Description
This Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna is a festive, no-bake layered dessert perfect for the holidays. It features a crunchy chocolate cookie crust, a creamy peppermint-flavored cream cheese layer, a rich chocolate pudding filling, and a fluffy whipped topping garnished with crushed candy canes and chocolate shavings. The dessert is chilled to set, making it refreshing and indulgent, ideal for serving a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 24 chocolate sandwich cookies (e.g., Oreos), finely crushed
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Peppermint Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- A few drops of red food coloring (optional)
- 2 cups whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
Chocolate Pudding Layer
- 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping
- 1/4 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
- Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Mix the finely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with the melted unsalted butter until well combined. This mixture will form the base of the lasagna.
- Press and Chill: Firmly press the cookie and butter mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to create an even crust. Refrigerate the crust while preparing the next layers to help it set.
- Make the Peppermint Filling: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the peppermint extract and a few drops of red food coloring if desired for a festive touch.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold in 2 cups of whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated. Spread this peppermint filling evenly over the chilled cookie crust.
- Prepare Chocolate Pudding Layer: In a separate bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk for about 2 minutes or until the pudding thickens.
- Add Pudding Layer: Spread the thickened chocolate pudding evenly over the peppermint filling layer.
- Add the Whipped Topping: Spread 1 1/2 cups of whipped topping evenly over the chocolate pudding layer to add a light, creamy top.
- Garnish: Sprinkle crushed candy canes or peppermint candies over the whipped topping. Optionally, add chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips for extra texture and decoration.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the assembled lasagna for at least 4 hours to allow all layers to set and the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Serve: Slice the chilled lasagna into squares and serve cold for a refreshing and festive dessert experience.
Notes
- Use a 9×13-inch dish for proper layering and serving size.
- The dessert is best served after chilling for at least 4 hours but can be refrigerated overnight.
- Optional red food coloring enhances the festive look but can be omitted if preferred.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth beating.
