There is something truly magical about bringing a stunning christmas lasagna dessert to the holiday table. It captures the festive spirit perfectly with its vibrant red and white layers. My family always gasps when I bring this out of the fridge.

Growing up, the holidays were always defined by the desserts table. We would spend hours arranging cookies and cakes to look just right. While I have always loved making cherry coconut magic bars for cookie exchanges, this layered treat offers a different kind of wow factor.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it requires no baking. During the busy holiday season, oven space is premium real estate. Being able to create a masterpiece without turning on the heat is a lifesaver.

The combination of peppermint and chocolate brings back so many childhood memories of candy canes and cocoa. It is cool, creamy, and undeniably refreshing after a big savory meal. I know this will become a cherished part of your holiday traditions too.

Why you’ll love this No-Bake White Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Lasagna with Christmas Lasagna Dessert

It is completely no-bake, which frees up your oven for the main course and other baked goods during the busy holidays.
The stunning red and white stripes make this christmas lasagna dessert a showstopping centerpiece that looks professionally made.
You can make it ahead of time, as it actually tastes better after setting in the fridge overnight.
The texture combination is incredible, featuring a crunchy cookie crust, creamy cheesecake, silky pudding, and fluffy topping.
It serves a crowd easily, making it the perfect choice for office parties, family reunions, or neighborhood potlucks.
Using alcohol-free peppermint extract ensures the flavor is bright and family-friendly without being overpowering.

Ingredients

36 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), crushed into fine crumbs
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp alcohol-free peppermint extract
Red gel food coloring
16 oz frozen whipped topping, thawed (divided use)
2 (3.3 oz) boxes white chocolate instant pudding mix
3 cups cold milk
1 cup white chocolate shavings or chips
1/2 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint crunch sprinkles

Directions

Step 1

Christmas lasagna dessert makes every moment feel indulgent. Start by preparing the base of your dessert. In a medium bowl, combine the finely crushed chocolate cookies with the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Place the dish in the freezer for 10 minutes to allow the crust to set.

Step 2

While the crust chills, prepare the rich cheesecake layer. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup softened butter together until the texture is smooth and fluffy. Mix in the powdered sugar and the alcohol-free peppermint extract until well combined.

Step 3

Now, add the festive color to the cheesecake mixture. Add enough red gel food coloring to achieve a vibrant, festive red hue that contrasts well with white. Gently fold in 1 cup of the thawed whipped topping to lighten the mixture. Carefully spread this red cheesecake layer over the chilled cookie crust.

Step 4

Prepare the pudding layer in a separate clean bowl. Whisk together the white chocolate instant pudding mix and the cold milk for about 2 minutes. You want to whisk until the mixture begins to thicken nicely. Spread this pudding layer evenly over the red cheesecake layer, then place the dish in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to firm up.

Step 5

Finish the assembly with the final snowy layer. Spread the remaining whipped topping gently over the pudding layer to create a smooth, white surface. Cover the dish loosely and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow all the layers to set completely.

Step 6

When you are ready to serve, add the final festive touches. Sprinkle the top generously with white chocolate shavings and crushed candy canes. Slice the dessert into squares and serve it cold for the best texture.

Variations, pairings, and serving ideas

Variations

You can easily customize this christmas lasagna dessert to suit different flavor preferences. If you are a chocolate lover, try swapping the white chocolate pudding for a dark chocolate fudge pudding. This creates a “chocolate mint” profile that tastes just like a peppermint patty.

For a different crust experience, consider using Golden Oreos or graham crackers. This changes the color palette and adds a vanilla or honey sweetness to the base. It pairs beautifully if you decide to skip the food coloring for a more natural look.

You can also turn this into individual parfaits for a fancy dinner party. simply layer the ingredients into small glass jars or dessert cups instead of a large baking dish. This eliminates the need for cutting and makes serving incredibly easy.

Pairings

This rich dessert pairs wonderfully with warm beverages to balance the chill. A hot cup of coffee or espresso cuts through the sweetness of the white chocolate and cream cheese. The bitterness of the coffee highlights the peppermint notes perfectly.

For a cozy holiday evening, serve this alongside a mug of hot cocoa. You can top the cocoa with the same crushed candy canes used on the lasagna. This creates a cohesive dessert theme that feels very thoughtful.

If you prefer something lighter, fresh berries make an excellent accompaniment. A side of raspberries or strawberries adds a tart freshness that cleanses the palate. The red fruit also complements the festive color scheme of the dish.

Serving ideas

Presentation is key for this layered treat, so using a clear glass baking dish is highly recommended. This allows your guests to see the beautiful red and white stripes before you even cut into it. It builds anticipation and serves as table decor.

To get those picture-perfect slices, run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry before every single cut. The heat helps the knife glide through the cold layers without dragging them into each other. This keeps the distinct red and white lines crisp and visible.

Garnish the plate for an extra touch of elegance. A sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of cocoa powder on the serving plate looks professional. You can also drizzle a little chocolate syrup on the plate before placing the square down.

Storage and make-ahead tips

Storage

This dessert needs to be kept cold to maintain its structure. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 to 4 days.

If you want to keep it longer, this lasagna freezes surprisingly well. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to a month; just thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

Avoid leaving the dessert out at room temperature for too long. The whipped topping and cream cheese layers can soften and lose their shape. Serve it straight from the fridge for the best eating experience.

Make-ahead

This is arguably the ultimate make-ahead dessert for the holidays. In fact, it requires at least 4 hours of setting time, so making it the day before is ideal. This allows the cookie crust to soften slightly and the flavors to meld together.

You can assemble the entire lasagna up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Wait to add the crushed candy canes until the very last minute so they stay crunchy and don’t bleed color.

If you are meal prepping for a very busy week, you can prepare the crust and the cheesecake layer days ahead. The pudding layer is best made closer to assembly time. However, fully assembling it the night before is usually the most efficient strategy.

Common mistakes when making No-Bake White Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Lasagna

Using “cook and serve” pudding instead of instant pudding will cause the layers to be runny and never set properly.
Not allowing enough chilling time is a frequent error; the christmas lasagna dessert needs at least 4 hours to firm up for slicing.
Using liquid food coloring instead of gel coloring can add too much moisture to the cream cheese layer, making it soupy.
Crushing the cookies too coarsely can lead to a crust that falls apart when you try to lift a slice out of the pan.
Adding the candy cane garnish too early will cause the candy to dissolve into the whipped topping and create messy red streaks.

Final notes

This recipe is a joy to make and even more of a joy to eat. It brings a pop of color and a burst of cool peppermint flavor that everyone loves. I hope this christmas lasagna dessert becomes a new favorite in your home.

Remember to have fun with the decoration process. Whether you use shavings, sprinkles, or crushed candies, the top layer is your canvas. It is a great step to get the kids involved in.

Enjoy the creamy, crunchy, and minty layers with your loved ones this season. There is nothing quite like a homemade treat to show people you care. Happy holidays and happy no-baking!

Festive Christmas Lasagna Dessert

Why you’ll love this No-Bake White Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Lasagna with Christmas Lasagna Dessert

Ingredients

Directions

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Variations, pairings, and serving ideas

Variations

Pairings

Serving ideas

Storage and make-ahead tips

Storage

Make-ahead

Common mistakes when making No-Bake White Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Lasagna

Final notes

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No-Bake White Chocolate Peppermint Christmas Lasagna

Ingredients

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Notes

Nutrition

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