If you’re craving a show-stopping holiday treat that combines layers of chocolate, cool peppermint, and luscious creaminess—look no further than Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna. This festive, no-bake dessert is as stunning to serve as it is spectacular to eat, with every bite delivering just the right balance of rich chocolate and refreshing mint. The colors, crunch, and creamy textures make it an instant classic for gatherings, family nights, or whenever you need a bit of sweet cheer in your life.

Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Whipping up Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna doesn’t call for any fancy ingredients, but each one plays a key role in building the perfect layered dessert. From the chocolatey crust to the cloud-like topping, here’s what you need and why you’ll love every bit of it:

Chocolate sandwich cookies: These create the essential deep, rich base layer everyone loves. Crushing them finely is the secret to a sturdy, satisfying crust.
Unsalted butter: Melted and mixed with the cookie crumbs, butter helps bind the crust and gives it a welcoming, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese forms the base of the silky, tangy layer that contrasts beautifully with the chocolate and peppermint.
Granulated sugar: Just a little sugar sweetens the cream cheese filling without making it cloying.
Milk: A splash in the cream cheese layer makes it extra smooth, while the rest is for the chocolate pudding—choose cold milk so the pudding sets up quickly.
Peppermint extract: Just a teaspoon infuses the whole dessert with that classic, cool wintery flavor.
Whipped topping: Folding in whipped topping makes the filling light, fluffy, and utterly dreamy—plus it finishes off the top with a snowy effect.
Instant chocolate pudding mix: The fastest, easiest way to achieve a creamy, chocolatey middle layer that sets up beautifully in minutes.
Crushed peppermint candies or candy canes: For color, crunch, and that joyful peppermint snap—divided between the creamy layer and sprinkled on top.
Mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: They add tiny bursts of chocolate throughout and a playful finishing touch on top.
Additional whipped topping (for garnish): Swirl or dollop extra on top for a festive, inviting look everyone will want to scoop into.

How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna

Step 1: Make the Cookie Crust

Start by pulsing your chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor until you get fine, uniform crumbs. If you don’t have a processor, popping the cookies into a sturdy zip-top bag and smashing them with a rolling pin is just as effective—and strangely satisfying! Stir the crumbs together with your melted butter, mixing until every bit is coated. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to create a crust that holds together perfectly once chilled.

Step 2: Whip Up the Peppermint Cream Layer

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it looks smooth and spreadable. Mix in the sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and peppermint extract, blending until everything is perfectly creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping and half a cup of your crushed peppermint candies—this adds delightful texture and color. Spread this minty cream cheese layer carefully over the cookie crust, taking it slow for neat, distinct layers.

Step 3: Mix and Add the Chocolate Pudding

In a clean bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk for about two minutes. You’ll notice it thickens up pretty quickly, which is exactly what you want for nice, clean layers. Once set, gently spread the pudding over the peppermint cream cheese layer, using a spatula to reach all the edges.

Step 4: Top and Garnish

Finish your Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna masterpiece by spreading the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer. Then, shower the top with the remaining crushed peppermint candies and a generous sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate. For an extra festive touch, you can swirl or pipe more whipped topping right before serving. Now, the hardest part: cover and refrigerate for at least four hours, until everything is perfectly set and ready to cut.

How to Serve Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna

Garnishes

This dessert absolutely loves a beautiful garnish! Before presenting, scatter extra crushed peppermint candies and some more chocolate chips or a playful dusting of cocoa powder for added appeal. You can even top with chocolate shards or a tiny sprig of fresh mint for a bakery-worthy look that signals something special awaits.

Side Dishes

Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna is delightful on its own but contrasts wonderfully with simple sides like fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or hot coffee and cocoa. These additions let the minty chocolate flavors shine while balancing out all the creamy, dreamy richness—perfect for rounding out a holiday table.

Creative Ways to Present

This dessert can be every bit as playful as you like! Prepare it in individual parfait glasses for personal servings, slice it into petite squares for a dessert platter, or use cookie cutter shapes for party fun. You can even layer it in a trifle dish for a tall, impressive centerpiece that gets everyone talking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna stores beautifully in the refrigerator. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It’ll keep for up to four days, making it a terrific make-ahead option for busy gatherings.

Freezing

Want to hold on to the joy a little longer? Slice the lasagna and wrap the servings individually in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer bag. This way, you can thaw exactly what you need. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying—just note that whipped topping may lose some fluffiness after freezing, but the flavors remain just as wonderful.

Reheating

This dreamy dessert is made to be eaten chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. In fact, a cold slice of Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna is extra refreshing, especially after a rich dinner. If it’s been frozen, just let it thaw in the refrigerator until soft and creamy again.

FAQs

Can I make Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, assembling it the day before helps the layers set perfectly and lets the flavors mingle for that full-on festive experience. Just keep it well covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

What can I use instead of peppermint extract?

If you prefer a subtler minty touch or find yourself out of peppermint extract, you can use finely crushed mint chocolate cookies in the crust or gently swirl in a bit of crème de menthe liqueur if you don’t mind a little extra grown-up flavor.

How do I crush peppermint candies easily?

Place unwrapped candy canes or peppermint candies in a heavy-duty zip-top bag and use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to gently smash them. Be careful with very fine pieces; they can melt into the whipped topping if left too long!

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies for the crust, and double-check that your pudding and toppings are certified gluten-free. You won’t lose any of that joyful holiday taste.

Is there a way to lighten up Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna?

You can use light cream cheese, reduced-fat whipped topping, and skim milk to cut down on richness. Just note that the texture may be a bit less creamy, but it’ll still deliver those delightful chocolate and peppermint layers we all crave.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your holiday guests or just treat yourself to layers of irresistible flavor, give this Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna a try. Every forkful brings a smile, and you might just find it becomes your new seasonal favorite. Happy layering and even happier feasting!

Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in a delightful holiday treat with this Chocolate Peppermint Lasagna recipe. Layers of chocolate sandwich cookies, creamy peppermint filling, chocolate pudding, and topped with crushed peppermint candies and chocolate chips, this no-bake dessert is a festive and delicious option for Christmas gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

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

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 cups whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
1½ cups crushed peppermint candies or candy canes, divided

For the Chocolate Pudding Layer:

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

Additional:

1 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
Additional whipped topping for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare the Crust: Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies and mix with melted butter. Press into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Make the Cream Cheese Layer: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, milk, and peppermint extract. Fold in whipped topping and crushed peppermint. Spread over the crust.
Prepare the Chocolate Pudding Layer: Whisk pudding mix with cold milk until thickened. Spread over the cream cheese layer.
Finish and Chill: Top with whipped topping, crushed peppermint, and chocolate chips. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Notes

For extra crunch, reserve some crushed cookies to sprinkle on top before serving.
You can use chocolate mint cookies for added flavor.
Best served chilled.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American