Chocolate Lasagna

We're sharing our recipe for chocolate lasagna, the creative dessert creation that'll have all your guests talking—and asking for your recipe. This dessert couldn't be more fun to make, or to eat! It's lasagna as you've never had it before.

The prep for chocolate lasagna is simple: It's just crumbled chocolate cookies and butter for the crust. For the layers, you'll mix up one spread of cream cheese, sugar, milk, and whipped topping; then you'll make a chocolatey topper made from instant pudding and milk. To finish it all off, you'll add a layer of airy whipped cream and a sprinkling of mini chocolate chips.

Learn how to make chocolate lasagna, and make a sweet treat that your kids—and everyone else, for that matter—are sure to love.

Ingredients for Chocolate Lasagna

With instant chocolate pudding, Cool Whip, and chocolate sandwich cookies making up the bulk up the recipe, this dessert comes together quickly and easily. To make chocolate lasagna, you'll need:

• Chocolate sandwich cookies: Ground for a cookie crumb crust.
• Butter: Binds the cookie crust.
• Cream cheese: For a creamy, mildly tangy layer within the lasagna that firms up when chilled.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer.
• Cold milk: Thins the cream cheese layer slightly, and whisks into instant chocolate pudding mix for a chocolatey pudding layer.
• Cool Whip: For a light, airy layers within the lasagna.
• Instant chocolate pudding: A creamy, velvety chocolate layer.
• Chocolate chips: Adds chocolatey crunch and a final flourish.

How To Make Chocolate Lasagna

With just 25 minutes of prep time, this crowd-pleasing dessert is well worth every minute. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Crush cookies for crust: Crush chocolate cookies in a zip-top bag until finely ground.
• Step 2. Make crust: Combine crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Chill.
• Step 3. Make cream cheese layer: Beat cream cheese until light and fluffy. Mix in sugar and 2 tablespoons milk. Stir in 1 1/4 cups Cool Whip. Spread over cookie crust.
• Step 4. Make chocolate pudding: In a bowl, combine chocolate instant pudding with 3 1/4 cups cold milk. Whisk until pudding begins to thicken. Spread over cream cheese layer; set aside for 5 minutes.
• Step 5. Finish assembling lasagna and chill: Top with remaining Cool Whip, and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Freeze 1 hour or refrigerate for 4 hours before serving.

Chocolate Lasagna Variations

For a twist on this classic favorite, give these variations a try:

• Crust: Swap the chocolate sandwich cookies for any crisp cookie you prefer, including chocolate graham crackers, wafers, or other cookies.
• Add nuts: Add a layer of chopped toasted nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds, for a nutty crunch.
• Flavor the cream cheese: Vanilla extract, lemon zest, or a splash of rum or bourbon can add deep flavor.
• Double the chocolate: Mix Dutch-processed cocoa powder or Nutella into the cream cheese layer to taste for a chocolate-cream cheese filling, or stir in chocolate chips or chunks for a chocolatey crunch.
• Fruity touch: Swirl the cream cheese filling with jam or dot with fresh berries for a refreshing twist.
• Mocha: Add espresso powder to the pudding for a mocha flavor.
• Garnish: Top with chocolate shavings, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate, or caramel sauce for a decadent finish.

Can I Make Chocolate Lasagna Ahead?

Chocolate lasagna can be prepared, wrapped, and refrigerated up to two days ahead if needed. For the freshest presentation, top with Cool Whip and chocolate chips one hour before serving.

How To Store Leftover Chocolate Lasagna

Store leftover chocolate lasagna well-wrapped in the refrigerator for up to three days. Note that the layers may begin to break down or weep over time. You can also freeze leftovers for up to two months, although the texture may change slightly after thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

More Layered Chocolate Dessert Recipes You'll Love

For quick, satisfying desserts, pudding-based recipes just can't be beat. From the names Death by Chocolate to Mississippi Mud Pie, you know these desserts are going to be good:

• Chocolate Chip Cookie Delight
• Death by Chocolate
• Dirt Pudding
• Hot Chocolate Lasagna
• Chocolate Parfait
• Chocolate Trifle
• Mississippi Mud Pie
• Brownie Trifle

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.