Indulgent Hot Chocolate Lasagna Recipe: Winter Dessert Magic

Few desserts capture winter comfort like this hot chocolate lasagna recipe that blends creamy decadence with nostalgic warmth.

Sweet layers mingle chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and crushed graham crackers into a delightful no-bake treat.

Memories of cozy evenings drift through each silky bite, inviting you to indulge without complicated kitchen techniques.

Marshmallow-studded textures create playful contrasts that make this dessert irresistible for casual gatherings.

Cool whip and chocolate pudding mix promise a simple yet impressive confection anyone can master.

Chocolate lovers will appreciate how effortlessly this recipe comes together with minimal cooking skills.

Why Hot Chocolate Lasagna Is the Ultimate Dessert

• Indulge in a decadent no-bake treat that transforms classic hot chocolate into an irresistible layered dessert.
• Prepare this crowd-pleaser up to a day in advance, saving precious time and reducing day-of kitchen stress.
• Engage children in assembling layers, making it a fun family cooking activity that requires no complicated baking skills.
• Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, and winter celebrations, offering a unique twist on traditional chocolate desserts.

What Goes into Making Hot Chocolate Lasagna

• Oreo Cookies: Classic chocolate sandwich cookies that create a delicious, crunchy base with rich chocolate flavor.
• Butter: Helps bind the cookie crumbs and adds a smooth, rich foundation for the crust.

• Cream Cheese, Butter: Creamy base that provides a smooth, rich texture for the hot chocolate layer.
• Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a light, fluffy consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
• Heavy Cream, Hot Chocolate Mix: Creates a decadent, chocolatey whipped cream layer with intense hot chocolate flavor.

• Instant Pudding Mix, Milk: Provides a creamy, thick chocolate layer with smooth consistency.
• Mini Marshmallows: Adds classic hot chocolate texture and sweet, fluffy element.
• Whipped Topping: Creates a light, airy final layer with smooth finish.
• Chocolate Syrup: Optional drizzle for extra chocolate intensity and visual appeal.

How to Layer and Chill Hot Chocolate Lasagna

Step 1: Create Chocolate Cookie Base

Grab a mixing bowl and crush Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. Melt butter and blend with cookie crumbs until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even layer. Pop the dish into the refrigerator to set while preparing the next delicious layer.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Layer

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with hot chocolate mix until peaks form dramatically. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until perfectly blended. Spread this luxurious layer over the chilled cookie base and return to the refrigerator.

Step 3: Craft Marshmallow Chocolate Pudding Layer

Grab a bowl and whisk instant pudding mix with milk until the mixture thickens beautifully. Fold in fluffy mini marshmallows. Carefully spread this dreamy layer over the cheesecake layer. Return to the refrigerator to set.

Step 4: Crown with Fluffy Topping

Cover the pudding layer with a generous spread of whipped topping. Sprinkle additional mini marshmallows across the surface. Optional: Drizzle chocolate syrup in elegant swirls for extra decadence.

Step 5: Chill and Serve Delightful Dessert

Allow the lasagna to rest in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or ideally overnight. When ready, slice into perfect squares and serve chilled. Watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first delicious bite!

Tips for a Smooth and Dessert Finish

• Customize Oreo Crust: Swap regular Oreos with gluten-free or mint-flavored versions to add a unique twist and cater to different dietary preferences.
• Whip Cream Perfectly: Use cold heavy cream and chill your mixing bowl beforehand to achieve stiff, stable peaks that hold their shape beautifully in the dessert.
• Control Sweetness Level: Adjust powdered sugar quantity based on personal taste or reduce it for a less sweet dessert that highlights the rich chocolate flavor.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert a day in advance to allow layers to set completely and develop deeper, more integrated flavors for a more delicious experience.
• Garnish with Creativity: Top with chocolate shavings, crushed candy canes, or sprinkle hot chocolate mix on the whipped cream to elevate the presentation and add extra texture.

