Description
This festive Cookie Lasagna is a delightful layered dessert perfect for the holiday season. Combining a crunchy chocolate cookie crust, a creamy sweetened cream cheese layer, luscious chocolate pudding, and a colorful topping of M&M’s or holiday candies, this no-bake refrigerated treat is sure to impress your guests and add magic to your Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust Layer
- 2 cups crushed chocolate cookies
- 1 cup melted butter
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups whipped cream
Chocolate Pudding Layer
- 1 cup chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups milk
Topping
- 1 cup M&M’s or holiday candies
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Although not directly used for baking the dessert, this step can be for preparing any additional baked elements or to warm baking tools.
- Prepare the crust: In a bowl, combine the crushed chocolate cookies with the melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the cookies are evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Form the crust: Press the cookie and butter mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan to create an even, compact crust layer. Refrigerate briefly to set if desired.
- Make cream cheese layer: In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Incorporate whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. Spread this creamy layer evenly over the cookie crust.
- Prepare pudding: Prepare the chocolate pudding by mixing the pudding mix with 3 cups of milk as per the package instructions, whisking until thickened.
- Layer pudding: Pour and spread the chocolate pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Add topping: Sprinkle the M&M’s or holiday candies evenly over the pudding layer for a festive finish.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours, or until the layers are completely set and firm.
- Serve: Cut into squares and serve chilled for a deliciously festive treat.
Notes
- You can substitute the chocolate cookies with any chocolate wafer or cookie of your choice.
- For a smoother cream cheese layer, ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing.
- Try using sugar-free pudding mix and low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version.
- Allow the dessert to refrigerate overnight for best flavor and firmest texture.
- Use festive holiday candies for a seasonal touch or replace with nuts for added crunch.
- This dessert is best served cold and should be kept refrigerated until serving.
