🎂 Marilyn’s Birthday Éclair Classic

❮❯

We are all so grateful to Marilyn for requesting this Eclair Cake for her birthday each year. It's so yummy! We make it in an oversized roaster Pan: 14.25″ × 10.5″ × 4″ which makes 24 generous slices. Plus we often pair this with a non-dairy version. It's super easy to make both in tandem. This year we made a three layer éclair with a vanilla and chocolate pudding layer in addition to the whipped cream cheese. But you can also stir in instant coffee or melted peanut butter, which we actually did do for the vegan éclair. Both where yummy!

Categories: Dessert

Ingredients:

• 🍮 FOR THE PUDDING
• 6 cups Whole Milk
• .5 cups Corn Starch
• .3 cups Sugar
• 2 Vanilla Beans
• .5 cups Dark Chocolate Chips
• 🍰 FOR THE CREAM LAYER
• 8 ounces Cream Cheese
• 3 TBL Sugar
• 2 cups Heavy Cream
• 1 tsp Vanilla
• 🍫 For the Ganache
• 1.75 CUPS HEAVY CREAM
• 14 Ounce Dark Chocolate Chips
• pinch sea salt
• 🍪 For the Layers
• 1 sleeve Ritz Crackers
• 2 packs Graham Crackers

Directions:

1. MAKE THE PUDDING FROM SCRATCH
In a large saucepan, whisk together 6 CUPS WHOLE MILK, ½ CUP CORNSTARCH, and ⅓ CUP SUGAR until smooth.
Split the 2 VANILLA BEANS lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the pan; add the pods for extra flavor.
Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and just begins to bubble.
Remove from heat and discard the pods.

2. CREATE TWO PUDDING LAYERS
Pour half of the hot pudding into a separate bowl.
Stir in ½ CUP MELTED DARK CHOCOLATE CHIPS to this portion to make a rich chocolate pudding.
Leave the remaining half as vanilla.
Cover both with plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming and let cool.

3. MAKE THE CREAM LAYER
Beat 8 OZ CREAM CHEESE with 3 TABLESPOONS SUGAR and 1 TEASPOON VANILLA until smooth.
Slowly add 2 CUPS HEAVY CREAM, whipping until thick and fluffy.

4. ASSEMBLE THE LAYERS
In your 14.25" × 10.5" × 4" PAN (or a large casserole dish):

◾Place a layer of GRAHAM CRACKERS on the bottom.
◾Spread the Vanilla pudding evenly over the crackers.
◾Add a layer of RITZ CRACKERS.
◾Spread the Chocolate pudding over the Ritz layer.
◾Add another layer of GRAHAM CRACKERS.
◾Spread the CREAM CHEESE AND WHIPPED CREAM mixture evenly over the top.

5. MAKE THE GANACHE
In a saucepan or microwave, heat 1¾ CUPS HEAVY CREAM until just beginning to simmer.
Pour over 14 OUNCES DARK CHOCOLATE CHIPS with a PINCH OF SEA SALT.
Let stand for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.

6. FINISH AND CHILL
Pour the GANACHE evenly over the top layer.
Refrigerate at least 4 HOURS (or overnight) before slicing.
It’s easiest to cut clean slices after the ganache has fully set.

CALORIES: 350
TOTAL FAT: 23 g
SATURATED FAT: 14 g
CHOLESTEROL: 65 mg
SODIUM: 170 mg
TOTAL CARBOHYDRATES: 30 g
DIETARY FIBER: 1 g
TOTAL SUGARS: 18 g
PROTEIN: 5 g
CALCIUM: 90 mg
IRON: 1.1 mg
POTASSIUM: 160 mg

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