Chocolate Eclair Cake
Ingredients
- 960 gWhole milk
3% fat
- 200 gGranulated sugar
- 160 gEgg yolk
approximate yolk of 8 eggs
- 50 gCorn starch
- 50 gAll purpose flour
- ½ tbspVanilla extract
- 110 gUnsalted butter
82% fat, at room temperature
- 230 gHeavy cream
36% fat content, cold
- 230 gSemi-sweet chocolate
- 230 gHeavy cream
36% fat content
- 1 tbspVegetable oil
- 14 ozGraham cracker
Directions
Diplomat cream
- 1
Start with making a basic pastry cream: whisk the sugar and egg yolks together in a bowl for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, add the cornstarch, flour, and vanilla, and mix until the mixture is smooth.
- 2
In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to simmer (but not boil). Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to temper the yolks.
- 3
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens—this should take about a minute after boiling. If the mixture is lumpy, keep whisking until smooth. Remove from heat and strain if necessary.
- 4
Gradually add the softened butter, mixing until fully incorporated.
- 5
Cover the pastry cream with plastic wrap and let it come to room temperature while preparing a 9x13 / 22x33cm baking dish and your Graham crackers.
- 6
Once the cream is cooled to room temperature, place very cold 36% fat-content heavy cream in a mixing bowl and use an electric hand mixer to whip the mixture for about 2-3 minutes until fluffy. Do not overwhip.
- 7
Gently loosen the pastry cream with a few quick whisks, then carefully, using a rubber spatula, fold in the whipped heavy cream, ensuring the mixture stays light and airy.
Assemble
- 1
To assemble, divide the graham crackers into 3 (as there will be three layers) and the diplomat cream into 2 (as there will be two layers).
- 2
Place one-third of the graham crackers in a single, tight layer at the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking pan. Break the crackers as necessary to fit. Evenly spread half of the diplomat cream on top. Add a second layer of graham crackers on top of this. Then, spread the remaining diplomat cream. Finally, top with a third layer of graham crackers.
- 3
Refrigerate while preparing the chocolate ganache glaze.
Chocolate ganache glaze
- 1
Semi-melt the chocolate in the microwave. Meanwhile, heat the cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour the simmering cream over the melted chocolate and stir until smooth, then stir in the oil. Set aside and allow the glaze to cool to about 30°C (86°F). It should have a smooth consistency—neither too runny nor too thick—before spreading it all over the cake.
- 2
Pour the chocolate ganache glaze over the cake and smooth with a spatula. Chill the cake for 4 hours before serving, for the layers to soften.
- 3
Serve the Chocolate eclair cake after the 4 hours of chilling time. Any leftovers can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for 2 days. The layers will further soften over time.
Chocolate Eclair Cake
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About this Recipe
Indulge in Easy, No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake Perfection
Looking for an impressive yet effortless dessert? This Chocolate Eclair Cake is your answer! Forget complicated baking – this no-bake wonder brings all the classic flavors of an eclair into a simple, layered cake format that's perfect for any gathering. It's a true crowd-pleaser, combining creamy indulgence with a delightful crunch, making it one of the best easy chocolate dessert recipes you'll ever make.
What makes this no-bake chocolate eclair cake truly special? It all comes down to the layers. We start with a foundation of crisp graham crackers (or digestive biscuits for a subtle change), which soften just enough to create a delightful texture. The star, however, is the rich, homemade diplomat cream. This luxurious filling is a blend of creamy pastry cream and light, airy whipped heavy cream, infused with fragrant vanilla extract. It's truly a dream!
Crowning this masterpiece is a luscious, decadent chocolate ganache. Made with semi-sweet chocolate and heavy cream, it creates a glossy, smooth finish that's utterly irresistible. A touch of vegetable oil ensures that beautiful shine. Each spoonful offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes – the satisfying crackle of the cracker, the silken smoothness of the diplomat cream, and the intense richness of the chocolate ganache.
This easy chocolate eclair cake recipe is not just about simplicity; it's about delivering incredible flavor with minimal fuss. It requires just 30 minutes of active prep time, then simply chills to perfection. It's an elegant dessert that looks like you spent hours, but actually lets you enjoy your time while it sets. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a special treat, this eclair cake is sure to become a cherished recipe in your repertoire.