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If you have a serious sweet tooth and love all things chocolate, let me introduce you to a dessert that will quickly become your new favorite: the No-Bake Hot Chocolate Lasagna Recipe. This layered delight brings together creamy, rich chocolate pudding, fluffy marshmallows, and a crunchy Oreo crust into a luscious treat that requires no oven time yet delivers maximum indulgence. Perfect for any occasion, this no-bake beauty dazzles both the eyes and the palate, making it a wonderfully fun and accessible dessert to whip up for friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this dessert. Each component plays an important role, whether it’s the Oreo crust’s delightful crunch, the smooth cream cheese filling’s tang, or the fluffy whipped cream topping that crowns this hot chocolate-inspired masterpiece.
- Oreo cookies (34 regular): The foundation of the crust with just the right amount of crunch and chocolate flavor.
- Salted butter (½ cup melted and ½ cup softened): Melted butter binds the crust beautifully, while softened butter enhances the creamy filling’s richness.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces softened): Adds a smooth tanginess that balances all that sweet chocolate.
- Heavy cream (1 ¼ cups and 2 cups, plus 2 tablespoons): Whipped to dreamy peaks for luscious layers and to enrich the pudding texture.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup and ¾ cup): Provides sweetness and smoothness to the fillings and whipped toppings.
- Hot chocolate powder (½ cup plus 2 tablespoons): Brings the signature warm cocoa flavor throughout the layers.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons plus 1 teaspoon): Enhances the dessert with a lovely aromatic depth.
- Instant chocolate pudding (2 packages, 3.8 oz each): The quick and creamy fudge layer that defines this lasagna.
- Cold milk (2 ¾ cups): Essential for setting the pudding layers silky and smooth.
- Mini marshmallows (1 ½ cups plus ½ cup): Adds that classic gooey, fluffy texture reminiscent of hot chocolate.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (½ cup), and mini chocolate chips (¼ cup): Stirred and sprinkled for bursts of melty chocolate goodness and textural contrast.
How to Make No-Bake Hot Chocolate Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Create the Oreo Crust
Start by crushing the 34 regular Oreo cookies finely until they resemble coarse crumbs. Mix the cookie crumbs with ½ cup of melted salted butter until the mixture holds together like moist sand. Press this mixture firmly into the base of a 9×13-inch dish to create a sturdy, chocolatey crust, then pop it in the fridge to set while you prepare the next layer. This Oreo base gives the dessert its signature crunchy texture, anchoring all the creamy layers that follow.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ½ cup of softened salted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar, ½ cup hot chocolate powder, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the blend is light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, whip 1 ¼ cups of heavy cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold it into your chocolate cream cheese mixture. Spread this luscious layer evenly over the chilled Oreo crust to create a velvety sweet base for your pudding.
Step 3: Mix and Add the Chocolate Pudding Layer
Whisk together the 2 packages of instant chocolate pudding with 2 ¾ cups cold milk and 2 tablespoons hot chocolate powder until thickened. Pour this rich chocolate pudding over the cream cheese layer and smooth it out evenly. Layering the instantly set pudding ensures a beautifully firm yet creamy middle that complements the crunchy crust perfectly.
Step 4: Assemble the Marshmallow Cream Layer
In a chilled bowl, beat 2 cups of heavy cream with ¾ cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to soft peaks. Gently fold in 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows, incorporating those soft, fluffy bursts throughout the whipped cream. Spread this heavenly marshmallow cream over the pudding layer, creating a cloud-like softness that makes this dessert irresistible.
Step 5: Finish with Chocolate and Marshmallow Toppings
Warm 2 tablespoons of heavy cream in the microwave just until hot, then pour over ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and stir until silky and melted. Drizzle this chocolate ganache over the marshmallow layer. Sprinkle the top with ½ cup mini marshmallows (or freeze-dried marshmallows for extra crunch) and ¼ cup mini chocolate chips for a delightful mix of chewy and crunchy textures. Chill the entire dish for at least 3 hours so the layers can meld into a divine, sliceable hot chocolate dream.
How to Serve No-Bake Hot Chocolate Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate each slice, consider a final garnish of whipped cream rosettes and a light dusting of cocoa powder or hot chocolate mix. You can also add a few chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy for a festive touch that adds color and an extra layer of flavor to your presentation.
