Chocolate Lasagna is a decadent, no-bake dessert made with a buttery Oreo crust, creamy layers of sweetened cream cheese, and rich chocolate pudding. Topped with whipped topping and mini chocolate chips, every bite of this chocolate lasagna is absolutely irresistible. It’s a fun twist on traditional lasagna, making it the perfect treat for parties, gatherings, or a special dessert for any occasion.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Cookie Crust:
- 1 package Oreo cookies (36 cookies)
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cold milk
- 8 ounces whipped topping, divided
For the Pudding Layer:
- 2 (3.9-ounce) packages instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 ¼ cups milk
For the Topping:
- 8 ounces whipped topping
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Cookie Crust:
- In a food processor or zip-top plastic bag, crush the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs.
- Mix the crushed cookies with the melted butter until combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy. Add the sugar and 2 tablespoons cold milk, and continue beating until smooth.
- Fold in half of the whipped topping and spread the mixture over the cookie crust. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
- Make the Pudding Layer:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and the remaining 3 ¼ cups of milk.
- Beat until the pudding thickens, about 5 minutes, then spread it over the chilled cream cheese layer. Refrigerate for an additional 10 minutes.
- Assemble the Dessert:
- Spread the remaining 8 ounces of whipped topping over the pudding layer.
- Garnish with mini chocolate chips. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Nutrients (Per Serving)
- Calories: 274 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 14mg
- Sodium: 327mg
- Potassium: 150mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 28g
A Fun Twist on Traditional Lasagna
While lasagna is typically associated with layers of pasta, meat, and cheese, Chocolate Lasagna turns that idea on its head by using layers of dessert components. The crust of crushed Oreo cookies serves as the base, offering a crunchy and slightly sweet foundation. Then comes the cream cheese layer, which adds richness and a subtle tanginess that balances out the sweetness of the chocolate. The chocolate pudding layer is, of course, the star of the show, bringing depth and a rich chocolate flavor to the dessert. Topped with a generous amount of whipped topping and sprinkled with mini chocolate chips, this dessert becomes a fun, decadent treat that is both creative and delicious.
The beauty of Chocolate Lasagna is that it retains the familiar idea of lasagna—layers upon layers of flavors—while transforming it into a dessert that is completely unique. This twist on a classic dish is bound to spark conversations and become a favorite at every gathering.
The Cookie Crust: A Crunchy Base for the Dessert
The crust of Chocolate Lasagna is made from crushed Oreo cookies mixed with melted butter, which gives it a rich, buttery flavor and a satisfying crunch. This combination of sweet chocolate from the cookies and the buttery richness creates a perfect base that sets the stage for the other layers. The crust is firm enough to hold up to the creamy layers above but still offers a light, crisp texture with each bite.
Oreo cookies are a classic choice for a dessert crust, as they add both flavor and texture to the base. However, if you’re looking for a variation, you can experiment with different types of cookies, such as chocolate wafer cookies or even graham crackers, to create your own version of this dessert.
The Cream Cheese Layer: Rich and Creamy
The cream cheese layer in Chocolate Lasagna is the heart of the dessert, adding a luscious, creamy richness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the chocolate pudding. The cream cheese is mixed with sugar and a bit of cold milk to create a smooth, velvety filling. Half of the whipped topping is folded into the cream cheese mixture, giving it a light and airy texture that balances the richness of the cheese.
When spread over the Oreo crust, the cream cheese layer provides a tangy yet sweet contrast to the chocolate pudding layer, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The creaminess of this layer is what gives Chocolate Lasagna its signature indulgence, making it irresistible with each bite.
The Chocolate Pudding Layer: Rich and Decadent
The chocolate pudding layer is the highlight of this dessert, providing a rich, smooth, and velvety chocolate flavor that complements the other layers beautifully. The instant chocolate pudding mix is combined with milk and whisked until it thickens, forming a creamy pudding that is both rich and satisfying. This layer is spread over the cream cheese layer and provides a deep chocolate flavor that adds an indulgent touch to the dessert.
Instant pudding is used in this recipe for its convenience, but you could easily make homemade chocolate pudding for an even richer flavor. The pudding adds a luxurious texture to the dessert, and its smooth consistency contrasts with the crunch of the cookie crust and the creamy cream cheese layer, creating the perfect balance of textures in each bite.
The Whipped Topping: Light and Fluffy
The whipped topping in Chocolate Lasagna serves as the final layer, providing a light and fluffy texture that contrasts the richness of the cream cheese and chocolate layers. The whipped topping is spread generously over the pudding layer, giving the dessert a smooth, cloud-like finish. Not only does the whipped topping add a light, airy element, but it also adds a touch of sweetness that rounds out the dessert.
The whipped topping helps to cut through the richness of the other layers, providing balance and ensuring that each bite is not too heavy. It also adds a beautiful visual appeal to the dessert, with its smooth, creamy texture providing an elegant finish to the layers of chocolate and cream.
Mini Chocolate Chips: A Sweet Finishing Touch
The final touch to Chocolate Lasagna is a sprinkling of mini chocolate chips on top of the whipped topping. These mini chips add a small but significant burst of chocolate flavor that complements the pudding and enhances the dessert’s overall richness. Not only do they add flavor, but the mini chocolate chips also add visual appeal, creating a contrast with the white whipped topping and making the dessert look as delicious as it tastes.
For an extra touch of elegance, you could also garnish the dessert with shaved chocolate, chocolate curls, or even fresh berries to complement the chocolate and cream flavors.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Chocolate Lasagna is a versatile dessert that is perfect for almost any occasion. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a family gathering, a picnic, or just need a special treat for yourself, this dessert is sure to please. Its rich, indulgent layers make it a decadent dessert for celebrations, while its no-bake preparation makes it a convenient and easy option for those short on time.
Because the dessert is best when chilled for a few hours, it’s also an ideal make-ahead treat. You can prepare it in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and have it ready to serve whenever you need it. This makes it the perfect dessert to bring to potlucks, dinner parties, or family gatherings, as it can be made ahead and easily transported.
A Crowd-Pleasing Treat
One of the best things about Chocolate Lasagna is that it is a crowd-pleaser. Its rich chocolate flavor, creamy layers, and crunchy cookie crust make it a dessert that is loved by all ages. Whether you’re serving it to children or adults, Chocolate Lasagna is guaranteed to impress. It’s a dessert that’s sure to stand out on any dessert table, and it’s a great way to bring something different to the table while still pleasing everyone’s sweet tooth.
Conclusion
Chocolate Lasagna is a fun and indulgent twist on traditional lasagna, offering layers of rich chocolate pudding, creamy cream cheese, and a crunchy Oreo crust, all topped with a fluffy whipped topping and mini chocolate chips. This no-bake dessert is perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations, and is sure to impress with its decadent flavor and elegant appearance.
With its combination of creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey textures, Chocolate Lasagna is a dessert that brings joy with every bite. It’s easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and is guaranteed to be a hit at any event. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or simply looking for a unique dessert to serve, Chocolate Lasagna is the perfect treat to indulge in and share with others.