Christmas Lasagna: A Whimsical Layered Dessert
Christmas Lasagna is a festive and whimsical dessert that combines layers of rich flavors, creating a sweet treat that’s perfect for your holiday gatherings. With its buttery red velvet shortbread cookie crust, peppermint cheesecake layer, white chocolate pudding, fluffy whipped cream topping, and mini marshmallows, this dessert brings the best of the season’s flavors to the table. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or bringing a dish to a family get-together, this dessert is sure to become a holiday favorite. It’s as visually striking as it is delicious, making it a perfect centerpiece for your dessert table. If you love a dessert that combines texture, flavor, and a bit of fun, then this Christmas Lasagna is just what you need!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 squares 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Shortbread Cookie Layer
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Red food coloring
The base of this dessert is a buttery, red velvet shortbread cookie layer that provides a rich, slightly crumbly texture. The cocoa powder adds a mild chocolate flavor, while the red food coloring gives it a vibrant, festive appearance. The soft, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread contrasts wonderfully with the creamier layers above it, providing a solid foundation for the dessert.
Peppermint Cheesecake Layer
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 ½ cups Cool Whip (thawed)
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
This peppermint cheesecake layer brings a refreshing, cool minty flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the other layers. The combination of cream cheese and powdered sugar creates a smooth and creamy filling, while the Cool Whip adds lightness to the texture. The peppermint extract gives it that quintessential holiday flavor that makes this dessert stand out.
Pudding Layer
- 2 x 3.9 oz boxes white chocolate instant pudding
- 3 cups milk
- Green food coloring
The pudding layer is where the white chocolate flavor really shines. The instant white chocolate pudding mix is easy to prepare and creates a creamy, indulgent layer that complements the other flavors. The green food coloring adds a festive touch, transforming the pudding into a perfect holiday hue. The white chocolate flavor is subtle yet rich, offering a smooth consistency that’s perfectly balanced by the other components.
Topping and Garnish
- 1 ½ cups Cool Whip
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- Red and green sprinkles
- M&M candies
The topping is a simple but essential component, adding lightness and texture to the dessert. Cool Whip is spread over the pudding layer, creating a fluffy, airy finish that contrasts with the denser layers beneath. Mini marshmallows are added for a touch of chewiness and fun, while red and green sprinkles, along with M&M candies, add a festive, crunchy element that makes the dessert as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Instructions
- Prepare the Shortbread Cookie Layer:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. In a larger bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the red food coloring to achieve the desired vibrant hue. Slowly add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until fully combined. Press the dough into the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the shortbread looks slightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely. - Make the Peppermint Cheesecake Layer:
While the shortbread crust cools, prepare the peppermint cheesecake layer. Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add the Cool Whip and peppermint extract and continue to mix until everything is fully incorporated. Once the shortbread has cooled, spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the shortbread layer. Place the dessert in the freezer to firm up while you prepare the pudding layer. - Prepare the White Chocolate Pudding Layer:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the white chocolate instant pudding mix and milk until it thickens. Add a few drops of green food coloring to the pudding, whisking until you achieve the desired shade of green. Once the pudding is smooth and thickened, spread it evenly over the cream cheese layer. Return the dessert to the freezer for about 5 minutes to set. - Top with Cool Whip and Garnish:
Spread 1 ½ cups of Cool Whip evenly over the green pudding layer. Top the Cool Whip with mini marshmallows, red and green sprinkles, and M&M candies to add both texture and a festive pop of color. - Chill the Dessert:
Cover the baking dish and refrigerate the Christmas Lasagna for 3-4 hours or until it is fully set. This allows the layers to meld together and ensures the dessert holds its shape when sliced. - Serve and Enjoy:
Once the dessert is fully chilled, slice it into 24 squares and serve. For the best presentation, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat, even pieces. The result will be a vibrant, delicious dessert that looks as festive as it tastes.
Notes
- Non-Dairy Version:
If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, consider using non-dairy whipped topping (such as coconut whipped cream) and vegan cream cheese for the cheesecake layer. For the pudding layer, you can swap regular milk with a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk. - Gluten-Free Option:
If you need to make the dessert gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour in the shortbread layer with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the pudding mix to ensure it’s gluten-free, as some brands may contain traces of gluten. - Flavor Variations:
While peppermint is the signature flavor of Christmas Lasagna, you can experiment with other extracts to create different flavor profiles. Try using almond extract or vanilla extract in place of the peppermint to create a unique twist on this festive dessert. - Add Chocolate:
If you love chocolate, consider adding a layer of melted chocolate between the cheesecake and pudding layers for an extra indulgent touch. This will add richness and a depth of flavor that complements the other components.