Chocolate Lasagna (Chocolate Lush)

Chocolate Lasagna: Have you heard of it before? A chocolate layered dessert that is also no bake and utterly decadent and delicious. It’s a chocolate lovers dream.

 

One Pan Dessert

Don’t let the word lasagna throw you off- this is a dessert lasagna. An Oreo lasagna if you will. If you’re a lover of chocolate desserts like me, this no bake chocolate lasagna recipe is right up your alley. It’s sometimes referred to as a chocolate lush or chocolate dream.

This is quite literally the perfect summer dessert. It’s a no bake dessert so no heating up the oven, or even the stove, for that matter. And since it is served cold, it’s the best refresher. It’s great for special occasions or any old day, and it’s one of those favorite desserts the entire family will love.

The idea is genius and actually quite simple, and the results are cravable. People will ask for the recipe and be amazed it was so simple. Seriously. You can never have enough no bake recipes.

5 Decadent Layers

This no bake dessert recipe is perfect for lazy bakers like me. It looks so pretty after being sliced and tastes even more amazing. Check out these five layers.

1. Oreo cookie crust. Who doesn’t love a good cookie crust? If you tell me no- you are lying. You can make it from scratch in a food processor, as the recipe suggests, or buy the boxed Oreo cookie crumbs. Fine crumbs work best for this recipe.
   
   You can even use graham crackers for a graham cracker crust if you prefer. Whichever you use, it equals about 2 cups.
   
   Mix them with melted butter and there ya go- no bake crust!

2. Cream cheese layer. Silky cream cheese whipped with sugar and whipped topping. It is like a fluffy cream cheese mixture and oh so velvety and delicious.
   
   And yes, I did say whipped topping opposed to whipped cream. Even stabilized whipped cream will fall and melt a little. Whipped topping, like Cool Whip, is made with vegetable oils and skim milk, making it stay fluffy longer. For desserts like this easy chocolate lasagna, you need something this stable and stiff.

3. Chocolate pudding layer – this cake uses a blend of chocolate and vanilla, but you can use all of one or the other or get creative.
   
   Vanilla and cherry or strawberry pudding mix are good options. As is chocolate and coffee flavors. Slather it over the cream cheese layer.

4. Fluffy Whipped Cream. This one is purely whipped topping to set the stage for layer. Give up some nice wisps and stiff peaks to make it pretty- you can’t go wrong with light and fluffy!

5. The toppings! Oh, here you get to go bonkers! Use festive sprinkles, more crushed cookies, maraschino cherries, toasted nuts or sauces like strawberry sauce, fudge, homnemade caramel sauce or even praline.
   
   I do suggest waiting until you’ve plated to add sauces or anything heavy, like cherries.

Chocolate Lasagna Ingredients

You’ll use several of the same ingredients in different layers, so pay attention to how much is used in each step.

• Oreo Cookies- Use regular oreos. I know your inclination is that more stuffing is better, but since this is a crust, you actually want more cookie, less stuffing. An off brand package chocolate sandwich cookies would work too.
• Butter– While I often talk about unsalted butter, salted is fine, in fact preferred, for this amazing dessert recipe.
• Cream cheese– Full fat is best for a super thick and rich layer, but you can also use a low or fat free to cut a few calories.
• Sugar– To sweeten, of course.
• Whipped topping– See my notes above- DO NOT USE WHIP CREAM for your creamy chocolate lasagna, go get the frozen Cool Whip.
• Instant pudding– Get two small boxes of whatever flavors sound good to you. I use instant chocolate pudding and instant vanilla pudding. Make sure they are instant so they set fast.
• Milk– Whole is best for a fully bold dessert, but you can use 2% or skim. Make sure to use cold milk.
• Toppings– Get creative! See below…

How to Make Chocolate Lasagna

I would say bake it- but there is no baking! Only spreading, layering and chilling (or freezing). So here we go, how to make chocolate lasagna…

My suggestion is to use one large mixing bowl and make all layers in the same bowl. Just make sure to get as much as possible of each layer out with a spatula. Freeze the dish between each layer so they spread together nicely and don’t mix.

1. Press the cookie crust into a dish and chill to set.
2. Whip together the first layer (cream cheese) and spread.
3. Whip together the second layer (pudding) and spread.
4. Top with remaining whipped topping.
5. Decide if you want a fluffy chocolate lasagna or a chocolate icebox cake.
6. Garnish and serve. Keep chilled right up until serving.

Make this a Chocolate Icebox Cake

Chocolate lasagna is technically not an icebox cake because it is not frozen. Icebox cakes use the same ingredients, but hit the freezer instead of the fridge.

The good news- this can be a chocolate icebox cake, just freeze it instead! When you do take it out to serve, let it thaw for about 5-10 minutes. Also run a knife under hot water between slices to make cutting easier.

Topping Options

Our favorite Oreo dessert can be served with no toppings or some toppings. Have fun with it! If you are serving it at a party, set up bowls and make a chocolate lasagna bar so everyone can dress thier own.

• Mini chocolate chips
• Sprinkles
• Crushed cookies
• Chocolate curls
• Nuts
• Fresh berries
• Sauces

Tips & Tricks for the Best Chocolate Lasagna

Make Ahead & Freezing

Make ahead: While this chocolate lasagna is super easy, it is also a little volatile. You can make it up to a day ahead of time, but it is best consumed within 24 hours of assembling.

Freezing: Unless, of course, you freeze it. And then you have up to 3 months to enjoy its deliciousness! Keep in an airtight container.

More Easy Dessert Ideas

• No Bake Strawberry Pie
• Peanut Butter Pie
• Cookie Trifle
• Baklava Recipe
• Easy 4 Ingredient Chocolate Fudge