Hot Chocolate Lasagna Recipe

Creamy Hot Chocolate Lasagna Recipe: A Dreamy Winter Dessert

Crafting a delectable hot chocolate lasagna brings pure winter comfort to your dessert table.

Sweet layers of creamy goodness promise a delightful experience for chocolate enthusiasts.

Marshmallow-studded textures blend seamlessly with rich cocoa-infused ingredients.

Chocolate lovers will find this dessert irresistibly indulgent and simple to prepare.

Each spoonful delivers a symphony of velvety chocolate and fluffy cream.

Cold evenings call for something extraordinary that warms both heart and palate.

You’ll want to savor every single decadent bite of this incredible treat.

Why Hot Chocolate Lasagna Is Pure Dessert Heaven

  • Craft a No-Fuss Dessert: Simple steps make this recipe perfect for beginners who want to impress without complex techniques.
  • Indulge in Layered Luxury: Multiple delicious layers create a rich, decadent treat that feels like a gourmet restaurant dessert right at home.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Chocolate Delight: Kids and adults will go crazy for the irresistible combination of chocolate, marshmallows, and creamy filling that guarantees smiles all around.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert in advance, letting it chill in the refrigerator, which means less stress and more enjoyment when it's time to serve.

Everything You Need for Choco-Lasagna Love

For the Crust:
  • Chocolate Cookies: A crunchy and rich base that provides a deep chocolate flavor and sturdy foundation for the dessert.
  • Butter: Helps bind the cookie crumbs together and creates a smooth, compact crust.
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers a tangy, creamy texture that adds richness and depth to the dessert.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture and helps create a smooth, light consistency.
  • Whipped Cream: Introduces airiness and a light, silky texture to the cream cheese layer.
For the Pudding and Topping:
  • Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix: Provides a rich chocolate flavor and helps thicken the pudding layer.
  • Cold Milk: Activates the pudding mix and creates a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Hot Cocoa Powder: Enhances the chocolate intensity and depth of flavor.
  • Mini Marshmallows: Adds a playful, sweet texture to the top of the dessert.
  • Chocolate Shavings, Chocolate Syrup: Provides decorative garnish and extra chocolate flavor.

How to Build the Layers of Chocolate Bliss

Step 1: Craft the Cookie Base

Crush chocolate cookies into fine crumbs and blend with melted butter until thoroughly combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan, creating an even foundation. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set the crust.

Step 2: Whip Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, whip cream cheese with powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Ensure no lumps remain in the mixture. Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese, creating a silky, aerated filling.

Step 3: Spread Cream Cheese Layer

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled cookie crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula.

Step 4: Create Chocolate Pudding Layer

Prepare chocolate pudding by whisking:
  • Instant pudding mix
  • Cold milk
  • Hot cocoa powder

Whisk until the mixture thickens and becomes completely smooth, approximately 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Add Pudding Layer

Pour the chocolate pudding over the cream cheese layer, carefully spreading to cover the entire surface without disturbing the previous layer.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow layers to set completely.

Step 7: Decorate and Serve

Sprinkle mini marshmallows across the top of the dessert. Garnish with chocolate shavings and drizzle chocolate syrup in an artistic pattern. Slice into squares and serve chilled for a decadent, multi-layered dessert experience.

Dessert Lasagna Tips That Work Every Time

  • Crush Cookies Perfectly: Use a food processor or rolling pin to create uniform, fine crumbs for an ideal crust texture.
  • Prevent Lumpy Filling: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and use an electric mixer to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Layer with Care: Use an offset spatula to spread each layer gently, maintaining clean and distinct layer boundaries.
  • Chill for Maximum Flavor: Allow dessert to rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to let flavors meld and layers set completely.
  • Serve with Style: Top with extra chocolate shavings, marshmallows, or a light dusting of cocoa powder for a professional finishing touch.

