Peanut Butter Eclair Cake

I absolutely love eclair cake. I don't exactly know why this cake is called eclair cake. I don't really like eclairs (gasp!) I know! I know! Who doesn't like eclairs? Well its not that I don't like them. I can eat them. They are ok, but if I'm going to eat something that is going to add inches to my waistline then I dang well better thoroughly enjoy it. I think this is a really good way to eat. I only eat desserts that I really really enjoy. Luckily for me someone invented eclair cake, and even better is the addition of peanut butter in this eclair cake. Warning - this cake is very rich. A good glass of milk or something to wash it down with is a good idea. Really though it is very delicious! I will definitely be making this recipe over and over again.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Éclair Cake

1 box chocolate graham crackers (I have also tried it with cinnamon which added a fun twist)
2 (3 1/4-ounce) boxes vanilla instant pudding (or use this homemade vanilla pudding recipe) *
1 cup peanut butter
3 1/2 cups milk (omit if using homemade vanilla pudding)
1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed
1 can chocolate frosting

Spray the bottom of a 9x13 pan with cooking spray. Line the bottom of the pan with whole graham crackers. In bowl of an electric mixer, mix pudding with milk and peanut butter; beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Fold in whipped topping. Pour half the pudding mixture over graham crackers. Place another layer of whole graham crackers on top of pudding layer. Pour over remaining half of pudding mixture and cover with another layer of graham crackers.

Heat the container of prepared frosting, uncovered in the microwave for 1 minute. Pour over the top of the cake. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours before serving.

*Note: I made this with homemade pudding and loved it! I love the taste of a good homemade pudding. For the ease of this recipe I kept the original instructions with the boxed vanilla. I have had many eclair cakes with the boxed vanilla pudding and it is great too. But if you are a little crazy (like myself) you can make your own vanilla pudding, and while you are at it you might as well whip up some homemade whipping cream to replace the cool whip. I promise if you do it will be well worth the work!

Recipe Source: Plain Chicken