Themed desserts make a party that much more fun. This Pumpkin Fudge Eclair Cake would be perfect for either a Halloween or Thanksgiving party. Just change your sprinkles and candies for the appropriate holiday.
Ok, so one day later after telling you I was over pumpkin, and here I am posting...yup, pumpkin.
Go ahead and tell me how wishy washy I am. I can handle it. For the record I made this last week, or maybe it was the week before that. It was definitely before I started to feel iffy on pumpkin.
Anyway, I was looking through pictures and realized that Halloween is next week, so if I want to share this fun Halloween themed eclair cake, it had to be now. So pumpkin it is! Not that I don't like pumpkin. Maybe it's because the weather dropped from sunny and warm to sunny and down right cold but now all I can totally think about is mint. And chocolate.
But I always think about chocolate, so that's nothing new.
The sudden drop in temperature meant we had to scramble to make sure the furnace was working. New air vents and a night of smelling warm, dusty air, and we are now ready to face the cold. Well...not really ready for it at all, but prepared to handle it better.
My office is at the back of our house and is always pretty chilly. I think that finding my little space heater should be top priority today. My fingers are a little chilled as I try to type right now. Or I could go bake. That always helps warm things up. Well at least it warms the kitchen. Maybe I should move my computer into the kitchen?
Did you find the pumpkin spice pudding after I shared this Pumpkin Cookies and Cream Fudge? I sure hope so because it is one of the key ingredients in today's recipe.
Eclair cake is definitely one of those desserts that you look forward to seeing at any potluck dinner. My kids go crazy for this stuff. You would think they didn't get any kind of sugar treats the way they down this stuff. But we all know that's far from the truth. I crank out desserts, and they help me eat them. It's just what we do around here.
Anyway, I thought it would be fun to make some layers in the eclair cake with different flavored puddings. And of course since I still had a box of pumpkin pudding in my cupboard, that just made sense to go with that. Chocolate pairs so well with pumpkin that I knew a fudge pudding had to be the other layer.
The best part of this cake are the chocolate graham crackers. They are so good dipped in peanut butter or frosting. Just a thought for the leftovers when you finish making this cake.
What flavor pudding should I use in the next eclair cake?
I'm totally thinking mint 🙂
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Pumpkin Fudge Eclair Cake
Pumpkin and fudge pudding layered with chocolate graham crackers makes an impressive dessert for any Halloween or Thanksgiving party.
Ingredients
- 1 - 3.4 ounce box instant pumpkin spice pudding*
- 1 - 3.4 ounce box instant chocolate fudge pudding
- 3 cups milk, divided
- 2 cups Cool Whip + extra for topping
- 1 box chocolate graham crackers
- 1 - 16 ounce container canned chocolate fudge frosting
- 2 Tablespoons sprinkles
- Halloween candies
Instructions
- Whisk together the pumpkin pudding and 1 ½ cups milk. Fold in 1 cup Cool Whip. Set aside.
- Whisk together the chocolate pudding and 1 ½ cups milk. Foldin 1 cup Cool Whip.
- Place a layer of graham crackers in the bottom of 9x13 pan that has been sprayed with non stick spray. Gently spoon the chocolate pudding mixture over the crackers in the pan.
- Place another layer of graham crackers on the pudding. Gently spoon the pumpkin pudding over those crackers.
- Top with one more layer of crackers. Break crackers to fit if necessary.
- Place the canned frosting in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Pour over the top layer of crackers and smooth out. Top with colored sprinkles. Refrigerate until set.
- Cut into 24 squares and serve with extra Cool Whip and candies if desired. Keep refrigerated.
Notes
*If you cannot find the pumpkin pudding, use vanilla pudding and stir in ½ cup pumpkin puree + ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice before adding the Cool Whip.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 142Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 55mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 1gSugar: 13gProtein: 2g
Other ways to use up the pumpkin spice pudding mix:
Pumpkin Cookies and Cream Fudge
Aubrey Z
This was soooo easy to make! Looked everywhere for that pumpkin pudding, and couldn't find it.
Dishing it out tonight to those football guys, can't wait for their feed back!
Aubrey Z
Just as expected. These were a hit!! Can't wait to try making these again with other flavors!
Kristen Duke
Um my mouth is watering as I look through these pictures!! I think mint sounds like a tasty idea for your next one!
kristi@ishouldbemoppingthefloor
I love eclair cake...this pumpkin one looks/sounds incredible!! I'm loving your pretty layers, too!
Trish - Mom On Timeout
Loving all those amazing layers Jocelyn - so pretty!
Jaclyn
These are perfect for Halloween and they look so good!
Debi
Sounds so good but I can't find chocolate grahm crackers, so I'm gonna use regular grahm crackers. I'll let you know how it turns out unless you have any suggestions where I can get them. I live in Chicago.
Jocelyn Brubaker
Hi, Debi. I found the chocolate graham crackers at Walmart and our local grocery store (Payless)
Rebecca
Where in the world does one find Pumpkin Spice Pudding? Just came home from grocery shopping and I just happened to need some lomon pudding so I checked to see if there was anything diffferent. Certainly wold've picked this up if I'd seen it. What do you think about maybe adding pumplkin to vanilla pudding? Must be another way to make this.
