If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing holiday dessert that dazzles both in looks and flavor, look no further than Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna. This dreamy, no-bake treat layers chocolate, peppermint, and cream in the most irresistible way. Every bite delivers a creamy, chocolaty, and refreshing burst of flavor, punctuated by festive pops of peppermint. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just need a sweet pick-me-up, this is the dessert you’ll want to share with family and friends all season long.

Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna comes from a handful of trusty, familiar ingredients—but the way they come together is anything but ordinary! Each one brings its own bit of personality, ensuring the very best taste, texture, and wintery sparkle in every slice.

Chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos): The iconic cookie base gives this dessert its crave-worthy crunch and deep cocoa flavor.
Unsalted butter (melted): Butter binds our cookie crust and helps it firm up beautifully in the fridge.
Cream cheese (softened): Creamy, tangy, and smooth—this is key for the rich peppermint cheesecake layer.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling just enough to balance the cocoa and minty flavors.
Milk: Adds silkiness to the filling and thickens up the chocolate pudding.
Peppermint extract: The true hallmark of this dessert, just a teaspoon lends all the cool, minty magic.
Whipped topping (like Cool Whip): Fluffy, light, and the perfect backdrop for layering; it keeps the lasagna delightfully airy.
Instant chocolate pudding mix: Provides that pudding layer that’s basically pure chocolate comfort.
Mini chocolate chips: Little bursts of fudgy texture scattered through the topping.
Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: Adds that signature crunch and festive flair.
Extra whipped topping and peppermint pieces for garnish: For those final touches that make each slice pop on the plate.

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cookie Crust

Start by crushing the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs. You can blitz them in a food processor or go old-school with a zip-top bag and rolling pin. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until everything’s evenly coated, then press firmly into a 9×9-inch baking dish. The firmer you press, the better your base will hold its shape later.

Step 2: Prepare the Peppermint Cream Cheese Layer

In a large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until completely smooth. Then, gently fold in half of the whipped topping. This layer is where the chocolate and minty flavors start to blend—spread it right over your cookie crust for the perfect foundation.

Step 3: Mix the Chocolate Pudding

In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk. It’ll thicken up magically in about two minutes. Once it’s reached a proper pudding consistency, spread this luscious chocolate layer over the cream cheese mixture for even more depth and richness.

Step 4: Add the Whipped Topping and Toppings

Now comes the cloud-like final layer! Spread the remaining whipped topping all over the pudding. Shower the top with mini chocolate chips and a generous sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies or candy canes for that essential sparkle and crunch. This is where your Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna transforms into something truly eye-catching!

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if planning ahead. This chilling step lets the flavors mingle and the layers firm up, leading to clean, gorgeous slices when you’re ready to serve. Enjoy it cold for the ultimate creamy, refreshing treat!

How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna

Garnishes

This dessert loves a little extra flair! Add a dollop of whipped topping to each slice, then sprinkle more crushed peppermint candies and a few chocolate chips or shavings on top. If you want to get fancy, try a mint leaf or a chocolate curl—absolutely stunning.

Side Dishes

Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna shines brightest when it’s the star of the show, but it pairs well with a steamy mug of hot chocolate or holiday coffee. For a more grown-up gathering, serve with espresso or spiced wine. A plate of crisp butter cookies or some fresh berries on the side adds lovely contrast and color.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to make it extra memorable? Try assembling the dessert in individual mason jars for sweet personal servings, or cut it into tiny squares and serve them like peppermint dessert “bites” at a party. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of edible glitter never hurt, either—go ahead, make it festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna tightly covered in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and fabulous for up to 4 days, so you can enjoy a sweet treat all week long. You might even find that the flavors meld together and taste even better the next day.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead on holiday prep, Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna freezes beautifully. Wrap the dish well with plastic wrap and a layer of foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving—the layers will hold up deliciously.

Reheating

This dessert is made to be served cold, straight from the fridge. No need to reheat; in fact, it tastes best when it’s nicely chilled. If it’s frozen, just let it thaw in the refrigerator until soft and creamy once again.

FAQs

Can I use mint-flavored chocolate cookies for the base?

Absolutely! Mint chocolate sandwich cookies add an extra burst of peppermint goodness, making the chocolate and mint flavors even more pronounced. If you’re a hardcore mint fan, it’s a fantastic swap.

How far in advance can I assemble Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna?

You can make it up to 24 hours ahead, which makes it a lifesaver for busy holidays. The texture actually improves as it sits, allowing the layers to meld together perfectly.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Yes, homemade whipped cream is a delicious alternative. Just be sure to whip it to stiff peaks and use it immediately, as it can deflate faster than stabilized store-bought toppings.

Is this dessert gluten free?

Not as written, since the chocolate sandwich cookies typically contain wheat. To make it gluten free, substitute your favorite gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies, and check the pudding and candies for hidden sources of gluten.

What’s the best way to crush peppermint candies?

Place them in a sturdy zip-top bag and gently smash them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan. You want a mix of bits and powder for both texture and festive looks!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow guests (or treat yourself!) with something equal parts stunning and delicious, you simply have to try making Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna. It’s the kind of dessert that spreads cheer with every layer—one taste, and you’ll be hooked! Here’s to holiday magic, sweet moments, and plenty of peppermint joy.

Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 9 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful layers of chocolate and peppermint with this no-bake Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna. A perfect make-ahead dessert for the holiday season.

Ingredients

Scale

Cookies Crust:

36 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cream Cheese Layer:

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 (8-ounce) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

Chocolate Pudding Layer:

1 (3.9-ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
1 ½ cups cold milk

Toppings:

1 cup mini chocolate chips
½ cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
Extra whipped topping and peppermint pieces for garnish

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Instructions

Cookies Crust: Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter and press into a 9×9-inch baking dish.
Cream Cheese Layer: Beat cream cheese, sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth. Fold in half of the whipped topping and spread over the crust.
Chocolate Pudding Layer: Whisk together pudding mix and cold milk until thickened. Spread over the cream cheese layer.
Assembly: Top with remaining whipped topping, mini chocolate chips, and crushed peppermint candies. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Serve: Slice and garnish with whipped topping and peppermint pieces.