Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate festive crowd-pleaser: Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna! This dreamy no-bake dessert layers a chocolaty cookie crust with fluffy cream cheese, silky chocolate pudding, and a cool cloud of peppermint whipped topping—all showered with crushed candy canes and mini chocolate chips. Every bite is a celebration of holiday cheer, offering a delightful contrast of rich chocolate and brisk peppermint. Whether you’re looking for a magical dessert to cap off a festive dinner or an easy make-ahead treat for sharing with friends, Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna has you covered!

Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of classic, cupboard-friendly ingredients to bring this eye-catching treat to life. Each one plays an important role, whether it’s adding creamy indulgence, a snap of chocolate, or the burst of holiday peppermint we all crave!

Chocolate sandwich cookies: These form the decadent, dark base that anchors all the luscious layers above.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter brings the cookie crust together and ensures it stays perfectly firm.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese becomes the silky backbone of the second layer—rich, tangy, and utterly luxurious.
Granulated sugar: Just enough to sweeten up the creamy layer and balance out the cream cheese’s natural tang.
Milk: You’ll need a touch for smoothing out the cream cheese and plenty for whipping up a thick pudding layer.
Whipped topping: This shortcut ingredient lends the signature lightness and airy structure—no whipping required!
Instant chocolate pudding mix: Deep, chocolatey, and fuss-free, this pudding is the soul of the lasagna’s third layer.
Peppermint extract: A little bit goes a long way to infuse the whole dessert with cool, wintry magic.
Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: Crunchy, colorful, and oh-so festive—these look and taste fantastic.
Mini chocolate chips: They add pops of texture and more chocolatey flavor sprinkled across the top.
Additional whipped topping & crushed peppermint for garnish: These finishing touches make every slice look irresistible.

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cookie Crust

Begin by crushing your chocolate sandwich cookies until they’re just shy of powder—think chocolatey sand. Mix them with the melted butter, and press this delicious, crumbly mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. This sturdy yet soft crust is what holds the whole Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna together, so take a moment to press it in evenly. Pop it in the fridge to chill while you move on.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Layer

In a large bowl, blend softened cream cheese with sugar and a splash of milk for smoothness. Once silky, fold in half of your whipped topping for a cloudlike texture—this makes the cream cheese layer irresistibly airy. Carefully spread it over your chilled crust, using a spatula for even coverage. The creamy tang starts building the flavor contrasts that make this dessert shine.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Pudding Layer

In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until thick and glossy—about 2 minutes of whisking does the trick. You want it just set, not liquidy. When ready, spread this decadent pudding over the cream cheese layer. The pudding adds deep chocolate richness that grounds the refreshing peppermint to come!

Step 4: Make the Peppermint Whipped Topping

Stir peppermint extract (just half a teaspoon—trust me, it’s potent!) into the remaining whipped topping. Gently fold in crushed peppermint candies or candy canes for the classic red-and-white sparkle and a satisfying little crunch throughout. With a loving hand, spread this peppermint fluff over the chocolate pudding, creating a soft, pastel top layer.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

Shower the top with mini chocolate chips and a handful of extra crushed peppermint for color, texture, and excitement. Cover your Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna and refrigerate for at least four hours, or even overnight. This chilling time allows all the flavors to mingle and the layers to set into sliceable perfection.

How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna

Garnishes

When it’s time to serve, don’t hold back on garnishes! Extra dollops of whipped topping, more crushed peppermint, and a sprinkling of mini chocolate chips on each slice instantly transform every serving into a work of art. Try topping with a whole mini candy cane for a playful twist—guaranteed to draw smiles.

Side Dishes

Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna is rich and refreshing, so it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Put out bowls of fresh berries, pour mugs of hot coffee or cocoa, or serve with scoops of vanilla bean ice cream. These lighter or contrasting treats balance out the dessert’s decadence without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting, try making individual trifles by layering ingredients in clear glasses—no slicing needed and every layer gets its moment to shine! For holiday parties, cut the lasagna into bite-sized squares and skewer with festive picks. The vibrant layers pop and you’ll have a perfect grab-and-go treat for your dessert buffet.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna keeps surprisingly well! Simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to five days; the layers will remain deliciously soft but hold together beautifully with each passing day.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna. Slice or keep whole, wrap securely in both plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving—while the texture may be slightly softer, the flavors remain just as delightful.

Reheating

No reheating necessary! This dessert is especially delicious when served chilled, straight from the fridge. If you’ve frozen it, let it thaw in the refrigerator until soft and creamy again—no baking, no fuss.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Absolutely! Homemade lightly sweetened whipped cream makes a gorgeous substitute for whipped topping. Just be sure it’s whipped to sturdy peaks so it holds up nicely between layers.

Is it possible to make Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies for the crust, and double-check that your pudding mix and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. You won’t miss out on any festive fun.

How far in advance can I make Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna?

You can assemble this dessert up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, a little extra chilling time helps the layers set, making it even easier to slice and serve. Just keep it well-covered in the refrigerator until showtime.

Can I leave out the peppermint flavor?

Definitely! If you want more of a classic chocolate lasagna, just skip the peppermint extract and swap the crushed peppermint candy for extra chocolate chips, cookie crumbs, or even sprinkles.

What if I don’t have a food processor for the cookies?

No problem—place the cookies in a large resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy jar. It’s a bit therapeutic and works just as well!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy on friends’ and family’s faces when you bring out a tray of Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna. It’s festive, nostalgic, and so much easier to make than it looks. Give it a try this season—your only regret will be not making a double batch!

Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delicious layers of chocolate and peppermint with this no-bake dessert recipe for Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna. It’s a perfect treat for the holidays or any special occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

36 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons milk
8 ounces whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

For the Chocolate Pudding Layer:

1 (3.9-ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups cold milk

For the Peppermint Whipped Topping:

1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Additional whipped topping and crushed peppermint for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Crust: Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies and mix with melted butter. Press into a baking dish and chill.
Make the Cream Cheese Layer: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and milk. Fold in whipped topping and spread over crust.
Prepare the Chocolate Pudding Layer: Whisk pudding mix with cold milk until thickened. Spread over cream cheese layer.
Create the Peppermint Whipped Topping: Mix peppermint extract with whipped topping and crushed peppermint. Spread over pudding layer.
Finish and Chill: Sprinkle with chocolate chips and crushed peppermint. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.