Okay, gather ’round, everyone! Let’s talk about a dessert that’s pure joy on a plate – Chocolate Lasagna! I remember the first time I made this. It was for a neighborhood potluck, and I was determined to bring something everyone would remember. I had this vision of a perfectly layered dessert, a symphony of chocolate and cream, but let me tell you, it was a bit of a disaster at first! The crust crumbled, the pudding was lumpy, and the whipped cream looked like it had been through a war. But you know what? Even in its slightly messy state, the taste was incredible. Everyone devoured it! That’s when I knew I had to perfect this chocolate lasagna recipe.
Over the years, I’ve tweaked and adjusted until I landed on what I think is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Now, this easy chocolate lasagna is a regular at our family gatherings, from birthdays to holidays. It’s become so popular that the kids even request it for random weeknight desserts! Trust me, if I can make this work with a toddler clinging to my leg and a teenager asking for the car keys, you can too.
It’s such a versatile recipe – I’ve even made a no bake chocolate lasagna version when the oven is already occupied! No matter how chaotic life gets, there’s always time for a little chocolate dessert lasagna. So grab your aprons, and let’s get started! I promise, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket.Trust me, this will become your go to recipe!
Ingredients for Chocolate Lasagna
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Chocolate Lasagna. I always use double-stuffed Oreos for my Chocolate Lasagna because, well, more cream filling is always a good idea, right?

- 1 package (15.25 oz) Oreo cookies (about 36 cookies)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 packages (3.9 oz each) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed
- Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips, for garnish
When making Chocolate Lasagna, you can usually find the instant pudding mix on the baking aisle, right next to the other pudding and gelatin mixes. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even use a high-quality European chocolate for the shavings. I learned a Chocolate Lasagna trick from my mom: put the cream cheese in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to soften it quickly. It makes it so much easier to blend!
For busy families making Chocolate Lasagna, pre-made whipped topping is a lifesaver. It cuts down on prep time and tastes just as good. For cost-saving tips, buy generic brand cookies and pudding mix. They work just as well and will save you a few dollars. And if you have any leftover ingredients from your Chocolate Lasagna, store the opened pudding mix in an airtight container in the pantry, and the cream cheese in the refrigerator. If you have extra Oreos (which is rare!), they can be stored in a sealed bag or container at room temperature.
How to Make Chocolate Lasagna – Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s dive into making this glorious Chocolate Lasagna, step-by-step. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks! I’m basically right there with you in your kitchen, cheering you on.
Step 1: Crush the Oreos
Place the Oreo cookies in a food processor and pulse until they are finely crushed. You can also put them in a large ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin if you don’t have a food processor. Just make sure they are really fine; otherwise, your crust might be too crumbly. My Chocolate Lasagna cooking tip is to reserve about 1/4 cup of the crushed Oreos for topping!
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the crushed Oreos with the melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down. In my kitchen, Chocolate Lasagna usually takes about 5 minutes to get this part just right.
Step 3: Prepare the Pudding
In a large bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until the pudding starts to thicken. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to fully set. This ensures your layers won’t be runny. I learned the hard way with Chocolate Lasagna that if you don’t let the pudding set, it will soak into the crust and make it soggy.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in half of the thawed whipped topping. Be careful not to overmix, or the mixture will become runny. Don’t worry if your Chocolate Lasagna looks a little lumpy at this stage; it will smooth out when you layer it.
Step 5: Layer the Dessert
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the Oreo crust. Then, spread the chocolate pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer. Finally, spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer.
Step 6: Garnish and Chill
Sprinkle the reserved crushed Oreos and chocolate shavings (or mini chocolate chips) over the top of the whipped topping. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This is crucial! It allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld together. While the Chocolate Lasagna is chilling, I usually clean up the kitchen and catch up on my favorite show.
Step 7: Serve
Before serving, let the Chocolate Lasagna sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to make it easier to cut. Your Chocolate Lasagna should smell like a rich, decadent chocolate dream when it’s ready. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy!
This easy chocolate lasagna is a total crowd-pleaser, and it’s so fun to make. I often get the kids involved in layering, and it becomes a family activity.
Serving Suggestions
Serving this Chocolate Lasagna is where the real fun begins! The kids love our Chocolate Lasagna when I add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. It’s the perfect complement to the rich chocolate flavors.
My go-to side dishes that pair with Chocolate Lasagna are fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries. The tartness of the berries cuts through the sweetness of the dessert, creating a balanced and delightful experience. A dollop of extra whipped cream is always a welcome addition, too!
