Description
Indulge in this festive and delicious Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna, a no-bake layered dessert featuring a crunchy Oreo cookie crust, creamy peppermint-flavored cream cheese layer, rich chocolate pudding, and topped with whipped topping, crushed peppermint candies, and mini chocolate chips. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a refreshing and chocolaty treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 36 Oreo cookies (crushed into crumbs)
- 6 tablespoons butter (melted)
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 1/4 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
Chocolate Pudding Layer
- 1 (3.9 oz) package chocolate instant pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
Topping
- 1 cup whipped topping (additional for topping)
- 1 cup peppermint candies (crushed)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Create the Crust: In a bowl, thoroughly mix the crushed Oreo cookies with the melted butter until the crumbs are fully coated and hold together when pressed.
- Press the Crust: Firmly press the Oreo and butter mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create an even crust layer. Place it in the refrigerator to set while preparing the other layers.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, peppermint extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold in 1 1/4 cups of the whipped topping (Cool Whip) into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and fluffy.
- Spread Cream Cheese Layer: Evenly spread this creamy peppermint mixture over the chilled Oreo crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Prepare Chocolate Pudding: In another bowl, whisk the chocolate instant pudding mix into 2 cups of cold milk, stirring continuously until the pudding starts to thicken.
- Assemble Pudding Layer: Spread the thickened chocolate pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish.
- Add Whipped Topping and Toppings: Spread the remaining 1 cup of whipped topping evenly over the chocolate pudding layer.
- Decorate: Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies and mini chocolate chips generously over the whipped topping for a festive and crunchy finish.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled lasagna for at least 2 hours to allow all the layers to set and flavors to meld before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For best results, use full-fat cream cheese for a richer texture.
- Allow the lasagna to chill for at least 2 hours; overnight chilling will enhance flavor and firmness.
- Crushing peppermint candies finely helps distribute the peppermint flavor evenly and adds a nice crunch.
- This dessert is best served cold and should be kept refrigerated until ready to serve.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the Oreo cookies with gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies.
