Festive Christmas Lasagna Dessert

Get ready to dazzle your holiday guests with a truly unforgettable treat: our Christmas lasagna dessert! This delightful recipe brings together layers of a vibrant red velvet cookie base, creamy cheesecake, cool green peppermint pudding, and a snowy whipped topping. It is incredibly festive, surprisingly easy to make, and guarantees to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for any holiday gathering, this no-bake sensation will quickly become a cherished tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Lasagna Dessert

This Christmas lasagna dessert is the ideal choice for stress-free holiday baking.

• Effortlessly Easy: You’ll love its simple, no-bake layered construction after the initial cookie base.
• Festive and Fun: The vibrant red, green, and white layers instantly capture the spirit of the season.
• Perfect for Parties: It’s a make-ahead marvel, ideal for holiday entertaining without last-minute fuss.
• Simple Ingredients: We use readily available pantry staples, making shopping a breeze.
• Impressive Results: Despite its ease, this layered dessert looks incredibly stunning and sophisticated.

Ingredients

Gather these simple components to create your delightful Christmas lasagna dessert:

• 1 box Red Velvet Cake mix (standard size, typically 15.25 ounces)
• 1/2 cup butter (melted)
• 1 large egg
• 16 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
• 1/4 cup crushed peppermint candies
• 2 3/4 cups milk (divided)
• 16 ounces Whipped topping, like Cool Whip (divided into two 8-ounce portions)
• 2 boxes Vanilla Instant Pudding (5.1 ounce boxes)
• Green gel food coloring
• Holiday colored sprinkles

Notes & Substitutions

For the cake mix, we use it differently than the box instructions for a cookie-like base. Feel free to swap red velvet for chocolate or white cake mix if preferred, adjusting the bake time as needed. Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer. If you do not have peppermint candies, you can use a few drops of peppermint extract in the cheesecake layer. Homemade whipped cream works beautifully in place of store-bought whipped topping, just stabilize it with a little powdered sugar. Use gel food coloring for the most vibrant green pudding layer.

Equipment

You won’t need much specialized gear for this easy Christmas lasagna dessert. Just grab a few basic kitchen tools. You will need a standard 13×9 inch baking pan to assemble your delicious layers. Have several large mixing bowls ready for combining ingredients. An electric mixer is essential for achieving creamy, smooth layers. Ensure you have measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions. A rubber spatula or offset spatula helps spread the layers evenly. Finally, plastic wrap is perfect for chilling and storing your dessert.

Instructions

Creating this festive Christmas lasagna dessert is a fun and straightforward process. Follow these steps for a perfect holiday treat.

1. Prepare cake base: Preheat your oven to 350° F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake base will release easily.
2. Mix cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the entire box of red velvet cake mix, the melted butter, and one large egg. Blend these ingredients together thoroughly using an electric mixer until a thick, cookie-like dough forms. Remember, do not follow the cake mix box instructions for this recipe, as we are making a dense, chewy base.
3. Spread and bake: Press the prepared cake batter evenly into the bottom of your greased 13×9 inch pan. Use your hands or the back of a spoon to create a uniform layer. Bake for 15 minutes. This creates a firm, flavorful foundation for your layered Christmas lasagna dessert.
4. Cool cake: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Allow the red velvet base to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. The base must be fully cooled before adding the next layers to prevent melting.
5. Make cheesecake layer: While the cake base cools, prepare the luscious cheesecake layer. In a separate medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar together until light and fluffy. Add 1/4 cup of milk and continue to beat until smooth and well combined.
6. Add whipped topping: Gently fold in 8 ounces (half of your container) of the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. Then, stir in the crushed peppermint candies. This creates a refreshing, creamy, and minty layer for your Christmas lasagna dessert.
7. Spread cheesecake layer: Evenly spread this creamy peppermint cheesecake mixture over your completely cooled red velvet cake base. Use a rubber or offset spatula to ensure a smooth, uniform layer from edge to edge.
8. Chill first layer: Place the pan in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This chilling period is crucial for the cheesecake layer to set properly before you add the next layer, helping maintain distinct lines.
9. Prepare pudding layer: In another large bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 1/2 cups of milk and the two boxes of vanilla instant pudding mixes. Whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Add green gel food coloring, starting with 5-6 drops, and mix until you achieve your desired festive green hue.
10. Pour pudding: Carefully pour and spread the vibrant green pudding mixture evenly over the chilled peppermint cheesecake layer. Take care not to disturb the layer beneath.
11. Chill thoroughly: Return the pan to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the pudding layer is completely set and firm. For the best results and clean slices of this Christmas lasagna dessert, chilling overnight is ideal.
12. Garnish and serve: Just before serving, spread the remaining 8 ounces of whipped topping over the set green pudding layer. Sprinkle generously with holiday-colored sprinkles for a final festive touch. Slice and enjoy your impressive Christmas lasagna dessert!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve the perfect Christmas lasagna dessert every time with these helpful hints. Always ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before beating it, which prevents lumps and creates a super smooth cheesecake layer. Chill each layer completely between steps; this is vital for clean, distinct layers that hold their shape when sliced. For a truly vibrant green pudding, opt for gel food coloring instead of liquid drops, as it provides a richer, more concentrated color. To get neat slices, run a sharp knife under hot water and wipe it clean between each cut. If your pudding layer doesn’t set, you might not have used instant pudding or enough cold milk; ensure you whisk vigorously for the full 2 minutes. If the cake base seems too crumbly, ensure you really press it down firmly before baking.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

