Name: Hot Chocolate Lasagna
Prep time: 45 min
Total time: PT-489660H23S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 36 Oreo cookies, crushed; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 5 (0.73 oz) hot cocoa mix packets; 1½ cups heavy whipping cream; 2 (3.8 oz) chocolate instant pudding mixes; 2¾ cups cold milk; 1 cup mini marshmallows (for pudding layer); 1¼ cups heavy cream or 2½ cups whipped topping; 2 tbsp powdered sugar; 2 cups mini marshmallows (for topping); Chocolate sauce or Nutella for drizzling

There’s something truly magical about a dessert that doesn’t require an oven, yet still manages to deliver rich, creamy layers of flavor that taste like pure comfort. Hot Chocolate Lasagna is exactly that kind of dessert—a no-bake treat that combines everything you love about hot cocoa with the irresistible charm of a layered cake. From the crunchy Oreo crust to the fluffy whipped topping, every bite of this dessert feels like a cozy winter hug in dessert form.

I first came across this recipe during a family holiday get-together, where everyone brought their signature dessert. This one stood out the moment it hit the table. The layers were picture-perfect, and the flavor? Absolutely unforgettable. Since then, it’s become a staple in my kitchen during the colder months—or anytime I want to wow a crowd without turning on the oven.

Whether you’re planning a holiday party, potluck, or just a weekend movie night, this Hot Chocolate Lasagna is the kind of crowd-pleaser that vanishes within minutes. It’s loaded with creamy mousse, chocolate pudding, and fluffy marshmallows, all nestled on a crunchy Oreo base. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make, even if you’re not super confident in the kitchen.

This dessert doesn’t just taste amazing—it also looks stunning on the table. Each layer holds together beautifully, and with a generous drizzle of chocolate or Nutella over the top, it becomes a centerpiece-worthy treat. Let’s dive into why you’re going to fall head-over-heels for this delicious, no-bake wonder.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Hot Chocolate Lasagna is one of those rare desserts that hits every note: indulgent yet simple, festive yet no-fuss, and rich without being overly heavy. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your dessert rotation.

1. It’s No-Bake and Easy to Assemble
You won’t need to preheat your oven or fuss over baking times. This dessert comes together with a few bowls, a hand mixer, and a 13×9-inch dish. Perfect for beginner bakers and busy days.

2. Layers of Flavor and Texture
From the crispy Oreo crust to the airy mousse, creamy pudding, and fluffy whipped topping—each layer brings something special to the table. Add mini marshmallows and a chocolate drizzle, and you’ve got the ultimate texture party.

3. Crowd-Pleasing and Kid-Friendly
Adults love it, and kids can’t get enough of it. The marshmallows, hot cocoa flavor, and creamy layers make this a universal favorite for all ages.

4. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s Christmas, a birthday party, or a casual weekend hangout, this dessert fits right in. It can be made ahead of time, which means less stress and more time to enjoy the festivities.

5. Customizable
Want to make it extra chocolatey? Use dark chocolate pudding. Need a gluten-free version? Swap in gluten-free cookies. There’s a ton of flexibility here, and it always turns out delicious.

Once you try this once, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again—because who can resist dessert lasagna?

Health Benefits

While Hot Chocolate Lasagna isn’t exactly health food, it does offer a few redeeming qualities when made mindfully.

1. Portion-Controlled Servings
Thanks to its layered structure, you can easily slice this dessert into small portions. It’s rich enough that even a modest piece feels satisfying.

2. Calcium-Rich Ingredients
Dairy from the cream cheese, milk, and heavy cream provides a solid dose of calcium, which supports strong bones and teeth.

3. Energy Boosting
The natural sugars and fats provide a quick burst of energy, making it a fun treat during festive occasions or when you need a little pick-me-up.

4. Mood Enhancer
Chocolate has been shown to boost serotonin levels, which can help lift your mood—especially comforting on cold days or during the holiday season.

5. Homemade Control
By making this dessert from scratch, you can control what goes in—cutting back on sugar if needed, choosing high-quality chocolate, or using organic ingredients.

Of course, this dessert is all about joy and celebration, and sometimes that’s a benefit in itself.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 12–15 generous pieces
Calories per serving: Approximately 380
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 25g

These numbers may vary slightly depending on the specific brands of ingredients used, but they give a solid overview of what you can expect per slice.

Ingredients List

The Oreo Crust:

36 Oreo cookies (crushed into fine crumbs)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
The crust forms the firm, chocolatey base that anchors the entire dessert.

The Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Mousse:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 packets (0.73 oz each) milk chocolate instant hot cocoa mix
1½ cups heavy whipping cream
This layer is creamy, tangy, and packed with hot cocoa flavor, thanks to the mix and whipped cream.

The Chocolate Pudding Layer:

2 packages (3.8 oz each) instant chocolate pudding mix
2¾ cups cold milk
1 cup mini marshmallows
This layer adds richness and that classic hot cocoa vibe, especially with the marshmallows folded in.

