Okay, friends, you HAVE to try this. If you’re anything like me, you love a good éclair, but sometimes the thought of making the choux pastry just… ugh. Too much work, right? That’s where this Lemon Éclair Cake comes in to save the day! Think of it as a no-bake, super-simplified éclair, but with a bright, lemony twist that’ll have everyone begging for seconds. My Grandma used to make a similar version with chocolate, but honestly, this lemon version? It’s the one my family requests at every single gathering. It’s light, it’s refreshing, and that creamy lemon filling? Forget about it. I bet that this Lemon éclair cake. How canWhat is your newest favorite song?

What is lemon éclair cake?

So, what *is* this magical creation, you ask? It’s essentially a layered dessert that mimics the flavors and textures of an éclair, but without all the fuss. We’re talking layers of graham crackers taking the place of pastry, a rich and creamy lemon filling that’s seriously addictive, and a smooth, glossy glaze that brings it all together. Think of it as an icebox cake, but instead of chocolate or berries, we’re going all-in on the lemon. It’s like a lemon bar and an éclair had a delicious baby, and honestly, it’s a lifesaver when you need a show-stopping dessert but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I begin? What makes lemon so refreshing? What is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, and the creamy filling is just heavenly. What is the best part? It is so easy to make. If you’re a novice baker, you can nail this recipe. What are some great ways to make Graham crackers, lemon pudding, Whipped Cream…? What are some pantry staples that won’t break the bank? What I love about this is how versatile it is. Can I make it ahead of time – it’s even better the next day after graham crackers? Is it really the perfect house?Lemon éclair cake.Plus, you can easily customize it to your liking. Add some fresh berries, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or even just some white chocolate. Is this a staple?

How do I make lemon éclair cake?

Quick Overview

How do I make lemon éclair cake? What are some good ways to top graham crackers with lemon pudding? With a glossy glaze. What is the beauty of this recipe? What’s the hardest part of waiting for it to chill in the fridge before digging in? Is the wait worth it?

Ingredients

For the Main Batter: The main battery:
* 1 (14.4 ounce) box graham crackers: I usually go for the honey graham crackers, but you can use any flavor you like. Is lemon pudding good for you? How do you make a lemon flavor instant? I always use whole milk for the richest flavor, but you can use 2% or even almond milk. I tested it with almond milk once, and it actually made the filling even creamier! * 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, frozen: I like to make my own Whipped Cream, but I don’t have a recipe for it. Is it really bad?

For the Glaze:
* 1 cup powdered sugar: This is the base of our glaze. Make sure it’s sifted so there are no lumps. * 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is always best! What is the consistency of 1 tablespoon of melted butter? * 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest: This adds richness and shine to the glaze. How do you add lemon to a recipe?

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Pan

Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Why do crackers stick to the bottom? I always use non-stick spray, but you can also use butter or shortening.

Step 2: Make Lemon Pudding Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the lemon pudding mix and milk until smooth. Set aside. Let it stand for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. Why is the cake soggy?

Step 3: Fold in Whipped Topping

Gently fold in the whipped topping until combined. I usually fold it in two batches. Be careful not to overmix, or the filling will deflate.

Step 4: Layer Graham Crackers and Filling

Arrange a layer of graham crackers in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, breaking them as you go. Spread half of the lemon pudding mixture evenly over the graham crackers. Repeat with another layer of graham crackers and the remaining pudding mixture.

Step 5: Make Lemon Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, melted butter, and lemon zest until smooth. Add more lemon juice, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. You want it to be thick enough to coat the cake, but thin enough to drizzle.

Step 6: Spread Glaze

How do you spread the lemon glaze over the top layer of graham crackers? How do I ensure it covers the entire surface?

Step 7: Chill

Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. How do you make graham crackers soft? I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me, it is worth it!

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Once the cake is chilled, slice it into squares and serve. Garnish with a lemon wedge or some fresh berries, if desired. It really does look so cute!

What should I serve it with?

This Lemon éclair cake.Is a good treat on its own?For Breakfast:What are the best accompaniments to hot tea? What are some good side dishes to serve with a side of fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries?For Brunch: Serve it alongside a mimosa or a bellini for a truly decadent brunch experience. It also goes great with a savory dish, like quiche or eggs benedict. I’ve even seen some people pair it with bacon!
As Dessert:What is the perfect end to a meal? Serve with vanilla Ice Cream or whipped cream. What are some good pairings with Moscato or Sauternes?For Cozy Snacks:What’s a good treat to have with ice cold chocolate on your morning commute?

How do I make a lemon éclair cake?

Want to make sure your Lemon Éclair Cake is absolutely perfect? Here are a few of my top tips:

How do I use fresh lemon juice?What’s wrong with bottled lemon juice? I’ve heard that it makes a difference!Don’t overmix the filling: Do notIf you overmix the filling, it will deflate, resulting in a less creamy texture. Gently fold in the whipped topping until just combined.How do I chill the cake thoroughly?Is this crucial? The graham crackers are soft and the flavors are melded. Chilling the cake allows the cracker to soften. I recommend chilling it overnight for best results.Adjust the Glaze Consistency:If the glaze is too thick, add more lemon juice, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. What is the desired consistency If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.How do you get creative with toppings? Feel free to add your own personal touch to this cake. Some of my favorite toppings include fresh berries, toasted coconut, a drizzle of white chocolate, and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Use different graham cracker flavours: My kids and I experimented with chocolate graham crackers recently, and it was a success!

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Lemon Éclair Cake is best stored in the refrigerator.

Room Temperature: I do not recommend storing this at room temperature, as the pudding will melt and not hold.
Refrigerator Storage: Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The longer it sits, the softer the graham crackers will become.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this cake, as the whipped topping can become watery when thawed.
Glaze Timing Advice: You can store the glaze separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I prefer to glaze the cake right before serving so the glaze stays nice and glossy. It really does matter!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free graham crackers for the regular graham crackers. Be sure to check the pudding mix and whipped topping to ensure they are also gluten-free. I recommend using a 1:1 gluten-free graham cracker replacement, the ratios are the same!

Do I need to use instant pudding mix?

Yes, it’s best to use instant pudding mix for this recipe. Cook-and-serve pudding mix will not work the same way. I tried it once and, trust me, the filling won’t set properly!

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, you can use homemade whipped cream, but keep in mind that it may not hold its shape as well as Cool Whip. If using homemade whipped cream, I recommend stabilizing it with a little bit of powdered sugar.

How can I make this cake less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the glaze or use a less sweet graham cracker. You can also use unsweetened almond milk in the pudding filling.

What can I use instead of the lemon glaze?

If you’re not a fan of lemon glaze, you can use a simple powdered sugar glaze or even a chocolate glaze. You can also dust the cake with powdered sugar or cocoa powder.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Éclair Cake is a true crowd-pleaser, and I know you’ll absolutely love it! It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from potlucks to birthday parties to a simple weeknight treat. If you’re looking for more easy and delicious dessert recipes, be sure to check out my other blog posts. And if you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment below or tag me on social media. Happy baking!

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