A creamy, chocolatey no-bake dessert made with layers of graham crackers, vanilla pudding, whipped topping, and a rich chocolate glaze. It’s easy to prepare and tastes even better after chilling overnight.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 packages (3.4 oz / 96 g each) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold whole milk
- 1 container (8 oz / 226 g) whipped topping, thawed
- 1 box (14–16 oz / 400–450 g) graham crackers
For the Chocolate Topping:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the pudding mixture
In a large bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with the cold milk for about 2 minutes, until thickened.
2. Add the whipped topping
Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture until smooth and creamy. Don’t overmix.
3. Make the first layer
Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch (23 × 33 cm) baking dish. Arrange a single layer of graham crackers across the bottom, breaking them as needed to cover the entire surface.
4. Add the cream layer
Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly over the graham crackers.
5. Add another cracker layer
Place another complete layer of graham crackers over the pudding.
6. Add the remaining filling
Spread the remaining pudding mixture evenly over the second cracker layer.
7. Finish with graham crackers
Add a final layer of graham crackers on top. Press very gently so the layers stay even.
🍫 Make the Chocolate Topping
8. Combine the ingredients
Place the butter, cocoa powder, sugar, and milk in a small saucepan over medium heat.
9. Heat until smooth
Stir continuously until the butter melts and the mixture becomes smooth. Bring it to a gentle boil and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
10. Add vanilla
Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
11. Cool slightly
Let the chocolate glaze cool for about 5–10 minutes, until it is warm but no longer extremely hot.
12. Cover the cake
Pour the chocolate topping over the final graham-cracker layer. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
❄️ Chill
13. Refrigerate
Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the graham crackers to soften and become cake-like.
14. Serve
Slice into squares and serve chilled.
⏱️ Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 6–8 hours
- Total Time: About 6½–8 hours
- Servings: 12–15
- Category: No-Bake Dessert / Chocolate Dessert
- Difficulty: Easy
Tip: For the best texture, make this dessert the day before serving. The overnight chilling makes the layers soft, creamy, and cake-like.
