No-Bake Key Lime Eclair Cake

This No-Bake Key Lime Eclair Cake is the perfect dessert to whip up in a snap and serve for any occasion. Made with key limes, vanilla pudding mixed with whipped cream, and layered between graham crackers, then topped with vanilla frosting. Discover the simple step-by-step recipe and elevate your dessert game with minimal effort.

No-Bake Key Lime Eclair Cake

Prep Time: 20 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes Additional Time: 6 Hours Total Time: 6 hours, 25 Minutes Servings: 1 Cake

If you’re a fan of bright, tangy flavors and creamy textures, then you’re in for a treat with this no-bake key lime eclair cake recipe. Perfect for warm days when turning on the oven feels like a crime, this dessert is not only easy to assemble but also packs a refreshing punch with every bite.

I came up with the version because, well, because my family loves my original eclair cake, but we also love key lime. So I married the two together, and we love this version.

Look for more delicious no-bake desserts and love icebox cakes. You may also want to try our Original No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake, Southern Banana Pudding Poke Cake or this Cookies and Cream Poke Cake.

Why You Will Love This Cake

• It is quick and easy! There’s no fancy springform pan, no water bath. No muss, no fuss. Just a simple, straightforward, delicious key lime eclair cake!
• They’re great for a crowd! This eclair cake is always a hit at any family get-together or party. This cake is made in a 9×13 pan, which means everyone at the party can have a slice!
• The flavors are amazing! There’s a time and a place for this lime eclair cake. I will ALWAYS choose a fun flavored pudding, Graham cracker layers, topped with frosting over a plain Jane cake every single time!

Ingredients Needed

If you scroll down, you will find the exact measurements and full recipe instructions.

• Graham crackers – I love to say that graham crackers are the star to laying the filling. You can choose to let them soak up all the filling to make it soft, or you can simply serve a few hours after making for a nice crunch.
• Instant vanilla pudding – Instant pudding, made with whole milk combined with delicious whipped topping, makes up the filling in each layer. It is silky-smooth and refreshing.
• Key Limes – When they are in season, you can find them everywhere, but you can use regular old limes. We are using every part of the lime, juice, and zest.
• Lime Extract – On top of the lime juice, we want to kick it up a bit. Just an FYI, my local grocery stores only carry lemon extract. I had to purchase this online.
• Vanilla frosting – I use store-bought chocolate frosting for the topping. It is a shortcut that I love. Plus, it makes this recipe super simple to make. You can swap out the canned frosting for your favorite homemade recipe.

How To Make This Key Lime Eclair Cake

STEP ONE: In a large mixing bowl, mix the instant pudding and the milk. Let it sit until the pudding firms up. Roughly 3 – 5 minutes. Then add in lime juice, lime zest, lime extract, and sugar. Continue to whip until mixed well and thick.

STEP TWO: Then gently fold in the whipped cream.

STEP THREE: Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch glass pan with nonstick cooking spray. Place a layer of whole graham crackers on the bottom of the pan. You may need to break some graham crackers apart to cover the entire bottom of the pan.

STEP FOUR: Spread half of the pudding mixture on top of the crackers. Layer another layer of graham crackers over the pudding mixture. Then layer the other half of the pudding mixture on top of the crackers. Finally, top with a last layer of graham crackers.

STEP FIVE: When using the store-bought frosting, remove the lid and foil liner. Place in the microwave for about 10-12 seconds. Give it a good stir, and it will be a lot easier to spread over your eclair cake. Spread chocolate frosting across the entire cake and place it in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 hours.

STEP SIX: Slice into 12 pieces and serve cold. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator! The Graham crackers will soften up the longer it sits, which gives it a soft eclair taste.

Smart Recipe Tips

Heat your store-bought frosting. Place in the microwave for about 10-12 seconds. Give it a good stir, and it will be a lot easier to spread over your eclair cake.

Chill for At Least 4 to 6 Hours: Don’t skimp on the chill time for this no-bake dessert – it’s necessary for the cake to reach the right consistency and for it to set up. I know it will be hard, but put your patience to work. The longer you let your cake rest in the fridge, the more your graham cracker layers will soak up any moisture from the pudding. 

Store Covered: Don’t forget to put the lid on your pan or cover it with plastic wrap while the cake chills.

Other Great No-Bake Desserts

Original No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake

No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheerio Bars

Easy No Bake Vanilla Cheesecake Cake Pops

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