The Chocolate Eclair Cake That’ll Make You Forget Every Other Dessert

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   To make the pastry cream: In a medium saucepan, heat whole milk and 1/4 cup granulated sugar over medium heat until small bubbles form around the edges. Do not boil.
2. 2

   In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, and cornstarch until pale and smooth.
3. 3

   Gradually whisk about half of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture to temper. Pour the tempered mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot milk.
4. 4

   Return to medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens considerably and comes to a gentle boil. Cook for 1 minute more, whisking, then remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
5. 5

   Pour pastry cream into a clean, shallow bowl. Cover surface directly with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours, or until completely cold.
6. 6

   To make diplomat cream: In a very cold bowl, whip 1/2 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
7. 7

   Whisk the chilled pastry cream to loosen it. Gently fold in the whipped cream in two additions until no streaks remain.
8. 8

   To assemble: Lay a single layer of graham crackers in a 9x13 inch baking dish, breaking to fit.
9. 9

   Spread half of the diplomat cream evenly over the crackers. Add another layer of graham crackers, then the remaining diplomat cream.
10. 10

    Top with a final layer of graham crackers. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
11. 11

    To make ganache: About 30 minutes before serving, place chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Heat 1/2 cup heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering.
12. 12

    Pour hot cream over chocolate and let sit for 5 minutes. Add butter and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk gently until smooth and glossy.
13. 13

    Remove cake from refrigerator. Pour warm ganache over the top, spreading evenly. Allow ganache to set at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, or in the fridge for 10 minutes.
14. 14

    Slice and serve immediately. For clean slices, wipe knife with hot water between cuts.