If you are a dessert lover who adores rich, creamy, and chocolatey treats, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Hot Chocolate Lasagna Recipe. This layered delight combines the deep, comforting flavors of hot chocolate with the fun texture of crunchy Oreo crust, fluffy cheesecake mousse, creamy pudding, and pillowy whipped cream topped with mini marshmallows. Every bite feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, yet this no-bake dessert is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for sharing at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
While the Hot Chocolate Lasagna Recipe looks impressive, the ingredients are simple and approachable, each playing a key role in building the luscious layers and textures that make this dessert unforgettable.
- 36 Oreo cookies, ground: The crunchy base infused with cookie cream adds a decadent cookie crust that holds everything together.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Mixes with the cookie crumbs to create a firm, buttery crust with just the right richness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds creaminess to the cheesecake mousse and balances sweetness.
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened: Brings velvety texture and slight tang to the mousse layer.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake mousse evenly without any graininess.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla: Enhances all the sweet layers with a warm, aromatic note.
- 5 envelopes of instant hot cocoa mix (milk chocolate flavor): The star flavor, giving both whipped cream and mousse layers their cozy, chocolatey twist.
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream: Whipped to fluffy peaks for the mousse layer, adding lightness.
- 2 (3.8 oz) chocolate instant pudding mix: Creates a silky pudding layer that contrasts beautifully with the mousse.
- 2 ¾ cups milk: Needed to whisk the pudding to creamy perfection.
- 1 cup mini marshmallows: Mixed into the pudding for melted, gooey pockets of sweet fun.
- 1 ¼ cups heavy whipping cream (or 2 ½ cups whipped cream): Whipped with powdered sugar to crown the dessert with fluffy sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: For sweetening the topping whipped cream just right.
- 2 cups mini marshmallows: Sprinkled on top for that classic hot chocolate vibe and extra texture.
- Chocolate topping or Nutella: Optional drizzles that add a decadent finishing touch.
How to Make Hot Chocolate Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Craft the Oreo Crust
Start by processing the whole Oreo cookies, including the creamy filling, into fine crumbs using a food processor. The hidden sweetness in the filling adds extra depth to the base. Melt your ½ cup of butter and stir it into the crumbs until the mixture feels like moist sand. Press this firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch casserole dish, creating a solid foundation to support your layers. Pop it in the fridge or freezer while you prepare the next layers to help it set and hold its shape.
Step 2: Prepare the Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Mousse Layer
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together with vanilla extract and powdered sugar until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. This forms the rich base of the mousse. In a separate bowl, whip the 1 ½ cups of heavy whipping cream with the instant milk chocolate powder until stiff peaks form, capturing that classic hot chocolate flavor in fluffy form. Carefully fold half of this whipped cocoa cream into the cheesecake mixture, then gently fold in the remaining half, making sure to scrape the bowl so everything blends beautifully. Spread this dreamy mousse evenly over your chilled Oreo crust, then return the dish to the fridge or freezer to firm up.
Step 3: Whisk the Chocolate Pudding Layer
In another bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with 2 ¾ cups of cold milk until you notice it thickening nicely. This pudding layer creates a luscious contrast to the airy mousse. Stir in 1 cup of mini marshmallows, which will soften slightly and add wonderful bursts of sweetness and texture. Spread this pudding mixture gently over the set mousse layer, then chill again until firm.
Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream Topping
Time for the crowning glory. Beat 1 ¼ cups of heavy whipping cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until you achieve stiff peaks, creating a cloud-like layer that balances the chocolate intensity beneath. Spread this evenly over the chilled pudding layer and return the entire dessert to the fridge for several hours or ideally overnight. This resting time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Add the Marshmallow Finale and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle 2 cups of mini marshmallows generously over the whipped cream topping. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle melted chocolate, Nutella, or your favorite chocolate topping right on top. The melty, gooey marshmallows paired with the chocolate drizzle will make every bite taste like a cozy cup of hot chocolate in dessert form.
How to Serve Hot Chocolate Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Hot Chocolate Lasagna Recipe is the perfect way to elevate its appearance and add delightful textures. Fresh chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder can give a sophisticated finish, while extra mini marshmallows invite a playful, nostalgic vibe. Drizzling warm Nutella or chocolate sauce right before serving adds an evocative, melty contrast that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
This dessert is a showstopper all on its own, but if you’re planning a party, pairing Hot Chocolate Lasagna with fresh seasonal berries or a light fruit salad can offer a refreshing balance. A cup of hot coffee or chai tea alongside enhances the cozy flavors and helps cut through the dessert’s richness if desired.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress even more, try serving individual portions in clear glass cups or small jars, layering each component for a personal “mini lasagna” effect. You can also add a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies on top during holidays for a festive twist. No matter how you present it, this dessert promises smiles and delighted exclamations at the first bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Hot Chocolate Lasagna Recipe keeps beautifully when stored covered in the refrigerator. The layers will continue to meld and deepen in flavor. To maintain freshness, cover tightly to prevent the marshmallows from drying out or the cake from absorbing fridge odors. Enjoy within 3 to 4 days for the best texture and taste.
Freezing
While this dessert is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it to save time for future cravings. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to protect from freezer burn. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a gentle fluff-up with a spatula before serving.
Reheating
Since Hot Chocolate Lasagna is a no-bake dessert with many creamy layers, it’s not designed for reheating. That said, letting it come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving can soften the textures for an even creamier mouthfeel.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
Absolutely! While Oreos provide a classic chocolate and creamy base, you can experiment with other chocolate wafers, graham crackers, or even gluten-free cookie options depending on your preference or dietary needs.
What if I can’t find milk chocolate hot cocoa mix?
You can substitute with a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder and add a bit more powdered sugar to taste. Alternatively, use any favorite instant hot chocolate powder, but be mindful of sweetness levels so your layers balance perfectly.
How long does it take for the layers to set properly?
The layering steps require chilling between each to firm up the mousse and pudding. Typically, 30 minutes to an hour in the fridge or 15 minutes in the freezer should be sufficient. The final chill overnight brings the best taste and texture.
Can this dessert be made vegan or dairy-free?
With some ingredient swaps like dairy-free cream cheese, plant-based heavy cream alternatives, and vegan pudding mixes, it’s possible to create a vegan version. Keep in mind the texture may vary slightly, but it can still be delicious!
Is there a way to reduce the sweetness if I prefer less sugary desserts?
Yes! You can reduce the powdered sugar slightly or choose unsweetened cocoa powder and compensate with less sweetened hot chocolate mix. Taste as you go when preparing the mousse layer to ensure it suits your palate.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Chocolate Lasagna Recipe is one of those magical desserts that impresses every time without requiring hours in the kitchen. Its layers of chocolatey goodness, fluffy creaminess, and fun marshmallow surprises come together to create a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or craving an indulgent dessert, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to dessert to share with friends and family!
Print
Hot Chocolate Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes plus chilling time (at least 4 hours or overnight recommended)
- Yield: 12-15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in this decadent Hot Chocolate Lasagna, a no-bake layered dessert combining Oreo crust, creamy hot chocolate cheesecake mousse, chocolate pudding with marshmallows, and a fluffy whipped cream topping. Perfectly rich and chocolatey, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 36 Oreo cookies (with filling), ground
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Mousse Layer
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 (0.73 oz) envelopes instant hot cocoa mix (milk chocolate flavor)
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
Pudding Layer
- 2 (3.8 oz) packages instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 ¾ cups milk
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
Topping
- 1 ¼ cups heavy whipping cream (or 2 ½ cups whipped cream)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- Chocolate topping or Nutella for serving
Instructions
- Make the Crust: Place the whole Oreo cookies including the filling in a food processor and grind them into fine crumbs. Stir in the melted butter until evenly combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch casserole dish. Refrigerate or freeze to firm while preparing the next layer.
- Prepare Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Mousse Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together with vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Whipped Cocoa: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with the milk chocolate instant cocoa powder until stiff peaks form. Gently fold half of this cocoa whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture, then fold in the remaining half, ensuring everything is well combined. Spread this mousse evenly over the Oreo crust. Refrigerate or freeze to firm.
- Make the Pudding Layer: In a bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and milk until the mixture starts thickening. Stir in 1 cup mini marshmallows. Spread this pudding layer over the chilled hot chocolate mousse. Return the dish to the fridge or freezer to set.
- Prepare Whipped Cream Topping: Beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the set pudding layer. Refrigerate for several hours or preferably overnight to allow the dessert to fully set.
- Decorate with Marshmallows: Just before serving, scatter 2 cups of mini marshmallows over the whipped cream topping for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve: Drizzle the top with melted chocolate, Nutella, or your favorite chocolate topping for an extra decadent touch.
- Storage: Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Notes
- For a firmer dessert, freezing for 1-2 hours between layers is recommended.
- Use full-fat dairy products for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- The dessert is best served chilled but can be brought to room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.
- Substitute Nutella with any chocolate hazelnut spread or melted chocolate if preferred.
- Ensure marshmallows are evenly distributed to avoid clumping in any single slice.
