Festive Christmas Dessert Lasagna
Are you looking for a festive treat that can impress at any holiday gathering? Christmas Dessert Lasagna is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful layered experience that combines the rich flavor of chocolate and vanilla with a crunchy Oreo crust. Every bite transports you to a winter wonderland, making it an instant favorite during the holiday season. I stumbled upon this recipe at a family gathering years ago, and it quickly became a staple in our holiday celebrations. It’s easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and looks absolutely stunning on the dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
What sets Christmas Dessert Lasagna apart from all the other holiday desserts? First and foremost, it’s a simple yet show-stopping dish. With minimal cooking involved, your time in the kitchen is spent primarily on assembly, allowing you to focus on creating cherished memories with loved ones. Plus, the combination of textures—from the creamy layers to the crunchy Oreo base—provides a delightful balance that everyone, from kids to adults, can appreciate.
“This dessert is a holiday miracle! Easy to make and even easier to devour. My kids can’t get enough of it!”
Preparing Christmas Dessert Lasagna
This layered dessert is incredibly straightforward to make. Start by crushing Oreo cookies to create a decadent crust, then layer rich cream cheese and pudding mixtures for a delightful creaminess. The top layer of whipped topping decorated with Christmas sprinkles and candies makes it both beautiful and festive. Ready to create your own Christmas Dessert Lasagna? Here’s what you need to gather.
What You’ll Need
To whip up this delicious delight, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 36 Oreo cookies, crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping (plus more for topping)
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding (3.4 oz)
- 1 box instant chocolate pudding (3.4 oz)
- 3 cups cold milk
- Christmas sprinkles and Mini M&Ms or holiday candies for decoration
For a slightly lighter option, you can swap out the whipped topping for a low-fat version, and for those with dietary restrictions, consider using gluten-free Oreos.
Step-by-Step Instructions
The beauty of this dessert lies in its simple process:
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Crush the Oreos: Start by finely crushing the 36 Oreo cookies. Mix them with the melted butter until fully combined, then press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan. Chill it while you prepare the filling.
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Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of whipped topping and spread this mixture over the chilled cookie crust.
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Prepare the Pudding: In separate bowls, combine each pudding mix (vanilla and chocolate) with 1 1/2 cups of cold milk. Allow them to set briefly.
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Layer the Puddings: Pour the chocolate pudding first over the cream cheese layer, followed by the vanilla pudding. Then, top the dessert with the remaining whipped topping.
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Decorate & Chill: Finish it off with a sprinkle of Christmas sprinkles and Mini M&Ms or your chosen holiday candies. Chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
To truly make your holiday gathering magical, consider serving Christmas Dessert Lasagna in festive holiday parfait glasses. You can also pair it with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries for a refreshing contrast. A side of hot cocoa or a holiday-themed cocktail also complements this sweet treat beautifully!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), simply cover the dessert tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It remains delicious for up to 3 days. If you want to prepare it in advance, you can freeze the unassembled layers, but we recommend making it fresh as it holds its best flavor and texture when served cold.
Helpful Cooking Tips
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Shortcuts: If you’re short on time, store-bought whipped topping can speed up the process even more!
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Layering Technique: To get smooth layers with no mixing of flavors, allow each layer to set before adding the next.
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Chill Time: While it might be hard to resist, chilling overnight truly elevates the texture and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Creative Twists
Want to try something different? Experiment with seasonal flavors by adding peppermint extract in place of vanilla, or top with crushed candy canes instead of sprinkles. For a chocolate lover’s twist, use chocolate-flavored whipped topping or swap the vanilla pudding with a chocolate variant.
Common Questions
Q: How long does it take to make this dessert?
A: Preparation time is about 30 minutes, but allow for chilling time of at least 4 hours.
Q: Can I use different cookies for the crust?
A: Absolutely! Chocolate chip cookies or even graham crackers can work well for the crust.
Q: Is there a way to make this dessert gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply use gluten-free Oreos and make sure your pudding mixes are confirmed gluten-free.
Q: Can this dish be made a day ahead?
A: Yes, in fact, it tastes even better if made the day before serving, giving flavors time to meld!
Now you’re all set to create a Christmas Dessert Lasagna that will not only satisfy your sweet cravings but will also be a stunning centerpiece at your holiday festivities! Enjoy your time with family and friends as you indulge in this delicious treat.
Christmas Dessert Lasagna
Ingredients
Crust
- 36 cookies Oreo cookies, crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping, plus more for topping
Pudding Layers
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding (3.4 oz)
- 1 box instant chocolate pudding (3.4 oz)
- 3 cups cold milk
Decoration
- Christmas sprinkles and Mini M&Ms or holiday candies for decoration
Instructions
Preparation
- Finely crush the 36 Oreo cookies and mix with the melted butter until fully combined. Press into the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan and chill.
- In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in 1 1/2 cups of whipped topping and spread over the chilled cookie crust.
- In separate bowls, combine each pudding mix (vanilla and chocolate) with 1 1/2 cups of cold milk. Allow them to set briefly.
- Pour the chocolate pudding over the cream cheese layer, followed by the vanilla pudding. Top with remaining whipped topping.
- Decorate with Christmas sprinkles and Mini M&Ms or chosen holiday candies. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
