No Bake Lemon Ice Box Cake (Eclair Cake) Recipe (2024)

This No Bake Lemon Ice Box Cake is simple, quick, full of flavor and so easy to make. You are going to love this delicious dessert.

No Bake Lemon Ice Box Cake (Eclair Cake) Recipe (1)

I love our No-Bake Eclair Cake Recipe and decided to mix it up with lemon – and this No Bake Lemon Ice Box Cake was born!

It is the perfect light dessert that requires no heat AT ALL – so it’s perfect for hot summer days.

Make sure you have these ingredients to make this amazing No Bake Lemon Ice Box Cake:

No Bake Lemon Ice Box Cake Ingredients:

  1. Instant Lemon Pudding Mix
  2. Cool Whip
  3. Milk
  4. Graham Crackers
  5. Butter
  6. Powdered Sugar
  7. Lemon Juice

Don’t forget these items too:

  • Mixing Bowls (THIS set is our favorite)
  • 9 x 13 inch pan (THIS pan comes with a lid)
  • Hand Mixer
No Bake Lemon Ice Box Cake (Eclair Cake) Recipe (2)

No Bake Lemon Ice Box Cake (Eclair Cake) Recipe (3)

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No Bake Lemon Ice Box Cake (Eclair Cake) Recipe (4)

How to make No Bake Lemon Ice Box Cake:

In a large bowl, mix together the pudding mixes, cool whip, and milk. Mix it until it is completely set up and has thickened. It will be pretty thick and creamy but will still have a soft texture to it.

In a 9 x 13 inch pan, place a single layer of graham crackers on the bottom of the pan. You will need to break a few graham crackers so that the entire bottom of the pan is covered.

Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the graham crackers.

Then place another layer of graham crackers on top of the pudding. Then layer on the other half of pudding.

Place one more layer of graham crackers on the pudding.

Mix all of the frosting ingredients together and spread over all.

Cover and place in the fridge for 4 hours. Then slice and serve.

We have found that we like this cake even better the next day.

Related recipe: Love lemon desserts? Try our Lemon Fluff Dessert – layers of graham cracker crust, cheesecake, and lemon pudding make the perfect summery treat.

Would cook and serve pudding work?

For this recipe, cook and serve pudding would not work. You need to use instant pudding for this recipe.

Looking for more no bake desserts? Try these:

  • No Bake Lemon Cookie Truffles
  • No Bake Scotcheroo Bars
  • Skinny No Bake Coconut Bars
  • No Bake Turtle Cake
  • Skinny No Bake Peanut Butter Pie
  • Frozen Lemon Fluff Dessert
  • No Bake Strawberry Ice Box Cake
  • No Bake Chocolate Raspberry Eclair Cake

No Bake Lemon Ice Box Cake (Eclair Cake) Recipe (5)

Serves: 15

No Bake Lemon Ice Box Cake (Eclair Cake) Recipe

5 from 2 votes

This No Bake Lemon Ice Box Cake is simple, quick, full of flavor and so easy to make.

Prep Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

PrintPin

Ingredients

  • 2 (3.5 ounce) packages instant lemon pudding mix
  • 8 ounces cool whip 1 container
  • 3 cups milk
  • 16 ounces graham crackers 1 package

Lemon Frosting

  • ½ cup butter
  • cups powdered sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons milk
  • 2 Tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, mix together the pudding mixes, Cool Whip, and milk.

  • In a 9 x 13 inch pan, place a single layer of graham crackers on the bottom of the pan (you may need to break a few graham crackers so that the entire bottom of the pan is covered).

  • Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the graham crackers. Place another single layer of graham crackers on top of the pudding and then layer the second half of the pudding on top of those crackers.

  • Place one more single layer of graham crackers on top of the pudding.

  • Mix together ingredients for the lemon frosting and spread over all.

  • Cover and place in the fridge for about 4 hours.

Notes

  • We found that we like this cake even better then next day.