This Chocolate Lasagna is perfect for potlucks, birthday parties, holidays, or any special occasion where you want to impress your guests. It’s always a hit! For presentation tips, I like to dust the top with a little cocoa powder for an extra touch of elegance.
If you have extra Chocolate Lasagna (which is a rare occurrence in my house!), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes just as good the next day!
For seasonal variations, you can add peppermint extract to the cream cheese layer during the holidays for a festive twist. I’ve also tried adding a layer of peanut butter cups for an oreo chocolate lasagna variation, which was a HUGE success.
My friends always ask for this Chocolate Lasagna recipe whenever I bring it to gatherings. They’re always amazed at how simple yet delicious it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Okay, let’s get to some of the questions I get asked the most about making Chocolate Lasagna. I’m answering these as if we were chatting over coffee, so feel free to ask anything!
- Can I make this Chocolate Lasagna ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, I recommend it. The longer it chills, the better the flavors meld together. You can easily make it a day or two in advance.
- Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust? Of course! While Oreos are the classic choice for Chocolate Lasagna, you can use chocolate graham crackers, or any other type of chocolate cookie you like.
- My pudding layer is too runny. What did I do wrong? Make sure you are using instant pudding mix, not the cook-and-serve kind. Also, be sure to let the pudding sit for a few minutes after whisking to allow it to fully thicken. You know what I do when my Chocolate Lasagna pudding is runny? I put it in the fridge and let it set up!
- Can I freeze Chocolate Lasagna? I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture of the whipped topping can change when thawed. It’s best served fresh or within a few days of making it.
- Is it possible to make a dairy-free or vegan version of Chocolate Lasagna? Yes! You can use dairy-free cookies, non-dairy milk, vegan cream cheese, and coconut whipped cream. I’ve tried it, and it’s surprisingly good!
- My crust is too hard to cut. What can I do? Make sure you don’t over-pack the crust when pressing it into the baking dish. Also, letting the Chocolate Lasagna sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting can help soften the crust.
- Can I add a layer of chocolate ganache? Oh, absolutely! A layer of chocolate ganache would take this chocolate dessert lasagna to the next level. Just pour it over the pudding layer before adding the whipped topping.
You know, making Chocolate Lasagna is all about having fun and experimenting with flavors. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Lasagna recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a reminder of the simple joys of cooking and sharing good food with loved ones. It’s a dish that brings smiles to faces and creates lasting memories.I’m confident you’ll adore this chocolate lasagna recipe
Chocolate Lasagna Pro Tips:
- Use cold milk for the pudding: This helps the pudding set up faster and prevents it from being runny.
- Soften the cream cheese completely: This ensures a smooth and creamy cream cheese layer.
- Don’t overmix the whipped topping: Overmixing can cause the whipped topping to deflate.
Here are a few Chocolate Lasagna variations I’ve tried with my family:
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Lasagna: Add a layer of peanut butter cups or peanut butter frosting between the cream cheese and pudding layers.
- Mint Chocolate Lasagna: Add peppermint extract to the cream cheese layer and top with crushed Andes mints.
- Caramel Chocolate Lasagna: Drizzle caramel sauce over the whipped topping and sprinkle with sea salt.
My youngest loves the peanut butter version, while my oldest is a big fan of the classic recipe. It’s always a hit!
I truly hope you give this Chocolate Lasagna a try. It’s such an easy and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!

Now go make some Chocolate Lasagna and tell me what you think!
Chocolate Lasagna
Indulge in this decadent Chocolate Lasagna, a layered dessert featuring a chocolate cookie crust, creamy fillings, and chocolate shavings. It’s a show-stopping treat perfect for any chocolate lover!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 package (14.3 ounces) chocolate sandwich cookies, divided
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups milk, divided
- 1 package (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 package (3.9 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 12 ounces whipped topping, thawed
- Chocolate shavings, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs. Reserve about 1/4 cup of crumbs for topping.
- In a medium bowl, combine the remaining cookie crumbs with melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form the crust.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups milk and chocolate pudding mix. Let stand for 5 minutes to thicken.
- In another separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 1/2 cups milk and vanilla pudding mix. Let stand for 5 minutes to thicken.
- Gently fold half of the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cookie crust.
- Spread the chocolate pudding layer over the cream cheese layer.
- Spread the vanilla pudding layer over the chocolate pudding layer.
- Top with the remaining whipped topping and reserved cookie crumbs. Garnish with chocolate shavings, if desired.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving.
Notes
For an extra layer of chocolate flavor, drizzle melted chocolate over the whipped topping before refrigerating.
