No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake

My fourteen-year old, Allanah, gave this cake "two thumbs up" and announced that it's as good as Oreo Dirt Dessert. That, my friends, is HUGE. Oreo Dirt Dessert is her all-time favorite and is requested at EVERY one of her birthday parties in place of a traditional cake. So, rating this dessert on the same level is pretty significant. It may not be the prettiest or most-vibrant of desserts. It certainly isn't the most complicated or labor-intensive sweet treat to make. And, it, admittedly, is not the healthiest or from-scratchiest {that's a thing, right?} of desserts. But, it's damn tasty and kinda magical, to be honest.

 

 

Allanah and my six-year old, Ayvah, helped me assemble this cake. Putting it together is so stinkin' simple and quick. {Frankly, my girls did it almost completely on their own. So, yeah ... easy peasy.}

 

While making this dessert is a breeze, waiting overnight to devour it is the another story. {Patience, grasshopper.}

 

Yes, the key to this recipe is waiting, at least, twelve hours {I know!} before serving the cake. The crackers must soften up in order for the cake to resemble the texture of an éclair. {If you've got twenty-four hours, even better.}

NOTE:  This cake can be made using only graham crackers, but we throw in one layer of saltines, too, to give it a slightly salty kick. The saltiness is in no way overpowering or in-your-face. It's subtle and perfectly balanced. If you prefer, you can use only graham crackers for every cracker layer, however.

Serves 12.