Name: Hot Chocolate Lasagna (No-Bake Dessert)
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 package (about 36) chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), crushed; 1/2 cup melted butter; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 packet hot cocoa mix (regular or double chocolate); 1 cup whipped topping (or whipped cream); 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix; 1 1/2 cups cold milk; 1 1/2–2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade); Optional toppings: mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings or chips, crushed candy canes, extra cookie crumbs

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This Hot Chocolate Lasagna (No-Bake Dessert) is a layered, no-bake dessert that combines rich chocolate flavors with creamy textures. A crunchy cookie crust is topped with a smooth chocolate cream cheese layer, followed by silky chocolate pudding, and finished with fluffy whipped topping. It’s an indulgent treat that’s perfect for cozy gatherings or holiday celebrations.

Hot Chocolate Lasagna (No-Bake Dessert)

Ingredients

For the crust:

1 package (about 36) chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), crushed

½ cup melted butter

Layer 1: Chocolate Cream Cheese Layer

8 oz cream cheese, softened

¼ cup powdered sugar

1 packet hot cocoa mix (regular or double chocolate)

1 cup whipped topping (or whipped cream)

Layer 2: Chocolate Pudding

1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix

1 ½ cups cold milk

Layer 3: Whipped Topping

1 ½–2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade)

Topping (optional but awesome):

Mini marshmallows

Chocolate shavings or chips

Crushed candy canes (for a holiday vibe)

Extra cookie crumbs

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the crust: Mix the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with melted butter until combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan. Chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes to set.

Prepare the chocolate cream cheese layer: Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and hot cocoa mix until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled crust.

Make the pudding layer: Whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with cold milk for about 2 minutes until thickened. Spread this pudding layer over the cream cheese layer.

Add the whipped topping: Spread 1 ½ to 2 cups of whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer, smoothing the surface.

Chill the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, to let the layers set and flavors meld.

Just before serving, decorate the top with mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, crushed candy canes, or extra cookie crumbs as desired.

Servings and timing

This dessert serves about 12 people.

Prep time is approximately 20 minutes, with a minimum chill time of 4 hours to ensure the layers set properly. For best results, I recommend chilling it overnight.

Variations

I sometimes switch up the crust by adding a handful of chopped nuts for crunch or try different cookie flavors like mint or peanut butter for a twist. For the cream cheese layer, I like to add a splash of vanilla extract to deepen the flavor. Instead of chocolate pudding, vanilla pudding works well too, creating a layered contrast. If I want to make it even richer, I use double chocolate hot cocoa mix and sprinkle chocolate chips between layers.

Storage/reheating

I store this dessert covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because it’s a no-bake dessert, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Just serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

How long can I store Hot Chocolate Lasagna in the fridge?

I keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. After that, the layers might start to lose their texture, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I find it tastes better after chilling overnight as the flavors meld and the layers firm up perfectly.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping?

Yes, homemade whipped cream works wonderfully and gives a fresher taste. Just make sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks so it holds up well in the layers.

Is there a way to make this dessert gluten-free?

You can substitute the chocolate sandwich cookies with gluten-free chocolate cookies to make the crust gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I freeze Hot Chocolate Lasagna?

I don’t recommend freezing it because the whipped topping and pudding layers can separate when thawed, affecting the texture.

Conclusion

Hot Chocolate Lasagna is one of my favorite no-bake desserts for its ease, flavor, and versatility. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family during chilly weather or holiday parties. The layers of chocolate goodness and creamy textures make every bite feel like a cozy indulgence. Give it a try next time I want a quick yet impressive dessert — I promise it won’t disappoint!

Recipe:

Hot Chocolate Lasagna (No-Bake Dessert)

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A layered, no-bake dessert featuring a crunchy cookie crust, creamy chocolate cream cheese layer, silky chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped topping—perfect for cozy gatherings and holiday celebrations.

Instructions

Mix crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with melted butter until combined. Press evenly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch pan. Chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes to set.
Beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and hot cocoa mix until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup whipped topping. Spread evenly over chilled crust.
Whisk instant chocolate pudding mix with cold milk for about 2 minutes until thickened. Spread pudding layer over cream cheese layer.
Spread 1 ½ to 2 cups whipped topping evenly over pudding layer, smoothing the surface.
Chill assembled dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight to let layers set and flavors meld.
Before serving, decorate with mini marshmallows, chocolate shavings, crushed candy canes, or extra cookie crumbs as desired.