Nutrition

Calories: 284 kcal · Carbohydrates: 41 g · Protein: 4 g · Fat: 12 g · Saturated Fat: 6 g · Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g · Monounsaturated Fat: 3 g · Trans Fat: 1 g · Cholesterol: 24 mg · Sodium: 287 mg · Potassium: 141 mg · Fiber: 1 g · Sugar: 24 g · Vitamin A: 298 IU · Vitamin C: 1 mg · Calcium: 100 mg · Iron: 1 mg

Recipe Details

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

This post was included in our I Can’t Believe These Are NO Bake Desserts video – for more inexpensive and delicious recipes like this one, click here to check it out!

Join The Discussion

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  1. Deb says:

    Why mention the sickness with something that sounds so amazing? Total downer, but I might try to make this. No one wants to hear of a stomach flu right before a recipe. Mmmm vomit & lemon cake! Can't wait! No.

  2. Angie says:

    Looks delicious. I want to try and make this for a large group. Does it set up firm enough before putting it in the fridge, that I could make this and layer it on a half sheet pan? I don't want to attempt it, and have it drooping and sliding out of the pan!

  3. Elaine says:

    Just came back from the store to get ingredients to make this cake and I accidentally bought one box "instant" pudding and one box "cook & serve" pudding. Oops! Do you think it's a problem to use one of each like that...or should I head back to the store and grab another box of instant?

  4. Sinea Pies says:

    Love this recipe. The lemon and graham crackers are so tasty together. No bake? Doesn't get any better than this.Blessings,SineaDucks ?n a Row

  5. Cheryl says:

    I make the chocolate eclair cake that is similar to this. With that recipe you put a tub of chocolate frosting in the microwave for a minute then pour it over he cake. I'm going to try that with lemon frosting. I think it should work the same and it's very quick and simple. I'vee been craving a lemon dessert. Can't wait to try this one.

  6. divine says:

    looks yummy.,problem is can't find a lemon pudding here in my place,help me for an alternative.thanks

  7. Rachel says:

    I made this for a potluck this weekend and it turned out great! I wish I'd had a lemon to slice up pretty on top of the cake though because it just seemed kind of pale and plain. But looks are deceiving because this was delicious!! I used a bit more lemon juice in the frosting to give it a little more kick!This would be good with any flavor of pudding. Just modify the frosting to compliment the pudding (vanilla or almond extract instead of lemon juice would be good, or a can of melted chocolate frosting).

  8. Cyd says:

    You will need instant. There is a huge difference.

  9. todd says:

    Vanilla pudding with lemon extract

  10. Krista Low says:

    Simple, easy, and absolutely delish. Love this recipe, I know it will be a crowd pleaser :) Krista @ A Handful of Everything

  11. Nichi - The Mandatory Mooch says:

    This post is being featured on my Lemon Love 50 recipe round up. Thanks for previously linking it to my Tasty Thursdays party. Enjoy!! Nichihttp://mandatorymooch.blogspot.com/2013/07/fantastic-fruit-series-week-1-lemon-love.html

  12. Allie says:

    I've got to try this! I have some push pop containers, I bet they would work - NO BAKE - you have to love anything LEMON, but NO bake, too. WIN WIN!

  13. dotti says:

    can you please tell me what cool whip is and grahams crackers ?? i live in australia and have not heard of them id apprecate it if possible absoloutly love all your ideas thanks dotti

  14. Cyd says:

    Cool Whip is a non dairy whipped topping. It's in the frozen food section in the United States. Graham crackers are found on Amazon.com or you can make your own on our sister site - MyRecipeMagic.com http://myrecipemagic.com/recipe/recipedetail/homemade-graham-crackers

  15. Jennifer says:

    It says 1-2 Cups of powdered sugar... Is it one cup or two?..

  16. Cyd says:

    Two!

  17. Christy says:

    Made this dessert for Easter Dinner and it was a hit! Made it the night before but it would have been fine made the morning of also. Doubled the Lemon juice in the icing to cut the sweetness a tad. Easy and delicious :-)

  18. Peggy says:

    love Lemon Icebox Cake

  19. Ulz says:

    This cake is AWESOME! I love the lemon and graham cracker taste. The frosting was extremely too sweet though..2 cups of powdered sugar is way too much. I added 1 1/2 cups and it was still too much. I had to doctor up my frosting with extra lemon juice and extra cool whip to decrease the sweetness. Very good recipe other than that. Thank you for sharing! Will be making this again.

