Description
Every family has that one dessert that defines the holidays, and for years, mine was my grandmother’s elaborate three-layer cake. But one December, running on fumes between work deadlines and school concerts, I simply couldn’t face the hours of baking. Searching desperately for an alternative, I stumbled upon the concept of chocolate lasagna and knew immediately I could transform it into something special for Christmas.
That first attempt was a revelation. I added festive red and green sprinkles, crushed peppermint candies, and decorated the top with whole Oreo cookies. When I brought it to our family gathering, the reactions were priceless. My aunt, the family’s unofficial dessert critic, took one bite and declared it the best thing she’d eaten all year. My cousins fought over the last piece. And my grandmother herself, watching from across the room, simply smiled and nodded approvingly. Now, this No-Bake Christmas Oreo Lasagna has become our new holiday tradition.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Christmas Oreo Lasagna
Oreo Crust:
- 1 package (14.3 oz) Oreo cookies, divided
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 8 ounces Cool Whip, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pudding Layer:
- 2 packages (3.9 oz each) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 1/4 cups cold milk
Christmas Topping:
- Red and green sprinkles
- Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
- Whole Oreo cookies for decoration
- Mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions for Oreo Lasagna
- Crush approximately 30 Oreo cookies in a food processor until they form fine crumbs. Reserve about 1/2 cup of crumbs for topping. If you don’t have a food processor, place cookies in a zip-lock bag and crush with a rolling pin.
- Mix the crushed Oreos with melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form an even crust. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
- Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
- Fold half of the Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture until completely combined. Spread this layer evenly over the Oreo crust. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
- Whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix with cold milk until thick and smooth, about 2 minutes. Immediately spread the pudding over the cream cheese layer before it sets completely.
- Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the pudding layer, creating a smooth, even top.
- Decorate with reserved Oreo crumbs, festive red and green sprinkles, crushed peppermint candies, and whole Oreo cookies. Add mini chocolate chips if desired.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving. This allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld together.
Notes
Pro Tips for Perfect Oreo Lasagna
- Use regular Oreos, not Double Stuf—the extra filling can throw off the texture balance
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in your filling
- Work quickly when spreading the pudding—it sets fast!
- For clean slices, freeze for 30 minutes before cutting, then wipe the knife between cuts
Nutritional Information for Oreo Lasagna
Per serving (12 servings): Calories: 385 | Protein: 5g | Carbohydrates: 48g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 35mg | Sodium: 340mg | Sugar: 32g. This is a decadent holiday treat meant for special occasions!
Presentation Tips for Christmas Dessert
For the most impressive presentation, make this dessert in a clear glass 9×13 baking dish so all those beautiful layers are visible from the side. Add whole Oreo cookies standing upright around the edges like a festive border. Scatter peppermint balls and Christmas sprinkles strategically across the top. For an extra special touch, pipe small stars of additional whipped cream in the corners and add a light dusting of powdered sugar to mimic fresh-fallen snow.
Pairings for Christmas Oreo Lasagna
Beverage Pairings
This rich dessert pairs beautifully with a strong cup of coffee or espresso to cut through the sweetness. For wine lovers, a late-harvest Riesling or dessert port complements the chocolate wonderfully. Hot cocoa or peppermint tea creates a cozy holiday combination, especially for family gatherings.
Complementary Desserts
If you’re creating a dessert spread, pair this with lighter options like sugar cookies, fruit tarts, or a fresh fruit platter. The contrast of a lighter dessert alongside this indulgent lasagna gives guests options.
Variations and Substitutions for Oreo Lasagna
- Use vanilla pudding instead of chocolate for a cookies-and-cream version
- Try mint Oreos for an extra peppermint punch
- Substitute Cool Whip with freshly whipped cream for a more homemade taste
- Make it gluten-free using gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies
- Add a layer of caramel sauce between the pudding and whipped cream
Storage Instructions for Oreo Lasagna
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The dessert is best enjoyed within the first 2-3 days when the Oreo crust maintains more of its crunch. You can freeze this dessert for up to 2 months—let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Note that after thawing, the texture will be slightly softer.