Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna is the ultimate no-bake holiday dessert that layers rich chocolate, creamy peppermint-spiked frosting, and bursts of candy crunch in every bite. Imagine a little slice of winter wonderland, decked with festive colors and flavors, ready to steal the show at your family gatherings or Christmas parties. With its luscious textures and playful peppermint-chocolate contrast, it’s impossible to resist going back for seconds. Whether you’re a baking novice or a dessert pro, this recipe will make you look like a genius—guaranteed!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Even though Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna looks impressive, it only requires simple, accessible ingredients. Each one brings its unique flair, whether it’s a swipe of cool mint or a crackly cookie crunch, so don’t skip a single component!
- Chocolate sandwich cookies: These form the perfect no-bake crust with a deep chocolate flavor and just the right amount of crunch.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter helps the cookie crumbs stick together and creates a luscious, rich base.
- Cream cheese: Softened for easy mixing, cream cheese adds a tangy richness that pairs beautifully with chocolate and peppermint.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten the creamy layer without overwhelming the delicately balanced flavors.
- Milk: A touch goes into the cream cheese for smoothness, and the rest into the pudding for creamy, dreamy layers.
- Whipped topping (Cool Whip): This lightens the cheesecake layer and creates a cloud-like topping that won’t collapse.
- Instant chocolate pudding mix: Quick to prepare, it adds deep chocolate flavor and a silky texture.
- Peppermint extract: Just a dash transforms the whole dessert, making every layer holiday-ready with refreshing mintiness.
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: These give the lasagna its signature seasonal crunch and sparkling pops of red and white color.
- Mini chocolate chips: A sprinkle on top brings extra chocolaty goodness and a delightful texture contrast.
- Additional whipped topping and crushed peppermint: The final flourish that makes each slice Instagram-worthy and extra festive!
How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cookie Crust
Start by crushing your chocolate sandwich cookies until they’re fine crumbs—a food processor makes this a breeze, but a zip-top bag and a rolling pin work great, too. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until they’re evenly moistened, then press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Give it a good press so every bite has that satisfying cookie crunch.
Step 2: Whip Up the Peppermint Cream Cheese Layer
In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and the peppermint extract until the mixture is perfectly smooth and dreamy. Fold in half of your whipped topping—this turns the mixture luscious and fluffy. Spread this peppermint cheesecake layer over your cookie crust. Don’t worry about perfection—the next layer will cover any swirls!
Step 3: Layer on the Chocolate Pudding
In a separate bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with 3 cups of cold milk. Work quickly: the pudding will thicken in about 2 minutes flat. Once you’ve got a smooth, creamy pudding, spread it gently over the cream cheese layer, smoothing as you go. Each spoonful adds a gorgeous pudding chocolate richness.
Step 4: Add Luscious Whipped Topping and Peppermint Crunch
Now it’s time to make clouds! Spread the remaining whipped topping over the chocolate layer, smoothing the surface with a spatula so it looks absolutely irresistible. Sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies or candy canes and a generous handful of mini chocolate chips for sparkle, color, and texture. This is what makes your Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna a showstopper!
Step 5: Chill and Set
Pop your masterpiece in the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better) so all the layers firm up and meld into each other. The chilling is non-negotiable for those perfectly sliceable squares that hold all those wavy layers in place.
How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna
Garnishes
A finishing flourish makes all the difference! Just before serving, add an extra cloud of whipped topping, a sprinkle of crushed peppermint, and even a few whole mini chocolate chips on top. For an elegant touch, nestle a small peppermint stick or candy cane next to each slice—your guests will swoon before they even take a bite.
Side Dishes
Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna is rich and festive all on its own, but you can round out your dessert spread with simple additions. Fresh berries (think juicy raspberries or strawberries) cut through the sweetness and add vibrant color. A hot cup of coffee or peppermint tea makes a cozy pairing on chilly days, balancing the cool creaminess of the dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual squares in clear tumblers or parfait glasses for an elegant twist at dinner parties. Mini mason jars or small bowls work great for buffet-style events—perfect portions, zero mess! If you’re feeling extra creative, build a tray with alternating layers of white and dark chocolate chips for a “striped” visual effect on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover your baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna stays delicious for 3 to 4 days, and the flavors keep developing. Just make sure it’s well covered to prevent the peppermint from taking on any stray fridge odors.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead for the holidays, freeze the assembled lasagna (without the garnishes) for up to 2 months! Wrap tightly so it doesn’t pick up freezer smells or lose its creamy texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before adding any fresh whipped topping and peppermint garnish.
Reheating
You don’t need to reheat Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna—it’s best served chilled. For the ultimate texture, let frozen portions thaw in the fridge, not at room temperature, so the creamy layers stay smooth and hold their shape.
FAQs
What’s the best way to crush the cookies for the crust?
Use a food processor to pulse the cookies into fine crumbs for the most even, compact crust. If you don’t have one, place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or even the bottom of a sturdy glass.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream works beautifully and gives a slightly richer flavor. Whip up 3 cups of heavy cream with 3 to 4 tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form, and use in place of the whipped topping.
How do I make Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna gluten-free?
Swap the regular chocolate sandwich cookies for a gluten-free variety and double-check that your pudding mix is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you’ll have a festive, allergy-friendly treat in no time!
How can I adjust the peppermint flavor?
Start with 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract for a refreshing, but not overpowering, minty note. Love extra peppermint? Add a few drops more in the cream cheese layer, but be careful not to go overboard, as peppermint can quickly take over.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time for a party?
Yes! Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna is the dream make-ahead dessert. Prepare it a day in advance, let it chill overnight, and simply add your garnishes right before serving for maximum fresh appeal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a little holiday magic, Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna delivers on every front—taste, texture, and wow factor. Every bite is a celebration of chocolatey richness and peppermint cheer. So go ahead: grab your whisk, line up those layers, and let this dessert become your new winter tradition!
Print
Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful layers of chocolate and peppermint with this no-bake dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season. Creamy, sweet, and refreshing, this Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 36 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), crushed
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping (Cool Whip)
For the Chocolate Pudding Layer:
- 2 (3.9-ounce) boxes instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
For Topping and Garnish:
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- Additional whipped topping and crushed peppermint for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Mix crushed cookies with melted butter. Press into a 9×13-inch dish.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: Beat cream cheese, sugar, milk, and peppermint extract. Fold in half of the whipped topping. Spread over crust.
- Layer the Chocolate Pudding: Whisk pudding mix with cold milk until thickened. Spread over cream cheese layer.
- Finish and Chill: Top with remaining whipped topping, peppermint candies, and chocolate chips. Chill for at least 4 hours.
- Garnish and Serve: Add extra peppermint before serving.
Notes
- Adjust peppermint extract to taste for a stronger flavor.
- Try using chocolate mint cookies for the crust for an extra minty twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