  20. Selma Cantor says:

    I am only one person in the household. Can't wait to try it. How long will this keep in the frig? Do you think I could half the recipe and still get a good result?[emailprotected]

  21. Cyd says:

    Hi Selma, this dessert is fine in the fridge for a few days. Keep it covered well. Where this is a no bake dessert, you could easily cut the recipe in half and put it into a smaller dish. Original recipe calls for a 9 x 13. So if you have something about half that size it would be great.

  22. Barbara Dinkins says:

    I just tried this & My Icing Looked gritty What did I do Wrong ? Thinking about Getting Lemon Cake icing & use it on Top , Need this for Church in the Morning HELP 10/17/15 Help !!

  23. April says:

    I have made ice box cakes very similar to this and it really needs to be in a cassrrole dish with raised sides

  24. Marlene says:

    confectioner sugar is powdered sugar, sometimes people get it mixed up with regular sugar.

  25. Terra E says:

    HELL! I'm in the process of making the frosting and it's curdling! I have no idea what I did wrong. I followed the recipe exactly. On my way to the store to grab more ingredients for the frosting. Please let me know what to do to sure my frosting is smooth. Making this for Easter tomorrow! Thank you!!

  26. Terra E says:

    I meant HELP! =)

  27. Kim F says:

    Made this last night but bought cook and serve pudding instead of instant. I imagine that's why it was too liquidy... So I put it in the freezer for a couple hours, then spread it on the crackers like soft serve. I then put the whole thing in the freezer overnight. Moving it over to the fridge and hopefully in a couple hours it will be soft enough to cut but not soup!

  28. Cyd says:

    Hi Terra, We have never had a problem with the frosting curdling. The butter is softened to room temp, not melted. Hope it all turns out for you!

  29. Brenda says:

    Has anyone made it without the frosting? I can do without the extra sugar.

  30. Ellen says:

    Once it's frozen for 4 hours and you serve it, where do you put the leftovers? Freezer or ice box?

  31. Brenda says:

    Never mind! Made it without the frosting. Excellent!

  32. Cyd says:

    We keep it in the fridge, it doesn't last too long at our house!

  33. Kimberly Mueller says:

    My 16 yr old son made the No Bake Lemon Icebox Cake for a church event last night. It was delicious. He did cut back almost 1/2 the confectioner's sugar and he did add extra fresh organic lemon juice. I am so proud of him. It was a big hit!

  34. Kimberly Mueller says:

    my 16 yr old used 1/2 the sugar and it was delicious. he even added extra lemon juice to the frosting. his was thinner than the picture, but unbelievably yummy!

  35. Lisa says:

    This looks amazing! Perfect for Meyer's lemons. I saw vanilla graham crackers the last time I was at the grocery store; I think I'll give those a try with this. Thanks for such great recipes!

  36. Kay says:

    I wanted a more pronounced lemon taste and zest alone wasn't doing it, so I added 1-1/2 packages unsweetened lemonade Kool Aid. It really upped the flavor and added some nice yellow color, too. Highly recommend!

  37. Amy says:

    I bought both cook & serve. Do you think I could make the pudding on the stove according to the directions on the package and assemble with the graham crackers and cool whip according to the recipe?

  38. Cyd says:

    You could try it. I really don't know how it will all work out since we have only made it with instant. Be sure it's completely cooled like instant pudding would be before adding the cool whip. If you add the cool whip to the warm pudding it could be a disaster. Best of luck to you!

  39. mel says:

    how does anyone define "Mix"? as in mix together the pudding mixes, Cool Whip, and milkI beat for about 3 minutes kind of like how you would for pudding and then I couldn't spread I got more of a drop on it and the frostinggood but curiousthanks

  40. Lori says:

    I am looking forward to making this yummy cake, but I too am a bit confused by "mix". Do you simple stir the ingredients together? No beating with mixer? Also, Cool Whip-frozen or thawed? makes a difference I'm sure.

