Éclair Dessert

Every year our son, Ben, wants a chilled dessert for his birthday.  No baked cake or ice cream for him!  He always wants a make-ahead pudding dessert called,"Eclair Dessert".

  I got this recipe years ago from my church friend, Pat Hose.  She was in charge of planning the menu for our Ladies' Day luncheon one year and this is the dessert that we served.  I was one of the dessert makers, so luckily, I walked away with this great recipe!  I have changed the chocolate topping from the original recipe and added extra pudding to the filling.  I hope you like this as much as our family does.  Happy birthday to Ben!

Eclair Dessert

2 large pkg. vanilla instant pudding mixed according to direction on the box (for pie)

1 box of graham crackers

1 tub of Cool Whip

Fold 1/2 tub of Cool Whip into the prepared pudding.  Mix until thoroughly blended.  In large glass casserole place a single layer of graham crackers.  Spread a thick layer of pudding.  Repeat with layer of crackers and thick layer of pudding.  Top with layer of crackers.  Pour icing over the top and make that chocolate swirly and pretty!  Add candles if it's for a birthday :)  Chill until ready to serve.

Chocolate Icing

In heavy pan on the stovetop melt 1 stick butter.  Add 3 TBSP cocoa and 5 TBSP buttermilk.  Cook for a few minutes.  Remove from heat and beat in enough confectioners' sugar (and 1 tsp vanilla extract) to make a spreadable icing consistency.