Side Dishes
This decadent dessert pairs wonderfully with a simple side of fresh berries to cut through the rich layers. For a cozy dessert spread, serve it alongside warm cocoa or a chilled glass of milk. If you want to keep things light after such a rich slice, a refreshing mint tea works beautifully to cleanse the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving the No-Bake Hot Chocolate Lasagna Recipe in individual clear glass cups or mason jars. This shows off the gorgeous layers and lets everyone enjoy their own personalized portion. You can even swirl whipped cream and chocolate ganache on top with a drizzle of caramel or a sprinkle of sea salt for that gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this no-bake dessert should be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, letting the flavors meld even more beautifully if you can wait that long. Just be sure to keep it chilled to preserve the texture of the cream and pudding layers.
Freezing
If you want to keep the No-Bake Hot Chocolate Lasagna Recipe for longer, freezing is an option but with a caveat—while the crust may lose some crunch, the dessert still tastes fantastic after thawing. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
Since this is a cold dessert, reheating is not needed. Simply enjoy it chilled to savor the rich, creamy textures and the cool contrast of marshmallows with the crunchy crust.
FAQs
Can I use double-stuffed Oreos instead of regular for the crust?
While double-stuffed Oreos add a bit more sweetness, regular Oreos are recommended to ensure the crust isn’t overly sweet and remains firm enough to hold up the layers. If you do use double-stuffed, reduce the powdered sugar slightly in the cream cheese layer.
Is it possible to make this dessert dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives, like dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and vegan butter. Be sure to select dairy-free pudding and Oreos, as some varieties contain milk.
How long does this dessert need to chill before serving?
For the best texture and flavor, chilling the No-Bake Hot Chocolate Lasagna Recipe for at least 3 hours is essential. Overnight refrigeration is ideal to let all the layers set perfectly and meld together beautifully.
Can I make this in smaller portions?
Absolutely! This recipe scales down well. Simply adjust the ingredient amounts proportionally and use smaller dishes or ramekins to make individual servings, perfect for parties or personal treats.
Why is the marshmallow layer important?
The marshmallow layer adds a soft, fluffy texture that mimics the cozy feeling of sipping hot chocolate with marshmallows on top. It introduces a lightness and a slight chewiness that balances the dense cream cheese and pudding layers, making the dessert truly irresistible.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, the No-Bake Hot Chocolate Lasagna Recipe is one of those desserts you’ll find yourself craving again and again because it hits all the right spots—rich, creamy, crunchy, and utterly comforting. It’s easy enough to prepare any time you want to impress without the fuss of baking, yet indulgent enough to steal the show. So go ahead, give it a try and share this chocolatey treasure with the people you love.
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Print
No-Bake Hot Chocolate Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This No-Bake Hot Chocolate Lasagna is a decadent layered dessert that combines the rich flavors of Oreo crust, creamy cream cheese frosting, chocolate pudding, and fluffy marshmallow topping. Perfect for chocolate lovers, this cool and creamy treat requires no oven time and is ideal for parties or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Crust
- 34 Oreo cookies (regular, not double-stuffed)
- 1/2 cup salted butter (melted)
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1/2 cup salted butter (softened)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup hot chocolate powder (3–5 packets, depending on packet size)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Chocolate Pudding Layer
- 2 packages instant chocolate pudding (3.8 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons hot chocolate powder (about 1 packet)
- 2 ¾ cups cold milk
- 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows
Marshmallow Topping Layer
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- ½ cup mini marshmallows (or freeze dried marshmallows)
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Crush 34 Oreo cookies finely using a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Mix the crushed cookies with 1/2 cup melted salted butter until well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan to form the crust. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the next layers.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In a mixing bowl, beat together 1/2 cup softened salted butter and 8 ounces softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1 ¼ cups heavy cream while continuing to beat until fluffy. Add 1 cup powdered sugar, ½ cup hot chocolate powder, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and beat until fully incorporated. Spread this layer evenly over the chilled Oreo crust. Refrigerate to set.
- Prepare the chocolate pudding layer: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 packages of instant chocolate pudding mix, 2 tablespoons hot chocolate powder, and 2 ¾ cups cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes. Fold in 1 ½ cups mini marshmallows gently. Spread this pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer evenly. Chill the dish to allow the pudding to set.
- Create the marshmallow topping: In a clean, chilled bowl, whip 2 cups heavy cream with ¾ cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Spread this whipped cream layer over the pudding layer smoothly.
- Garnish and serve: In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons heavy cream until smooth. Drizzle this chocolate ganache over the top whipped layer. Sprinkle ½ cup mini marshmallows and ¼ cup mini chocolate chips evenly on top for garnish. Chill the entire dessert for at least 2 hours before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use regular Oreo cookies, not double stuffed, for the best crust texture.
- For easier spreading, ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature.
- Chill each layer before adding the next to achieve distinct layers and prevent mixing.
- You can substitute freeze-dried marshmallows for mini marshmallows in the topping for a different texture.
- Store the dessert in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for freshness.
