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.
![Southern Living Chocolate Lasagna sliced on a plate to serve](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/NGCeS3APHpbNquiAh3c0Vh1pBOg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SL-Chocolate-Lasagna-Courtney-West-Primary-4x3-109aa2986d0a447b8c07388b903e6657.jpg)
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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.
![Southern Living Chocolate Lasagna ingredients](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/-OLzxE9KFPxCBRKBWhtORYncsvY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SL-Chocolate-Lasagna-Courtney-West-Ingredients-a2e9ed54bbed4c9d9b5ac0c7b6cd5453.jpg)
Courtney West
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.
Ingredients
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1 (13.29-oz.) pkg. chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreos), crushed
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6 Tbsp. butter, melted
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1 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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3 1/4 cups plus 2 Tbsp. cold milk, divided
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1 (12-oz.) tub Cool Whip
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1 (5.9-oz.) pkg. instant chocolate pudding
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1 1/2 cups mini or regular chocolate chips, semisweet or milk
Directions
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Crush cookies for crust:
Add 36 chocolate cookies to a large zip-top plastic bag and crush, using a rolling pin or meat mallet, until fine crumbs form.
Courtney West
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Make crust:
Transfer crumbs to a large bowl. Stir in melted butter.
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Transfer the mixture to a 13- x 9-inch baking dish. Press crumbs into the bottom of pan. Place in refrigerator to chill while working on other layers.
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Make cream cheese layer:
Mix the cream cheese with a mixer until light and fluffy. Add granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons milk and mix well. Stir in 1 1/4 cups Cool Whip.
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Spread mixture over cookie crust.
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Make chocolate pudding:
In a bowl, combine chocolate instant pudding with 3 1/4 cups cold milk. Whisk for several minutes until pudding begins to thicken. Spread mixture over previous layer. Allow the dessert to rest for 5 minutes so the pudding can firm up further.
Courtney West
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Finish assembling lasagna and chill:
Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the top. Sprinkle evenly with mini or regular chocolate chips. Place in freezer for 1 hour or in refrigerator for 4 hours before serving.
Courtney West
Frequently Asked Questions
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This dessert is completely no-bake, from the crumb crust to the fillings and topping.
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Since this chocolate lasagna is made with Cool Whip, it can be frozen and thawed. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Note there may be some textural changes to the layers after thawing.
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If desired, you can substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta cheese. Note that the texture will not set up as firm and sliceable as with cream cheese.
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These layered desserts are similar in makeup, often created with layers of creamy filling. While trifles tend to include layers of cake, brownies, or cookies, chocolate lasagna is made with a cookie crust base. Chocolate lasagna is sliced, while trifles are often served in glass cups or bowls.