Serving Suggestions

Always serve this vibrant Christmas lasagna dessert chilled for the best flavor and texture. The distinct layers are most appealing when firm and cool. This dessert pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, hot cocoa, or a festive holiday punch. It’s the ideal show-stopping sweet to conclude any holiday meal or potluck gathering.

Storage Instructions

Cover any leftover Christmas lasagna dessert tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out or absorbing refrigerator odors. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This dessert is also freezer-friendly; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it will keep well for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with your Christmas lasagna dessert! Alternate the cake mix flavor for the base, perhaps chocolate for a richer taste or a classic white cake mix. Change up the pudding flavors; pistachio or white chocolate pudding would be delicious. Instead of peppermint, try crushed candy canes or toffee bits. Experiment with different sprinkle themes, or add mini chocolate chips or mini marshmallows to the whipped topping for extra texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional information per serving for this delicious Christmas lasagna dessert, based on 18 servings per pan.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients used and typical serving sizes. Actual values may vary based on specific brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes.

FAQ

• What size pudding boxes should I use for this recipe? Use two large 5.1 ounce boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix. This ensures a thick, set pudding layer.
• Can I use a different cake mix flavor for the base? Yes, absolutely! While red velvet is festive, any flavor like chocolate or white cake mix works wonderfully.
• My pudding layer didn’t set properly, what could have happened? Ensure you use instant pudding mix and very cold milk. Whisking continuously for at least 2 minutes is also key to proper setting.
• How far in advance can I prepare this Christmas lasagna dessert? This dessert is best when made 4 to 24 hours ahead of serving. This allows all the layers to fully set and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Conclusion

This incredible Christmas lasagna dessert brings together delightful layers of red velvet, creamy peppermint cheesecake, and vibrant green pudding, all crowned with whipped topping and festive sprinkles. It’s an unbelievably easy yet impressive treat, perfect for anyone looking to simplify holiday baking without compromising on flavor or presentation.

Layered desserts have a rich history, with trifles dating back to the 18th century, showcasing the enduring appeal of these multi-textured treats Traditional British Trifle: Layering Flavours for a Showstopping Dessert.

We can’t wait to see your beautiful creations – share your festive desserts with us!

Festive Christmas Lasagna Dessert

This festive Christmas Lasagna Dessert features a red velvet cookie crust, a creamy peppermint cream cheese layer, and a vibrant green vanilla pudding, all topped with whipped cream and holiday sprinkles. It's a delightful no-bake dessert (after the crust) perfect for holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Crust

• 1 box Red Velvet Cake mix
• 0.5 cup butter melted
• 1 large large egg

Cream Cheese Peppermint Layer

• 16 ounces Cream Cheese
• 0.5 cup confectioners sugar
• 0.25 cup crushed peppermint candies
• 0.25 cup milk
• 8 ounces Whipped topping like Cool Whip

Green Pudding Layer

• 2 boxes Vanilla Instant Pudding 5.1 ounce boxes
• 2.5 cups milk
• Green gel food coloring

Topping

• 8 ounces Whipped topping like Cool Whip
• Holiday colored sprinkles

Equipment

• 13x9 baking pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Medium bowl

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 13x9 baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, melted butter, and egg; blend well with an electric mixer to form a cookie-like batter.
3. Spread the batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.
4. Remove the baked crust from the oven and cool completely for at least 30 minutes.

Layer Assembly

1. In a separate medium bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners sugar together, then add 1/4 cup milk. Stir in 8 ounces of whipped topping and the crushed peppermint candies.
2. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled cake layer and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. In another large bowl, mix the remaining 2 1/2 cups milk with both pudding mixes and add green food coloring until the desired color is reached.
4. Pour the green pudding over the chilled cream cheese layer and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.

Finishing Touches

1. When ready to serve, spread the remaining 8 ounces of whipped topping over the green pudding layer and top with seasonal colored sprinkles.

Notes

Ensure each layer is properly chilled before adding the next for the best set and clean slices.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com