Description
This festive Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna is a no-bake layered dessert that combines a chocolate cookie crust, creamy peppermint-infused cream cheese layer, rich chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped topping, finished with crushed candy canes for a refreshing holiday touch. Perfect for a celebratory gathering or holiday party, this dessert is easy to assemble, requires no baking, and delivers a delightful combination of chocolate and mint flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups chocolate wafer cookies, crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 oz Cool Whip (half of 8 oz container)
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
Chocolate Pudding Layer
- 3.9 oz instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups whole milk
Topping
- 4 oz Cool Whip (remaining half of 8 oz container)
- 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a bowl, mix the crushed chocolate wafer cookies with the melted unsalted butter until well combined. Firmly press this cookie mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust layer.
- Cream Cheese Layer: Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in half of the Cool Whip along with the peppermint extract until fully incorporated. Spread this mixture evenly over the prepared cookie crust.
- Chocolate Pudding: Whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix together with the whole milk according to package instructions. Let it thicken, then spread this chocolate pudding layer evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with Cool Whip: Spread the remaining Cool Whip evenly over the chocolate pudding layer to create a light and fluffy topping.
- Add Candy Canes: Sprinkle the crushed candy canes evenly on top of the Cool Whip layer to add a festive crunch and peppermint flavor.
- Chill: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly softened cream cheese to avoid lumps in the cream cheese layer.
- Be sure to chill the lasagna long enough so it holds together well when sliced.
- You can substitute crushed peppermint candy or peppermint baking chips for the candy canes if desired.
- Cool Whip can be replaced with homemade whipped cream if preferred for a fresher taste.
- This dessert should be stored covered in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 days.