The Topping:

1¼ cups heavy whipping cream (or substitute with 2½ cups pre-made whipped cream)
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
2 cups mini marshmallows
Chocolate sauce or warmed Nutella, for drizzling
The final touch: light, fluffy, and visually stunning.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Oreo Crust

Crush the Oreo cookies in a food processor until they form fine crumbs. If you don’t have a processor, place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin.
Mix the crumbs with the melted butter in a bowl until fully combined.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 13×9-inch dish. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to press it down firmly.
Place the crust in the fridge while you prepare the next layer. This helps it set.

Make the Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Mousse

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the hot cocoa mix using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. This may take 3–4 minutes.
Gently fold the whipped cocoa cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Be patient—fold slowly to keep the texture light and fluffy.
Spread this mousse layer evenly over the chilled Oreo crust. Return the dish to the fridge while you make the next layer.

Add the Chocolate Pudding Layer

In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mixes and milk until thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
Fold in the mini marshmallows.
Carefully spread the pudding over the mousse layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Refrigerate again for at least 10–15 minutes to help the layers firm up.

Add the Whipped Topping

Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Spread it gently over the chocolate pudding layer, covering the entire surface.
Sprinkle the top with mini marshmallows and drizzle with chocolate sauce or Nutella.
Chill the whole dish for at least 2–3 hours before serving to ensure the layers are well set.

How to Serve

Slice the lasagna into squares using a sharp knife dipped in warm water for clean cuts.
Serve chilled straight from the fridge for the best texture.
Garnish with extra marshmallows, cookie crumbs, or a dusting of hot cocoa powder for a festive finish.

Pairing Suggestions

With Beverages:

Serve with a cup of peppermint tea for a refreshing contrast.
Pair with decaf hot chocolate for a double dose of cozy without the caffeine.
Offer a glass of cold milk for kids and the chocolate-obsessed.

With Other Dishes:

Add to a dessert table alongside fruit tarts and vanilla cupcakes.
Serve after a light main dish like roasted chicken or a salad-based dinner.
Include it in a winter-themed dessert board with fudge, cookies, and dipped pretzels.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storage:
Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The layers may begin to soften after the third day, but the flavor remains delicious.

Freezing:
Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Do not microwave.

Reheating:
This dessert is best served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. If serving from the freezer, allow to thaw completely for the best texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not chilling between layers: Skipping refrigeration can cause layers to blend and lose definition.
Using warm ingredients: Let cream cheese and butter soften at room temperature, but don’t use melted or overly warm ingredients.
Overwhipping cream: Stop whipping once stiff peaks form to avoid a grainy texture.
Adding marshmallows too early: Fold them in just before layering the pudding to keep them from dissolving.
Rushing the chill time: Letting the dessert sit for a few hours ensures clean slices and a set structure.

Pro Tips

Chill your mixing bowls before whipping cream for faster and fluffier results.
Use full-fat dairy for the creamiest layers—low-fat substitutes can cause runny textures.
Make it a day ahead to save time and enhance flavor; it gets even better overnight.
Get creative with toppings like crushed candy canes, shaved chocolate, or mini chocolate chips.
Use a glass dish to show off those beautiful layers if you want presentation points.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use store-bought whipped topping instead of homemade?
Yes, you can substitute 2½ cups of whipped topping (like Cool Whip) for the homemade version in the final layer.

Can I make this dessert in advance?
Absolutely. It’s actually better when made ahead. Prepare it the night before and chill overnight for the best results.

What if I don’t have hot cocoa packets?
You can use about ½ cup of hot cocoa mix from a canister instead. Just make sure it’s milk chocolate flavored for that classic taste.

Can I use different pudding flavors?
Yes! Try dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even chocolate mint for a fun twist.

Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free sandwich cookies for the crust and double-check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Is there a dairy-free version?
You can use plant-based butter, cream cheese, and whipped topping, though results may vary slightly in texture and flavor.

How do I keep the layers from blending?
Chill each layer before adding the next and spread gently with a spatula to maintain clean separations.

Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the powdered sugar slightly in the mousse and topping layers, but keep in mind it may affect the sweetness and structure.

What size dish should I use?
A standard 13×9-inch baking dish is ideal. For thicker layers, you can use a smaller dish, but be mindful of setting time.

Can kids help make this recipe?
Definitely! This is a fun, mess-friendly dessert that’s perfect for little hands to help with—especially layering and topping.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Hot Chocolate Lasagna is the kind of dessert that brings people together. It’s creamy, chocolatey, easy to make, and absolutely perfect for parties, potlucks, or quiet nights in with your favorite movie. Whether you’re making it for the holidays or just to satisfy a chocolate craving, this no-bake dessert delivers every single time.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, clear out a spot in your fridge, and give this Hot Chocolate Lasagna a try. Don’t forget to snap a photo and share your masterpiece—I’d love to see how yours turns out!