and fully melted. After making the topping, drizzle the melted chocolate over the top layer of graham crackers. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Cover the dish with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. For the best results, chill overnight. This time is key for the flavors to blend well. Before serving, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top. This adds a festive touch. Cut the cake into squares and serve it chilled. Enjoy this delightful dessert treat! To make great whipped cream, you can use a stand mixer or a hand mixer. You can also whip by hand if you're up for a little workout! The key is to chill your bowl and beaters before whipping. This helps the cream whip faster. Aim for soft peaks, which means the cream holds its shape but is still a bit fluffy. If you don’t have heavy whipping cream, you can use chilled coconut cream or whipped topping. They give a nice texture too. For peppermint extract, try using peppermint oil or mint extract. Just use less, as they are stronger! This cake pairs well with hot cocoa or coffee. You can also serve it with vanilla ice cream for extra sweetness. It’s perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings. You can also enjoy it on a cozy night at home! Pro Tips Chill Your Tools: For a lighter whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for about 15 minutes before whipping the cream. Layering Technique: Ensure each layer of graham crackers is completely covered with pudding to prevent them from becoming soggy. Chocolate Drizzle Tips: Allow chocolate to cool slightly before drizzling to prevent it from melting the top layer of graham crackers. Garnishing Ideas: For an extra festive touch, consider adding whipped cream or chocolate shavings along with the crushed peppermint candies on top before serving. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavor of your Peppermint Chocolate Éclair Cake in fun ways. Try using different extracts to create new tastes. For example, almond extract pairs well with chocolate. You can also mix in orange extract for a citrus twist. If you want to add fruit flavors, think about using fresh berries. Strawberries or raspberries can bring a fresh zing to the dish. Just layer them in between the graham crackers for a tasty surprise. If you need to make this dessert gluten-free, you have options. Look for gluten-free chocolate graham crackers at the store. They work just as well in the recipe. If you're cooking for vegans, you can swap out some ingredients. Use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream. For the pudding, choose a vegan chocolate pudding mix. These small changes keep the dessert delicious and suitable for everyone. You can give your Éclair Cake a seasonal flair. For Christmas, use red and green decorations. Think about adding crushed candy canes on top. For birthdays, personalize the cake with colorful sprinkles. You can even use different flavors for special occasions. Try lemon extract for a summer party or pumpkin spice for fall. These ideas help make your dessert fit any celebration, adding special touches that everyone will love. To keep your peppermint chocolate éclair cake fresh, refrigerate it right away. Place the cake in an airtight container. This helps keep it moist and tasty. If you don’t have a container, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. You can also freeze this cake for later. To freeze, cut it into squares first. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight. In the fridge, this cake lasts up to five days. After that, the taste and texture may change. If you notice any off smells or a change in color, it’s best to throw it away. Always trust your senses when checking for spoilage. Remember, keeping the cake chilled is key to its success. Enjoy every bite while it's fresh! You can use regular graham crackers or vanilla wafers. You might even try Oreo cookies for a fun twist. Each option will change the taste a bit but will still be tasty. Yes, you can use milk or dark chocolate. Milk chocolate makes it sweeter, while dark chocolate gives a richer flavor. Choose what you like best for your taste buds. Making this dessert takes about 20 minutes to prepare. After that, it needs at least 4 hours to chill. For best results, chill it overnight to let the flavors blend. Yes, chilling makes the dessert taste better. It helps the layers set and gives the right texture. Without chilling, it may be too soft and messy. Absolutely! You can prepare it a day or two early. Just store it in the fridge. This makes it a great option for parties or special occasions. This dessert is a fun and tasty treat to make. You learned how to layer graham crackers, pudding, and whipped cream. The chocolate topping adds a rich finish, while peppermint gives it a fresh twist. Remember, you can customize it to fit any occasion. Don't forget to refrigerate it before serving to enhance the flavors. Enjoy your delicious eclair cake with friends or family! It's a simple delight that everyone will love.

Peppermint Chocolate Éclair Cake

A delicious no-bake dessert featuring layers of chocolate graham crackers, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream, topped with melted chocolate and crushed peppermint candies.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package chocolate graham crackers
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
  • 1 package chocolate pudding mix (3.4 oz)
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • to taste crushed peppermint candies for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and 2 cups of milk until smooth and thick. Set aside this mixture to let it firm up for about 5 minutes.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract. Using a hand mixer, whip until soft peaks form.
  • Gently fold the whipped cream into the prepared pudding mixture until fully blended.
  • In a 9x13-inch baking dish, create a single layer of chocolate graham crackers, covering the bottom completely. Spread half of the chocolate pudding mixture over the graham crackers. Add another layer of graham crackers, followed by the remaining pudding mixture. Finish with another layer of graham crackers on top.
  • In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted.
  • Pour the melted chocolate over the top layer of graham crackers, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
  • Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for best results.
  • Before serving, sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive touch. Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

For best results, refrigerate overnight.
Keyword chocolate, dessert, no-bake, peppermint