Hot Chocolate Lasagna: A Cozy No-Bake Dessert Everyone Loves
Hot Chocolate Lasagna is everything you love about a mug of hot cocoa — transformed into a rich, layered, no-bake dessert. Creamy, chocolatey, and irresistibly indulgent, this dessert features a crunchy chocolate cookie crust, a fluffy cocoa cream cheese layer, smooth chocolate pudding, and a cloud-like whipped topping finished with marshmallows and cocoa dust.
It’s the perfect dessert for holidays, winter gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you want something comforting without turning on the oven. Each layer brings its own texture and flavor, creating a dessert that feels both nostalgic and luxurious.
Why This Dessert Works So Well
Hot chocolate lasagna delivers contrast in every bite. The crunchy base supports silky layers above it, while the cocoa-forward flavors keep the dessert rich but not overwhelming. Because it’s served chilled, it feels light enough to enjoy after a hearty meal — even though it’s undeniably decadent.
Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to assemble, making it ideal for beginner bakers and busy schedules.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cookie Crust
- 36 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Hot Cocoa Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 cup whipped topping
Chocolate Pudding Layer
- 2 (3.9 oz) packages chocolate instant pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
Topping
- 2 cups whipped topping
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix crushed cookies with melted butter until fully coated.
- Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. Chill for 15 minutes.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in powdered sugar and cocoa powder.
- Fold in whipped topping gently until light and fluffy.
- Spread cocoa cream cheese layer evenly over chilled crust.
- Whisk pudding mix with cold milk until thickened.
- Spread pudding layer evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with whipped topping and smooth the surface.
- Garnish with mini marshmallows and chocolate shavings.
- Chill for at least 4 hours before slicing and serving.
Hot Chocolate Lasagna
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Mix crushed cookies and butter; press into dish and chill.
- Beat cream cheese with sugar and cocoa, fold in whipped topping.
- Spread cocoa cream layer over crust.
- Prepare pudding with milk and spread over cream layer.
- Top with whipped topping, marshmallows, and chocolate.
- Chill at least 4 hours before slicing.
Notes
Layer Breakdown & Texture
- Crust: Crunchy and chocolatey, providing structure
- Cream Cheese Layer: Light, fluffy, and cocoa-kissed
- Pudding Layer: Smooth, rich, and deeply chocolatey
- Topping: Airy whipped cream with nostalgic marshmallow notes
Each layer complements the next, making every bite balanced and satisfying.
Tips for the Best Hot Chocolate Lasagna
- Chill each layer briefly for clean slices
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for smooth texture
- Press crust firmly to prevent crumbling
- Let the dessert rest overnight for best flavor
Fun Variations
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate Lasagna: Add crushed peppermint candies
- White Hot Chocolate Version: Use white chocolate pudding
- Extra Marshmallow: Fold marshmallows into the pudding layer
- Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use dark cocoa powder and dark cookies
When to Serve It
Hot Chocolate Lasagna is perfect for:
- Christmas and winter holidays
- Family gatherings and potlucks
- Dessert tables and bake sales
- Make-ahead party desserts
It travels well and always disappears fast.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate covered up to 4 days
- Best served chilled
- Not freezer-friendly due to cream layers
A Crowd-Pleasing Dessert with Cozy Charm
Hot Chocolate Lasagna captures the comfort of hot cocoa in a show-stopping layered dessert. Easy to make, visually impressive, and deeply satisfying, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to every winter — and beyond
