Christmas Lasagna Dessert
Christmas Lasagna Dessert is a festive, creamy, and colorful layered no-bake dessert perfect for holiday celebrations. Combining smooth cream cheese, fluffy whipped topping, instant pudding, and crunchy peppermint candy with a buttery cookie crumb base, this easy-to-make treat brings joy and holiday cheer to any dessert table.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pudding Layer
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla or cheesecake pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
Base Layer
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs or crushed cookies (vanilla wafers or shortbread)
Festive Toppings
- 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy canes or crushed peppermint chocolates
- Optional: red and green jello or gelatin pearls for extra color and texture
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts or holiday sprinkles for extra crunch
Optional Variations
- Fresh fruit such as sliced strawberries, raspberries, or crushed cherries (for fruit infusion)
- Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg (for cream cheese layer, if desired)
- Prepare the Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk the instant pudding mix with 2 cups cold milk according to package instructions until the mixture is thick and smooth. Set aside.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy and smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Create the Base: Evenly spread the graham cracker crumbs or crushed cookies into the bottom of a serving dish, forming a solid base layer.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread half of the prepared pudding evenly over the base layer. Dollop and gently spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the pudding layer. Sprinkle a generous amount of crushed peppermint candy or candy canes on top. Repeat with the remaining pudding and cream cheese layers. Finish with a final sprinkle of crushed peppermint and any optional toppings.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the dessert and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the layers to set and flavors to blend. Serve chilled, optionally garnished with fresh mint leaves, extra crushed candy canes, or edible glitter.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese and whipped topping for the creamiest texture.
- Crush candy canes finely to avoid hard bites but retain gentle crunch.
- Spread each layer evenly for a beautiful presentation and balanced flavor.
- Chill the dessert well to set the layers and improve taste.
- This dessert tastes best when made ahead and served the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10th of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Christmas dessert, no bake dessert, holiday treat, layered dessert, peppermint dessert, festive dessert, pudding dessert