Easy Éclair Bars with Crescent Dough and Vanilla Pudding
These éclair bars capture all the classic flavors of traditional éclairs in an easy-to-make bar form. Built on a golden crescent dough base, they're layered with rich vanilla pudding and topped with smooth chocolate ganache. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or when you want an impressive dessert without the fuss of making individual pastries. The bars need several hours to chill, making them ideal for advance preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury Original Crescent Dough Sheetpuff pastry1:1wheat
flakier base
- 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) Jell-O vanilla-flavor instant pudding & pie filling mix
- 3 cups cold half-and-halfwhole milk1:1dairyadds dairy
lighter texture
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven to 375°F and spray bottom only of pan with cooking spray
- 2
Unroll crescent dough and press in bottom of pan
- 3
Bake until golden brown and baked through
- 4
Remove from oven to cooling rack and cool
- 5
Beat dry pudding mixes and half-and-half with whisk until thick
- 6
Spread pudding mixture over cooled bar base
- 7
Microwave chocolate chips and whipping cream until melted
- 8
Stir chocolate mixture until smooth
- 9
Carefully spread chocolate mixture on top of pudding layer
- 10
Refrigerate until cooled completely
- 11
Cut into bars using sharp knife with up-and-down sawing motion
Tips
Cool the crust completely before adding pudding layer to prevent melting and ensure clean layers.
Use a sawing motion with a sharp knife for cleanest cuts through all three layers.
Wipe knife clean between cuts to maintain neat appearance of bars.
Good to Know
Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days
Can be made 1 day ahead; add chocolate topping day of serving for best appearance
Serve chilled, cut into squares
Common Mistakes
Don't skip cooling the crust completely or pudding will melt
Don't overheat chocolate or it will seize and become grainy
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
chocolate eclair bars
FAQ
Can I use regular crescent rolls instead of dough sheet?
Yes, but pinch seams together well to create an even base layer for the bars.
How long do these bars keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days for best quality and food safety.
Can I freeze these éclair bars?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.