Best Way to Store and Serve Hot Chocolate Lasagna

• Store the Hot Chocolate Lasagna in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, keeping the dessert fresh and delicious.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain the dessert's texture when storing.
• Enjoy cold directly from the refrigerator for the best taste and texture, as this dessert is not typically served warm.

Sweet Pairings for Hot Chocolate Lasagna

• Counterbalance the dessert's sweetness with a strong, bold espresso shot that cuts through the creamy layers and enhances chocolate notes.
• Complement the dessert's marshmallow and chocolate profile with a smooth, velvety vanilla latte that echoes the rich, comforting flavors.
• Introduce an adult twist by pairing the lasagna with a cool, smooth Baileys that amplifies the dessert's luxurious texture and chocolate undertones.
• Offer a warming, spicy herbal tea that provides a delicate contrast to the dessert's decadent layers and adds a subtle aromatic dimension.

Twists to Try with Hot Chocolate Lasagna

Gluten-Free Hot Chocolate Lasagna: Replace Oreo cookies with gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

Vegan Hot Chocolate Lasagna: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut cream, vegan cream cheese, plant-based butter, and dairy-free whipped topping. Use vegan marshmallows and dark chocolate to create a completely plant-based dessert.

Low-Sugar Hot Chocolate Lasagna: Swap regular powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free instant pudding mix and low-fat cream cheese to reduce overall sugar content while maintaining delicious flavor.

Peppermint Chocolate Lasagna: Add crushed candy canes between layers and mix peppermint extract into the cheesecake layer for a festive winter-themed version of the classic dessert.

Hot Chocolate Lasagna Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent layers of chocolate bliss define this Hot Chocolate Lasagna, where creamy pudding and chocolate cookies dance together in a dessert symphony. Cool whip and chocolate chips crown this heavenly treat, promising sweet comfort in each delightful spoonful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 36 Oreo cookies (with filling), crushed into fine crumbs
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 2 (3.9 ounces/110 grams) boxes instant chocolate pudding mix
• 8 ounces (226 grams) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed

Dairy and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, melted and softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 cups cold milk
• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

Flavor and Topping Ingredients:

• 6 packets hot chocolate mix
• 2 ½ cups mini marshmallows
• Chocolate syrup, for drizzling (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a decadent Oreo foundation by pulverizing cookies and blending with melted butter, then firmly press the crumbly mixture into a 9×13-inch dish. Refrigerate to solidify the base while preparing subsequent layers.
2. Whip cream cheese and butter until silky smooth, then incorporate powdered sugar and vanilla extract, creating a luscious cream mixture. Separately, transform hot chocolate powder into a whipped cream infusion, gently folding the aerated mixture into the cream cheese base until harmoniously combined.
3. Distribute the velvety cream cheese layer atop the chilled Oreo crust, returning to the refrigerator to set and stabilize.
4. Generate a luxurious chocolate pudding by whisking pudding mix with milk until achieving a thick, luxurious consistency. Tenderly integrate mini marshmallows throughout the pudding, then carefully spread over the cream cheese layer.
5. Crown the dessert with a billowing layer of whipped topping, creating an elegant surface. Embellish with scattered mini marshmallows and optional chocolate syrup drizzle for visual appeal.
6. Allow the assembled hot chocolate lasagna to rest and firm in the refrigerator for a minimum of three hours, permitting layers to meld and flavors to intensify. Slice into elegant squares and serve thoroughly chilled for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Customize the Oreo crust by using gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert.
• Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk to create a dairy-free alternative that doesn’t compromise on creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Reduce sugar content by using sugar-free hot chocolate mix and low-fat cream cheese, making this indulgent treat slightly healthier without sacrificing taste.
• Elevate presentation by using a kitchen torch to lightly toast the marshmallow topping, adding a gorgeous caramelized finish and subtle smoky note to the dessert.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-6 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg