Christmas Lasagna Dessert

Christmas Lasagna Dessert is a festive, layered treat that brings the joy of the holidays right to your dessert table. This cheerful creation begins with a rich, buttery red shortbread cookie base, followed by a creamy peppermint cheesecake layer, then a frosty white chocolate pudding layer tinted bright green. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and sprinkled with marshmallows, red and green sprinkles, and colorful candies, it captures the spirit of holiday colors and flavors. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or cozy nights at home, Christmas Lasagna Dessert is easy to assemble and guaranteed to delight both kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Lasagna Dessert

You will love Christmas Lasagna Dessert because it combines classic holiday flavors and memories into a single, easy-to-make treat. The cookie crust gives a satisfying crunch and buttery richness. The peppermint cheesecake layer delivers creamy, minty sweetness that feels festive and refreshing. The white chocolate pudding adds smooth indulgence, while the final topping of whipped cream and festive candies makes every slice look like holiday art. Better yet, this dessert doesn’t require baking beyond the crust, and with a few hours of chilling you’ll have a show-stopping, no-fuss dessert ready to impress.

Ingredients

Shortbread Cookie Layer:

• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Red food coloring (about 1 tablespoon for a deep red hue)

Peppermint Cheesecake Layer:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups Cool Whip, thawed
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

Pudding Layer:

• 2 × 3.9 oz boxes white chocolate instant pudding
• 3 cups milk
• Green food coloring (a few drops at a time until desired shade)

Topping and Garnish:

• 1 ½ cups Cool Whip
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• Red and green sprinkles
• M&M candies (or similar red and green holiday candies)

Step-by-Step How to Make Christmas Lasagna Dessert

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (about 175°C). Lightly butter a 9 × 13 inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the red food coloring (about a tablespoon or until you achieve a vibrant red) and mix thoroughly.
4. On low mixer speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Mix just until all ingredients are combined and a dough forms.
5. Press this red cookie dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes. Once baked, remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Cooling fully is important so the layers above don’t melt or slide.
6. While the crust cools, prepare the peppermint cheesecake layer. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add 1 ½ cups of softened Cool Whip and the peppermint extract. Mix gently until combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled cookie crust. Then place the dish in the freezer to firm up while you prepare the pudding.
7. For the pudding layer, whisk together the two boxes of white chocolate instant pudding mix with 3 cups of milk until smooth and thick. Begin by adding a small amount of food coloring, then slowly increase until you reach the desired shade. Pour this pudding mixture over the cheesecake layer and smooth evenly. Return to freezer for about 5 minutes to set lightly.
8. Once slightly firm, spread 1 ½ cups of Cool Whip over the pudding layer as the final creamy topping. Then decorate the top generously with mini marshmallows, red and green sprinkles, and M&M candies (or your preferred holiday candies).
9. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours (or overnight) until fully set. When ready, slice into squares and serve chilled.

Helpful Tips

• Make sure the shortbread crust is completely cooled before adding the cheesecake layer — warmth can cause the layers to blend or slide.
• For best peppermint flavor, use good quality peppermint extract and avoid vanilla or mint mixed extracts that may muddy the flavor.
• Begin by adding a small amount of food coloring, then slowly increase until you reach the desired shade.
• Chill times are crucial. The layers need time to firm in fridge to slice cleanly. If you slice too soon, the layers may collapse or slide.
• Use a sharp knife for serving. For clean slices, dip the knife blade in hot water between cuts, wiping clean before each slice.

Substitutions And Variations

• Dairy‑free / Vegan alternative: Use dairy-free butter or margarine for the crust, a dairy-free cream cheese substitute, and a nondairy whipped topping. Use nondairy milk for the pudding mix.
• Flavor twist: Replace the peppermint extract with vanilla or almond extract for a different flavor profile, or swirl in a few tablespoons of crushed candy cane for extra peppermint crunch.
• Color theme variation: Change the food coloring colors — e.g. use blue for a winter wonderland theme, or red and gold for New Year’s celebration.
• Chocolate cookie crust: Omit the red food coloring and use the cocoa-based shortbread layer as a classic chocolate crust for a subtle, elegant look.
• Berry version: Instead of white chocolate pudding, use instant vanilla pudding and swirl in berry jam (like raspberry or strawberry) before topping for a red and white festive treat.

Storage Instructions

Store Christmas Lasagna Dessert covered with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 to 5 days. For best texture, consume within 3 days. Do not freeze after assembling, as the whipped topping and candies may lose texture. If you expect leftovers, you may cut individual squares and store in an airtight container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, 1 of 12 slices)

• Calories: ~ 320 kcal
• Total fat: ~ 16 g
• Saturated fat: ~ 9 g
• Cholesterol: ~ 45 mg
• Sodium: ~ 150 mg
• Total carbohydrates: ~ 38 g
• Dietary fiber: ~ 1 g
• Sugars: ~ 25 g
• Protein: ~ 4 g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary depending on specific brands of ingredients used, portion size, and toppings.

Serving Suggestions

Christmas Lasagna Dessert pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a minty hot cocoa — the warmth of the beverage complements the cool, creamy layers. For a holiday party, serve alongside a festive punch or sparkling nonalcoholic cider. This dessert also works well as a make‑ahead treat — assemble the night before and chill so that you can slice and serve stress-free on the day. For a more decadent presentation, add a dusting of cocoa powder or shaved dark chocolate on top of the whipped topping just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Lasagna Dessert

Is this dessert difficult to make if I am not an experienced baker?
Not at all. The only part that involves baking is the shortbread cookie crust, which requires simple mixing and pressing into a baking dish. The rest of the recipe is no‑bake: beating, mixing and layering. Even if you rarely bake, as long as you follow the steps and chilling times, you can successfully create this dessert.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, it is ideal as a make‑ahead dessert. You can prepare the entire dish the night before and refrigerate overnight. Chilling time helps the layers to set firmly for clean slicing. Just be sure to cover it well so it does not absorb other fridge odors.

What’s the best way to get clean slices?
Use a sharp knife and dip the blade into hot water before slicing. Wipe the blade clean between cuts to prevent smearing. Refrigerate for the full 3–4 hours (or longer) so the layers are firm — slicing too early may cause the layers to slide or mix.

Can I adjust the peppermint flavor?
Absolutely. If you prefer a subtle hint of peppermint, start with ½ teaspoon peppermint extract instead of a full teaspoon. For a stronger minty punch, you can add a little more, but be cautious — peppermint extract has a potent flavor and can easily overpower other layers.

Conclusion

Thank you for baking along with me — I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Christmas Lasagna Dessert as much as I do. Its festive layers, bright colors and creamy textures bring holiday cheer to every table. Whether you are preparing it for a family gathering, a friends holiday party, or simply treating yourself to something special, this dessert is easy, fun, and delicious. I love how it captures the spirit of the season with peppermint sweetness, creamy layers, and candy‑topped joy. Wishing you happy baking, joyful celebrations, and many sweet moments with loved ones. Enjoy!

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