Eclair Torte

By Addie

The pastry part of this torte bakes into one big crust, which eliminate filling individual eclairs. The homemade pudding is replaced with a rich vanilla layer that's a snap to blend together using convenient instant pudding and cream cheese.—Kathy Shepard, Shepherd, Michigan

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 eggs
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 3 cups cold milk
• 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 2-3 tablespoons chocolate syrup

Preparation

Step 1

In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the water, butter and salt to a boil. Add flour all at once and stir until a smooth ball forms. Remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Continue beating until mixture is smooth and shiny.

Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 400° for 30-35 minutes or until puffed and golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack. If desired, remove puff from pan and place on a serving platter.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until light. Add milk and pudding mix; beat until smooth. Spread over puff; refrigerate for 20 minutes. Spread with whipped topping; refrigerate. Drizzle with chocolate syrup just before serving. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 12 servings.
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REVIEWS:

I have made this many times and I get very good reviews!

I have made this many times and it is always a winner!

I made this for an event at the office and received compliments with several asking for the recipe. However, it didn't look like the photo. I did bake it in the 9x12 pan, but the sides were real puffy and the filling didn't go all the way to the top.

Reviewed on Feb. 19, 2011 by mrsjean

I made this dessert for our dessert auction at church. Everyone loved it and several people asked for the recipe. I will definitely make this again. Easy enough to make and looks like you fussed.

I made this last night for the super bowl with about 20 college kids and it was a hit. Everyone loved it and it was so easy to make.

I've made this several times - it comes out perfect every time! I lighten mine with sugar-free/fat-free pudding, light cream cheese, light cool whip, etc, and it's still a decadent dessert! caramel also works really well on top.

This is a great dessert, nice and cool for the summer!

I can't begin to tell you the number of compliments I have recieved when I bring this to a party, potluck etc. My grandkids love it and ask me to make it everytime they come for Sunday dinner. It's an easy dessert to prepare and I often use different flavors of pudding, such as coconut cream, banana and of course the grandkids favorite flavor-chocolate!