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Overhead view of sliced chocolate eclair ice cream cake topped with chocolate ganache and graham cracker crumbs.
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Frozen Chocolate Eclair Cake with Vanilla Bean Cream

This No-Churn Chocolate Eclair Ice Cream Cake layers vanilla bean cream, graham crackers, and chocolate ganache. You do not need an ice cream maker for this recipe.
Prep Time30 minutes
Freezing Time8 hours
Total Time8 hours 30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: ice cream cake, no bake
Servings: 12 people
Author: Jillian Wade

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch metal baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Offset spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Microwave safe-bowl
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting board

Ingredients

The Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Base

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream very cold
  • 14- ounce can sweetened condensed milk chilled
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla bean paste
  • teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 box 14.4 ounces honey graham crackers

Chocolate Ganache

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnishes (optional)

  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Flaky sea salt

Instructions

Prepare the Pan

  • Line a 9x13-inch metal baking pan with parchment paper. Leave a 2-inch overhang on the long sides.

The First Layer

  • Place a solid layer of graham crackers at the bottom of the pan. Break some crackers to fill any small gaps so the ice cream base cannot seep underneath.

Whip the Cream

  • In a large bowl or with a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the cold heavy whipping cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Do not over-beat until it becomes grainy.

Fold the "Custard"

  • In a separate large bowl, whisk together the chilled sweetened condensed milk, vanilla bean paste, and salt. Gently fold about a third of the whipped cream into the milk to lighten it. Then, fold in the remaining whipped cream until no white streaks remain.

Assemble the Layers

  • Layer 1: Pour half of the ice cream mixture over the bottom crackers. Spread it into an even layer with an offset spatula.
  • Layer 2: Add a second layer of graham crackers directly on top of the cream.
  • Layer 3: Pour the remaining ice cream mixture over the second cracker layer and smooth it out.
  • Layer 4: Add the final layer of graham crackers.

Make the Soft-Freeze Ganache

  • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, heavy cream, and corn syrup. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract. Let the ganache sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly so it does not melt the top layer of cream.

The Finish

  • Pour the warm ganache over the top layer of crackers. Spread it to the very edges.

Freeze

  • Place the pan flat in the freezer. Freeze for at least 8 hours, though overnight is preferred. This ensures the crackers soften just enough to become "cake-like" while the ice cream fully sets.

Finish and Serve

  • Sprinkle a few extra graham cracker crumbs or a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the ganache before it fully freezes (optional).
  • Once frozen, grab the parchment handles and lift the entire block onto a cutting board.
  • Use a sharp knife to cut the ice cream cake into slices and serve.

Notes

Freeze: Store leftover cake in the freezer. Wrap the pan tightly in multiple layers of plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to one month.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 378kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 90mg | Potassium: 257mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 825IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 137mg | Iron: 1mg