Chocolate Lasagna – easy no-bake dessert

Chocolate Lasagna – easy, make ahead no-bake layered dessert. Oreo cookie crust, creamy cheesecake layer, chocolate pudding and whipped cream topped with Heath English Toffee Bits.

This is an easy chilled summer dessert with no baking required. Layers of crushed Oreo crust, creamy cheesecake, rich chocolate pudding, whipped cream finished with crunchy chocolate-toffee bits.

My 10 year old granddaughter was over recently. She loves a good time in the kitchen – especially when it involves a yummy chocolate dessert.

I supervised, but she was completely hands-on and made this dessert herself – crushing the Oreos in the food processor, mixing them with melted butter, using the hand mixer to blend the cream cheese layer and layering the dessert.

The hardest part for her was waiting until it chilled so we could dig into it. She said it was the “best dessert I’ve ever had in my life” …

Why I love making this recipe:

• No bake, easy, delicious dessert from minimal ingredients
• It travels easily – add lid from the baking dish or cover with plastic wrap.
• Simple, make ahead dessert.
• Chilled, cool and creamy- perfect for warm summer days!

Ingredients needed to make Chocolate Lasagna:

Crust

• regular Oreos – not double stuffed (finely crushed)
• melted butter

Cream Cheese Layer

• cream cheese (room temperature)
• powdered sugar
• milk
• vanilla extract
• Cool Whip Whipped Topping divided

Chocolate pudding layer

• instant chocolate pudding
• cold milk

Topping:

Cool Whip

Garnishes: (options)

• Heath Bar English Toffee Bits
• Rough chopped Oreo cookies
• Mini chocolate chips
• Shaved chocolate (use a vegetable peeler)
• Fresh fruit – strawberries or raspberries 
• Chocolate or caramel sauce drizzle

How to make Chocolate Lasagna:

Add Oreos to a food processor (or use zip top bag and rolling pin). Crush cookies into fine crumbs.

Melt butter in a medium bowl. Add cookie crumbs and stir until mixed well.

Transfer to a 9 x 13 baking dish. Use a spatula or bottom of a mixing cup to evenly press the crust into the baking dish.  Tip: don’t wash the bowl, you’ll use it for the next layer.

TIP: if you have time, transfer baking dish to the freezer after each step to help set the layers.

To the same bowl add softened cream cheese. Beat with a hand mixer until creamy and fluffy. Stir in milk, sugar and vanilla extract.

Add half of the container of Cool Whip to the cream cheese mixture then spread over the cookie crust and return to the freezer for 10 minutes to let it firm up.

While the crust is in the freezer, add pudding mix, beat or whisk for several minutes until it starts to thicken. Spread over the cream cheese layer then refrigerate 10 minutes. 

Top with the remaining Cool Whip then sprinkle on your choice of toppings. Cover with plastic wrap (or lid if your pan has one). Refrigerate at least 2-3 hours. Slice just before serving.

Chocolate Lasagna Topping Ideas:

• Rough chopped Oreo cookies
• Mini chocolate chips
• Heath Bar English Toffee Bits
• Shaved chocolate

Can I make Chocolate Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes – this dessert is even better made the day before you’re planning to enjoy it because it has time for all the layers to set completely.

That said, if you only have a couple of hours set-time, it’ll still be delicious!

Can I make a smaller version of this Chocolate Lasagna?

Yes – to make Chocolate Lasagna for a smaller crowd, you’ll need a 9 x 9 baking dish and adjust the ingredients as follows:

Crust:

• 20 Oreo cookies
• 3 tablespoons butter melted

Cream Cheese Layer:

• 4 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 ounce container Cool Whip Whipped Topping divided

Pudding Layer:

• one 3.9 ounce box instant chocolate pudding
• 1 3/4 cups cold milk

Topping:

• remaining 4 ounces Cool Whip

Storage:

Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic. It’s best eaten within 2-3 days of assembly.

Full details in the for this Chocolate Lasagna recipe in the printable recipe card below.

Subs and variations:

Chocolate peanut butter – mix smooth peanut butter into the cream cheese layer and peanut butter Oreos.

Mint chocolate – use mint Oreos for the crust. Top finished dessert with diced Andes mints.