  41. Cyd says:

    We used a hand mixer when mixing together the pudding mixes, cool whip and milk. The cool whip should be thawed.

  42. Gail says:

    My friend just made this and she decorate the top with raspberries

  43. mel says:

    How long did you mix it?

  44. Cyd says:

    Just until mixed well and it starts to thicken. When you spread it over the graham crackers, it is thick. Spread it carefully to keep the graham crackers in place.

  45. Donna says:

    Can you keep frozen for s couple of days before serving?

  46. Cyd says:

    This will be fine for a few days frozen. Be sure you keep it covered well when it is in the freezer.

  47. GCW says:

    How long does it need to be out of the freezer before being ready to serve? Thank you!

  48. Cyd says:

    I would think 1 hour should be fine. You just need to be able to easily cut it with a knife. You can always stick it back in the fridge after it's thawed to keep it cold. Hope this helps. :)

  49. Donna Howard says:

    Enjoyed this dessert very much!! I made it for Easter family dinner. Very good lemon taste not too hard to make. Will make again

  50. Melissa says:

    Did you try store bought lemon frosting?

  51. Lindsey says:

    Can you possibly use whip cream instead of cool whip?

  52. Lynda Buchholz says:

    Can this be frozen in individual portions?

  53. Momma Cyd says:

    Sure, you can freeze it in any size portions.

  54. Becca says:

    I made this recipe for Easter and it was a huge success!! I absolutely loved it. I've never made pudding with cool whip before, but I will definitely use it in the future.

    No Bake Lemon Ice Box Cake (Eclair Cake) Recipe (6)

  55. Krys says:

    I make a quick lemon frosting (and chocolate, vanilla) with the instant pudding mix, milk, and Cool Whip. This is the same filling you are using, and I love it so this is a contender for a birthday cake next week - need something easy as it is hot and we are temporarily living in a place with a tiny kitchen, it's not practical for more complicated baking. Thanks!

  56. Margaret L says:

    I have made the Éclair Cake many times with vanilla pudding and chocolate frosting on top. This is a nice change! I did add 1-2 tsp. more milk and lemon juice to frosting so easy to spread and added lemon zest. I think this would be delicious with Biscoff cookies instead of graham crackers.

    No Bake Lemon Ice Box Cake (Eclair Cake) Recipe (7)

  57. Momma Cyd says:

    Yes, anything with Biscoff cookies is a win!!

  58. Tracy says:

    Just loose graham cracker crumbs? No need to mix with butter? Thanks.

  59. Momma Cyd says:

    Place the whole graham crackers in the bottom and break some up to cover the bottom of the entire pan. The pudding softens the graham crackers and it's just like an eclair. We also have a regular eclair cake which is absolutely amazing. Here is the link - https://www.sixsistersstuff.com/recipe/no-bake-eclair-cake/

No Bake Lemon Ice Box Cake (Eclair Cake) Recipe (8)

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No Bake Lemon Ice Box Cake (Eclair Cake) Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is eclair cake made of? ›

To make an éclair cake, simply top layers of graham crackers and creamy French vanilla pudding with a decadent homemade chocolate ganache before popping it into the fridge for a few hours to set. That's it!

How long does an icebox cake need to be refrigerated? ›

Let the cake rest in the fridge for at least six hours so that the filling softens and merges with the cookie layers. Don't: Leave the icebox cake in the fridge for more than one or two days; it will lose texture and become soggy, especially if you are using juicy fresh fruit.

What is the history of the icebox cake? ›

History. The icebox cake is derived from similar desserts such as the charlotte and the trifle and made to be more accessible to prepare. It was first introduced to the United States in the 1920s, as companies were promoting the icebox as a kitchen appliance.

Can you freeze icebox cake? ›

The more the cake sits in the cold refrigerator, the better the texture is and the more the ingredients set. If by any chance you're in need of many desserts within a few days, simply make two of these cakes, chill both, and freeze one for later use. When ready to eat, simply thaw overnight and serve.

What's the difference between an éclair and a French éclair? ›

Eclairs in England tend to use whipped cream as a filling. The French don't do this: the filling is always some variant of crème pâtissière (pastry cream or creme pat in English), either vanilla or chocolate.

What kind of pastry is a classic éclair made from? ›

'lightning') is a pastry made with choux dough filled with a cream and topped with a flavored icing. The dough, which is the same as that used for profiterole, is typically piped into an oblong shape with a pastry bag and baked until it is crisp and hollow inside.

Can you leave a cake out of the fridge overnight? ›

How long can cake sit out unrefrigerated? If your cake is frosted with buttercream, it will last covered at room temperature for up to four days. However, it is best to refrigerate cakes with other frostings such as cream cheese or ganache. A fully covered unfrosted cake will last for up to 2 days at room temperature.

Why is it called an icebox cake? ›

The popularity of these desserts dates back to the rise of refrigeration and early 20th century advertising, says Megan Elias, a historian of American food who directs the Food Studies program at Boston University. As the name suggests, icebox cakes began with literal iceboxes, which kept food cool with a chunk of ice.

Should you cover an iced cake in the fridge? ›

Unfrosted: Before refrigerating, wrap the cake or cake layers in plastic wrap to protect them from drying out or absorbing refrigerator smells. Frosted: Chill the cake uncovered for 15 minutes to harden the icing, then loosely wrap it in plastic wrap.

What is the oldest cake in the world? ›

The Egyptians gave us the world's oldest known cake–and also the world's oldest Tupperware as it happens. During the reign of Pepi II from BCE 2251 to 2157, bakers mixed up a wheat dough for flatbread and filled it with honey and milk. The dough was poured into two pre-heated copper molds that fit tightly together.

How old is the oldest cake in the world? ›

The Alimentarium Food Museum in Vevey, Switzerland has on display the worlds oldest cake, which was sealed and vacuum-packed in the grave of Pepionkh, who lived in Ancient Egypt around 2200 BC.

Is Pinata cake Mexican? ›

Named after the popular Mexican piñata party game, where people bash a paper-mache figure filled with sweets, this amazing cake contains a candy surprise inside. Piñata cake is made by layering cakes on top of one another, with the center of two of the cake layers removed to make space for candy.

Does an icebox cake go in the fridge or freezer? ›

Turn cake out onto a platter, remove plastic wrap and cover with remaining whipped cream. Place in freezer for 30 minutes or until solid. Slice while frozen and serve at room temperature. Store leftovers wrapped in the freezer or refrigerator.

Do you refrigerate or freeze icebox cake? ›

Let's get one thing out of the way first: Contrary to popular belief, icebox cake is not a frozen dessert. It never goes in the freezer, despite the “ice” in the name. Instead it gets refrigerated for a few hours.

When were icebox cakes popular? ›

1930s. In the 1930s icebox cakes became popular as the new kitchen appliance- the icebox- was popular in homes. Below is a recipe for an icebox cake from the 1930s.

What is éclair filling made of? ›

Assembling the Éclairs

Chantilly cream (French whipped cream for éclairs) – Simply beat together cream, vanilla, icing sugar (powdered sugar) and, if using the stabilised cream option which I highly recommend (see below), mascarpone as well until firm peaks form.

What is éclair cream made of? ›

In a medium bowl, combine egg yolks, egg, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Add cornstarch and flour; whisk until smooth and pale yellow. Set aside. In a medium saucepan, combine milk and remaining 3/4 cup sugar.

What is the origin of the eclair cake? ›

A classic French pastry, the invention of the éclair is credited to Marie-Antoine Carême, the same chef known for the croquembouche. Both desserts hinge on pâte à choux—fun fact, choux translates as “cabbage,” which is what the dough looks like when it bakes up, sort of.

Is an éclair a chocolate or sweet? ›

Cadbury Eclairs: Cadbury milk chocolate encased in a chewy caramel. Launched 1965. Cadbury Eclairs Orange Twist: Orange flavour Cadbury milk chocolate encased in a chewy caramel.

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