In my kitchen, there’s a festive magic that comes alive with Christmas Dessert Lasagna. This dish isn’t just a treat; it’s a joyous celebration of layers filled with creamy goodness and fun flavors. Perfect for family gatherings or holiday parties, this delightful dessert brings a smile to everyone’s face, making it an instant hit! Imagine creamy layers of pudding and whipped topping, all nestled in a crunchy Oreo crust what’s not to love?
What Makes This Recipe Special
Christmas Dessert Lasagna is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile and easy to prepare, making it a fantastic option for busy hosts. It’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to kids and adults alike with its delightful mix of textures and flavors. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or looking for a sweet ending to your festive meal, this dessert is guaranteed to impress!
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (chill time)
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 12
The Cooking Process Explained
This Christmas Dessert Lasagna comes together in easy steps, allowing you to create a stunning dessert without too much effort. Here’s what you can expect: a crushed Oreo crust, velvety cream cheese filling, two rich pudding layers, and a fluffy topping crowned with festive sprinkles. So grab your ingredients and let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
To create this delicious dessert, gather the following ingredients:
- 36 Oreo cookies, crushed.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
- 2 tablespoons milk.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping.
- 1 box instant vanilla pudding (3.4 oz).
- 1 box instant chocolate pudding (3.4 oz).
- 3 cups cold milk.
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping.
- Christmas sprinkles.
- Mini M&Ms or holiday candies.
Feel free to switch up the toppings to suit your holiday theme!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Begin by finely crushing the Oreo cookies. Mix the crushed cookies with the melted butter until combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 pan to form a solid crust. Chill in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in 1 1/2 cups of whipped topping gently until the mixture is light and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- Prepare the Pudding Layers: In separate bowls, prepare the instant vanilla and chocolate puddings according to the package instructions using 1 1/2 cups of cold milk each. Let them set briefly.
- Layer the Puddings: Spread the chocolate pudding over the cream cheese layer first, followed by the vanilla pudding layer.
- Top and Chill: Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layers. Decorate with festive Christmas sprinkles and mini M&Ms or any holiday candies. Chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serving this Christmas Dessert Lasagna is just as fun as making it! Slice it into squares for individual servings and plate them with extra sprinkles on top for a festive touch. Pair it with hot cocoa or a warm cup of coffee to balance those sweet flavors. It’s perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or simply to treat your family after a cozy dinner.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To store any leftovers, simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For long-term storage, you can freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil; they’ll last for about a month in the freezer. Just thaw them in the fridge before serving!
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Mix It Up: You can easily swap the Oreo crust for a graham cracker crust if you prefer a different flavor.
- Speed It Up: If you’re short on time, consider using whipped topping instead of making the cream cheese layer.
- Flavor Enhancements: For extra flavor, mix in crushed peppermint candies for a fun holiday twist!
- Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese and whipped topping with dairy-free alternatives to suit dietary preferences.
Creative Twists
Feel free to put your spin on this classic dessert! Try using different flavored puddings like banana or strawberry for a fun mix. You can also jazz it up by adding a layer of fresh fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries, between the pudding layers for a refreshing touch.
Nutrition Information
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| per serving | 320 | 4g | 41g | 15g | 1g | 20g |
Creating this delightful Christmas Dessert Lasagna is sure to make your holiday celebrations even more special. It’s a simple yet decadent treat that everyone will enjoy. So, grab your ingredients and make this delicious dessert a part of your festive traditions!