Sweet Spins on the Classic Hot Choco Treat

  • Gluten-Free Cookie Base: Replace traditional chocolate cookies with gluten-free chocolate cookie crumbs or almond flour cookies for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Chocolate Dream: Swap cream cheese with coconut cream, use plant-based butter for the crust, and select dairy-free chocolate pudding mix.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Delight: Substitute powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, use sugar-free pudding mix, and reduce overall sugar content.
  • Nutty Chocolate Sensation: Incorporate chopped almonds or pecans into the cookie crust for added crunch and nutty flavor profile.

What Goes With Chocolate Lasagna? Here’s the List

  • Sip Hot Espresso Martini: Cut through the dessert's sweetness with a bold, slightly bitter espresso martini that balances the rich chocolate layers and provides a sophisticated adult twist.
  • Complement with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a cold, creamy vanilla scoop that softens the dessert's intense chocolate flavor and creates a delightful temperature contrast.
  • Match with Raspberry Liqueur: Introduce a tart, fruity liqueur that cuts the dessert's richness and adds a bright, vibrant note to each decadent bite.
  • Enhance with Toasted Almond Cocktail: Blend nutty almond undertones that complement the chocolate's depth and provide a sophisticated, smooth drinking experience alongside the dessert.

Keeping Dessert Lasagna Soft and Sweet

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping the dessert covered with plastic wrap to prevent drying out or absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Dessert can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.
  • Remove from freezer and let sit in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid thawing at room temperature to maintain texture and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Best served chilled. If desired, let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor profile.

Dessert Lasagna Dilemmas? Let’s Answer ‘Em

  • Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Yes, graham crackers or chocolate graham crackers work great as alternatives to chocolate cookies, providing a similar texture and flavor base.

  • How do I prevent lumps in the cream cheese layer?

Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and use an electric mixer to whip it thoroughly, beating until smooth and free of any clumps before adding powdered sugar.

  • Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?

Substitute regular cookies with gluten-free chocolate cookies or graham crackers, and verify that your pudding mix and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

  • Can I prepare this dessert in advance?

Absolutely! This dessert can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator, which actually allows the flavors to meld and improve.

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Hot Chocolate Lasagna Recipe

Hot Chocolate Lasagna Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent hot chocolate lasagna layers creamy chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and crushed graham crackers into a dreamy dessert sensation. Cool chocolate bliss melts together, creating a luscious treat that beckons you to savor each heavenly spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 16 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream

Chocolate Layer:

  • 2 packages instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 3 cups cold milk
  • 1/2 cup hot cocoa powder

Topping:

  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
  • 1/4 cup chocolate shavings
  • 2 tbsp chocolate syrup

Instructions

  1. Crush chocolate cookies into fine crumbs, then blend with melted butter until thoroughly combined to create a smooth, compact base for the dessert.
  2. Press the cookie mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan, creating an even, dense foundation. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set the crust.
  3. Whip cream cheese with powdered sugar until light and fluffy, ensuring no lumps remain in the mixture.
  4. Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, creating a silky, aerated filling that will provide a luxurious texture.
  5. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled cookie crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
  6. Prepare chocolate pudding by whisking instant pudding mix with cold milk and hot cocoa powder until the mixture thickens and becomes completely smooth, approximately 2-3 minutes.
  7. Pour the chocolate pudding layer over the cream cheese layer, carefully spreading to cover the entire surface without disturbing the previous layer.
  8. Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow layers to set completely.
  9. Before serving, sprinkle mini marshmallows across the top of the dessert for a playful texture.
  10. Garnish with chocolate shavings and drizzle chocolate syrup in an artistic pattern to enhance visual appeal.
  11. Slice into squares and serve chilled for a decadent, multi-layered dessert experience.

Notes

  • Crush cookies super fine to prevent a crumbly, unstable base that might fall apart when serving.
  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smoother, lump-free mixture that blends effortlessly.
  • Use high-quality cocoa powder for an intense, rich chocolate flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap chocolate cookies with gluten-free chocolate graham crackers or almond flour-based cookies.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 26 g
  • Sodium: 260 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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