Hot Chocolate Lasagna: A Sweet, No-Bake Dessert Perfect for the Holidays

When you think of indulgent desserts that bring people together, Hot Chocolate Lasagna is sure to top the list. It’s a dessert that captures all the cozy, comforting flavors of hot chocolate and transforms them into a decadent layered masterpiece that’s perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just when you want to treat yourself to something special. The best part? It’s a no-bake treat that’s both easy to assemble and irresistibly delicious.

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This Hot Chocolate Lasagna combines rich layers of Oreo cookie crust, hot chocolate cheesecake mousse, creamy chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped cream, all topped with mini marshmallows and a drizzle of chocolate. It’s as beautiful as it is tasty, with its glossy layers and inviting textures. Whether you’re serving it for a festive gathering or simply enjoying a cozy dessert at home, this dessert is guaranteed to be a hit!

Let’s dive into the process of making this crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the comfort of hot chocolate with the joy of cheesecake and pudding.

Ingredients Breakdown

For the Oreo Crust:

• 36 Oreo cookies (with filling)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

The crust is the foundation of this dessert and adds a nice crunchy contrast to the creamy layers that follow. The Oreo cookies are finely ground, mixed with melted butter, and pressed into the base of a casserole dish. It’s simple, but the rich chocolatey flavor and the smoothness of the butter make for a winning base.

For the Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Mousse Layer:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 5 envelopes (0.73 oz each) of instant hot cocoa mix (milk chocolate flavor)
• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream

The mousse layer is the star of the dessert. The creamy mixture combines butter and cream cheese for a rich and tangy base, while powdered sugar sweetens the flavor and vanilla extract adds depth. The instant hot cocoa mix brings the hot chocolate flavor to life without needing to brew up an actual cup of cocoa, making it super convenient. The whipped cream is then folded in for a fluffy texture that melts in your mouth.

For the Chocolate Pudding Layer:

• 2 boxes (3.8 oz each) of chocolate instant pudding mix
• 2 ¾ cups milk
• 1 cup mini marshmallows

This layer adds an extra layer of creaminess and chocolate indulgence. The pudding mix thickens into a velvety-smooth layer, and the mini marshmallows melt slightly, providing little pockets of gooey goodness in every bite.

For the Topping:

• 1 ¼ cups heavy whipping cream (or 2 ½ cups whipped cream)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• Chocolate topping or Nutella (for serving)

The final touch is a thick layer of whipped cream that forms a sweet and creamy blanket over the pudding layer. The mini marshmallows on top mimic the classic toppings for hot chocolate, and a drizzle of chocolate or Nutella adds the finishing touch of indulgence.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Making the Oreo Crust:

Start by preparing the crust, as this will need to chill in the fridge while you prepare the other layers. Using a food processor, grind up the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Press the cookie mixture firmly into the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch casserole dish. Once it’s evenly spread, place it in the fridge (or freezer if you’re in a hurry) to firm up while you prepare the next layers.

2. Preparing the Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Mousse Layer:

In the bowl of a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and instant hot cocoa mix until smooth and creamy. You’ll want the mixture to be soft but not runny. In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form—this is the key to the light and fluffy texture of the mousse. Once the whipped cream is ready, gently fold half of it into the cheesecake mixture, and then fold in the other half until fully combined. Spread this airy mousse over the Oreo crust, and return the dish to the fridge to set.

3. Making the Chocolate Pudding Layer:

In a bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with the milk until it begins to thicken. Stir in the mini marshmallows and mix them in gently. Spread this pudding layer over the cheesecake mousse layer and place the dish back in the fridge or freezer to set. This layer will become firmer and more cohesive as it chills.

4. Preparing the Whipped Cream Topping:

While the pudding layer sets, you can make the whipped cream topping. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. This step will give you the perfect fluffy topping to crown your dessert. Once the pudding layer is firm, spread the whipped cream over it, smoothing it out evenly.

5. Finishing Touches:

Before serving, sprinkle the mini marshmallows over the whipped cream. You can add even more flair by drizzling the dessert with melted chocolate or Nutella for an extra layer of sweetness. The melted chocolate adds a glossy, indulgent finish that complements the rich flavors of the lasagna.

Tips, Substitutions, and Variations

• For a stronger hot chocolate flavor: If you prefer a more intense hot chocolate flavor, you can double the amount of instant hot cocoa mix in the mousse layer. Just be cautious, as too much cocoa powder might alter the texture.
• Different cookie crusts: If you’re not a fan of Oreos or want to try something different, you could substitute the Oreo crust with a graham cracker crust or even a cookie crust made from any chocolate cookies you have on hand.
• Make-ahead dessert: This dessert is ideal for making ahead. It’s best if it’s allowed to chill overnight, so it’s perfect for preparing the day before a gathering. Just make sure to let it set completely before serving for the best texture.
• Variations in the toppings: Try adding crushed peppermint candies on top during the holiday season for a festive twist, or drizzle the whipped cream with caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness. For an even more indulgent treat, top with chocolate shavings.
• Alternative to instant pudding mix: If you prefer a homemade pudding base, you could make your own chocolate pudding from scratch, although the instant mix is incredibly convenient and quick.

Serving Suggestions

Hot Chocolate Lasagna is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for holiday parties, family gatherings, or a fun dessert to bring to a potluck. You can serve it chilled or slightly softened after taking it out of the fridge for 10-15 minutes, as it holds its shape well but can soften if left out for too long.

Pair it with a cup of hot cocoa for a double hot chocolate experience or enjoy it with a warm mug of coffee to balance the sweetness. For those with a sweeter tooth, a scoop of vanilla ice cream would complement the dessert beautifully. The layers of creamy mousse, rich pudding, and fluffy whipped cream make it the perfect dessert for any occasion.

Conclusion

Hot Chocolate Lasagna is a decadent dessert that combines all the best elements of a cozy hot chocolate treat into a no-bake, layered masterpiece. With its Oreo crust, creamy mousse, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream topping, it’s a dessert that will impress guests and satisfy every sweet tooth. The textures, from the crunchy crust to the smooth mousse and rich pudding, all come together to create a dessert that is nothing short of indulgent.

Whether you’re looking for a holiday treat, a family dessert, or a show-stopping dish for your next gathering, Hot Chocolate Lasagna is the perfect choice. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds.