Perfect for any kind of gathering, Hot Chocolate Lasagna is a rich no-bake dessert made with whipped cream, hot chocolate mix, and instant pudding all on top of a chocolate crust, topped with marshmallows and another layer of melted chocolate.
Learn how to make hot chocolate lasagna and impress your family with your new favorite dessert.
hot chocolate lasagna ingredients
The recipe’s ingredient list may seem a little long, but some ingredients are used in multiple layers. To do this you will need:
- Chocolate sandwich cookie: I used Oreo here. To make things easier, I make the dough in a food processor, but you can also crumble the cookies by hand if you prefer.
- Granulated sugar: A small amount of granulated sugar sweetens the cookie dough.
- butter: Melted butter moistens the dough.
- Rich whipped cream: It’s used in both the cream cheese layer and the topping, giving you the flavor of real whipped cream.
- icing sugar: Powdered sugar can be added to whipped cream to add sweetness and stabilize whipped cream.
- Vanilla extract: It completes all the flavors of this dish.
- Cream cheese: The softened cream cheese gives the hot chocolate layer a mousse-like texture.
- Instant hot cocoa mix with dark chocolate flavor: It’s used for two layers and gives the “hot chocolate” in hot chocolate lasagna. I prefer dark chocolate as it has a richer flavor, but regular is also fine.
- Chocolate fudge instant pudding mix: Be sure to buy instant pudding mixes rather than the ready-to-serve variety.
- milk: Make the chocolate pudding layer.
- Mini marshmallows: These are added to the instant pudding layer and also used as garnish.
- Chopped dark chocolate: I like to top melted chopped chocolate with fresh cream, but it would also be delicious topped with prepared chocolate syrup or hot fudge sauce.
How to make hot chocolate lasagna
Like any layered no-bake dessert, this recipe requires a few steps, but the end result is worth it.
- step 1: Prepare the crust. Crush the cookies in a food processor. Add sugar and melted butter and pulse until combined. Press into a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish and place in the refrigerator while you make the next layer.
- Step 2: Prepare the hot chocolate cream cheese layer. First, make whipped cream with powdered sugar and vanilla. In a separate bowl, mix softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add hot chocolate mix and mix until smooth. Add about half of the cream and mix the rest until smooth. Set the bowl used for the whipped cream aside. You will need it again. Spread the mixture over the crust, layering it evenly on top, and return the dish to the refrigerator.
- Step 3: Prepare the instant pudding layers. Mix chocolate fudge-flavored pudding mix with cold milk until thickened, according to package directions. Whisk in hot chocolate mix. Stir in the mini marshmallows and spread over the hot chocolate cream cheese layer. Return to refrigerator until pudding is almost set, about 30 minutes.
- Step 4: Prepare the whipped cream topping. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla to the cream and beat until stiff peaks form (do not overbeat). Spread the whipped cream over the pudding layer, cover, and chill until everything is set, at least 4 hours. When ready to serve, sprinkle with marshmallows. Melt the chocolate and 2 tablespoons of the cream, pour over the marshmallows and serve immediately.
How to store hot chocolate lasagna
Hot chocolate lasagna is best served within 24 hours, but can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.