Jocelyn Brubaker
I bought the pumpkin spice pudding at Walmart and Meijer. You could definitely add pumpkin puree to vanilla pudding along with some pumpkin pie spice to create this flavor. I actually have that option at the bottom of the recipe.
rebecca
I realized that you had included an alterntive to the pudding after I scrolled down further. By then I had already sent the e-mail. DUH!
Jocelyn Brubaker
No problem at all 😉
claire
Great project !!
I would love you to come and share @ Craft, Create & Inspire linky party !!!
Look forward to seeing you there 🙂
http://lemonpaperdesigns.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/craft-create-inspire-linky-party-3.html
Claire x
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Claire!!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips
I can't get over how cute the stripey layers look. And I am sure it tastes awesome!
Jocelyn Brubaker
It definitely does taste awesome!! 😉 Thanks Brianne!!
Rachel @thedessertchronicles.com
This is so creative and a great thanksgiving dessert!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Rachel!!
Chels R.
I NEED AND LOVE THIS! This is so perfect for a Halloween gathering. I'm totally craving chocolate right now and this is not helping me 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
Haha, thanks Chels!!
Brenda @ Chatting Over Chocolate
What a fun, festive, and drool-worthy treat!! Pinned 😉 Thanks for sharing!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Brenda!!
Dina
looks like a yummy Halloween dessert!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Dina!!
Beth @ bethcakes
Eclair cakes are so fun! I love that you changed up the pudding layers and made them different flavors and colors. Love all that layering action going on! Especially the fudge layer. 😉
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Beth!!
Mary Frances @ The Sweet {Tooth} Life
Your new title is queen of eclair cakes! I've never made one (seriously, why haven't I?) but they look so easy and so holiday-ish (sorry, that came out sounding wishy-washy ... 🙂 Those layers are so fun and definitely attention grabbing. Hehe, I was practicing the piano in our back room and it was so cold! my fingers were stiff and that's when I gave up on wearing athletic shorts around the house - its full on sweapants now! 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
Haha, thanks Mary!! 😉 I love that it's full blown sweatpant wearing season!!
patsy
I love how you tweaked the éclair cake to work for Halloween/Fall! Now, I've got to give it a try with some different flavors next time I make one!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Patsy!!
Samantha @ Five Heart Home
This looks divine, Jocelyn. I'm glad you took a break from your not-sure-how-you-feel-about-pumpkin dilemma to share it with us! But I am looking forward to your chocolate mint recipes. 😉 And I hope you find your space heater today!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Haha, thanks Samantha!!
Kaitlin
These sound so yummy and they are SO cute and festive!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Kaitlin!!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious
Keep on bringing the pumpkin recipes! I don't think I could ever get over pumpkin. Now this cake - love how easy it comes together!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Chung-Ah!!
Marcie
I love rich, creamy pudding desserts like this! This looks so festive and delicious!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Marcie!!
Tieghan
So fun and spooky!1 Perfect for Halloween and so creative! I love it! 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Tieghan!!
Julia | JuliasAlbum.com
Jocelyn, this looks so pretty: love the colorful layers! And the colors came out so natural, not some overly bright purple or orange. This is a very classy looking Halloween dessert! Pinned!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Julia!!
Averie @ Averie Cooks
How spooky and adorable and perfectly festive! And all those sweet, soft, squishy layers - yum! 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Averie!!
Laura @ Lauras Baking Talent
Wow.. that looks amazing! Love!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Laura!!
Jennie @themessybakerblog
It's hard not to post pumpkin desserts in the fall. This eclair cake needs to be on a plate in front of me. Yum and pinned!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Jennie!! 🙂
Kentucky Lady 717
Love your recipes, and love it when you show step by step how you make a dessert... hope you will continue to do this.....
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thank you so much!! 🙂
Jess @ On Sugar Mountain
Yesssss oh how I love those layers! And all the festive fun! Jocelyn this cake is calling my name. 😀
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Jess!! 😉
Stephanie @ PlainChicken
what a great idea! I bet it tasted awesome with two different flavors!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Stephanie!!
Megan - The Emotional Baker
I'm on a pumpkin break now even though my next few posts are pumpkin. Now you have me craving mint! But - I do love this cake. I don't think I've ever had one, but I'd love to try.
Jocelyn Brubaker
You definitely need to try this then!! 😉
Nancy P.@thebittersideofsweet
Oh my pumpkin you have not deserted us yet!! Hee hee!! 🙂 Love this!!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Nancy!! 😉
Brenda @ SweetSimpleStuff
Nice ... love the combo of chocolate and pumpkin ... still haven't found the pumpkin pudding ... gotta try a different grocery store!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Brenda!!
Aimee @ ShugarySweets
This. Is. Awesome. LOVE 🙂
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks girl!!
Holly @ Life in the Lofthouse
Jocelyn, I am loving this cake!! What a fun Halloween twist on an eclair cake!
Jocelyn Brubaker
Thanks Holly!!