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Welcome to a festive treat that’s sure to dazzle and delight your holiday guests! I’m so excited to share the Christmas Lasagna recipe with you, a dessert that layers peppermint, chocolate, and creamy textures into one spectacular treat. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a new holiday tradition waiting to happen in your home!
Ingredients Breakdown
Shortbread Cookie Layer:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Red food coloring
Peppermint Cheesecake Layer:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cup Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
Pudding Layer:
- 2 x 3.9 oz. boxes white chocolate instant pudding
- 3 cups milk
- Green food coloring
For Topping:
- 1 ½ cups Cool Whip
For Garnish:
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- Red and green sprinkles
- M&M candies
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Shortbread Base Creation:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the butter and powdered sugar in a bowl until fluffy. Gradually mix in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Enhance with red food coloring to a festive red shade.
- Press evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
- Peppermint Cheesecake Layer:
- In a separate bowl, smoothly blend the cream cheese with powdered sugar. Incorporate peppermint extract.
- Fold in Cool Whip gently and spread this creamy mixture over the cooled base.
- Assembling the Pudding Layer:
- Whisk pudding mix with milk until it thickens. Add green food coloring for a vibrant look.
- Pour this over the cheesecake layer and refrigerate to set, which should take about 1 hour.
- Final Touches – Topping and Garnishing:
- Once set, top with Cool Whip.
- Sprinkle with mini marshmallows, colorful sprinkles, and M&M candies for that festive touch.
- Chilling and Serving:
- Refrigerate for another hour to firm up all layers.
- Serve chilled, cut into squares and watch the smiles light up the room!
Helpful Tips and Tricks
- Ensure all ingredients, especially butter and cream cheese, are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
- If you prefer a crispier base, extend the baking time by a few minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Substitutions and Variations
- Not a fan of peppermint? Vanilla or almond extract can be delightful alternatives in the cheesecake layer.
- For those watching their diet, low-fat cream cheese and light whipped topping can be used without compromising the delightful flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can this dessert be made ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare it up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. - How should this dessert be stored?
Keep it covered in the refrigerator and enjoy within three days for the best freshness.
More Delicious Holiday Recipes
If you love this Christmas Lasagna, you might also enjoy :
- Chewy Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies: Perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth.
- Double Chocolate Chip Cookies: Twice the chocolate, twice the indulgence.
- Classic American Goulash: A hearty dish for any family dinner.
- Homemade Tortillas: Freshly made, ready for your favorite fillings.
- Chocolate Mousse Cake: Rich, creamy, and utterly decadent.
This Christmas Lasagna promises to be anything but ordinary. Dive into each layer and let the festive flavors dance on your palate. Happy holidays, and enjoy the magic of baking!
Christmas Lasagna
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Dive into the festive spirit with this delightful Christmas Lasagna! Unlike any traditional lasagna, this sweet version layers shortbread, peppermint cheesecake, and a luscious pudding to create a dessert that’s as festive as it is delicious. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this treat is sure to enchant your guests with its cheerful colors and irresistible flavors.
Ingredients
- Shortbread Cookie Layer:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Red food coloring
- Peppermint Cheesecake Layer:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cup Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- Pudding Layer:
- 2 x 3.9 oz. boxes white chocolate instant pudding
- 3 cups milk
- Green food coloring
- Topping:
- 1 ½ cups Cool Whip
- Garnish:
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- Red and green sprinkles
- M&M candies
Instructions
- Prepare the Shortbread Layer: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cream butter and powdered sugar until fluffy. Mix in flour, cocoa, and salt; add red food coloring. Press into a 9×13 inch dish and bake for 15-20 minutes. Cool completely.
- Cheesecake Layer: Blend cream cheese with powdered sugar, add peppermint extract, and fold in Cool Whip. Spread over the cooled base.
- Pudding Layer: Whisk pudding and milk until thick; add green food coloring. Pour over the cheesecake layer and chill for 1 hour.
- Topping: Spread Cool Whip and garnish with marshmallows, sprinkles, and candies.
- Chill: Refrigerate for another hour, then serve.
Equipment
Notes
- Ensure all refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature to facilitate smooth mixing.
- Optional: For a firmer shortbread, bake an additional 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximate Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
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