Festive Christmas Dessert Lasagna: A Holiday Treat to Delight Everyone

The holiday season is all about making memories, sharing laughter, and indulging in delicious food. But let’s be honest, dessert often steals the show. Imagine bringing a dessert to the table that’s as fun and festive as Christmas itself—layered with vibrant holiday colors, creamy textures, and bursting with peppermint flavor. That’s exactly what the Festive Christmas Dessert Lasagna is all about! It’s a no-bake, multi-layered delight that combines everything you love about holiday desserts into one unforgettable dish.

Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or simply treating your loved ones to something special, this dessert lasagna will be the centerpiece of your celebration. And the best part? It’s easier to make than it looks. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Here’s a detailed list of ingredients divided by layer to help you prepare this dazzling dessert:

Layer	Ingredient	Quantity
Shortbread Cookie Layer	Unsalted butter, softened	3/4 cup
	Powdered sugar	½ cup
	All-purpose flour	1 ½ cups
	Cocoa powder	1 tablespoon
	Salt	¼ teaspoon
	Red food coloring	A few drops
Peppermint Cheesecake Layer	Powdered sugar	1 cup
	Cream cheese, softened	8 oz
	Cool Whip, thawed	1 ½ cups
	Peppermint extract	1 teaspoon
Pudding Layer	White chocolate instant pudding mix	Two 3.9 oz boxes
	Milk	3 cups
	Green food coloring	A few drops
Topping	Cool Whip, thawed	1 ½ cups
Garnish	Mini marshmallows	2 cups
	Red and green sprinkles	–
	M&M candies (red and green)	–

Why You’ll Love This Dessert

This festive dessert is more than just eye candy—it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. The buttery red shortbread cookie base gives it a solid foundation, the peppermint cheesecake layer adds a creamy and refreshing twist, and the green pudding layer brings sweetness with a pop of color. Topped with fluffy Cool Whip and garnished with mini marshmallows, sprinkles, and M&Ms, this dessert is as fun to make as it is to eat.

• Festive Colors: Perfect for capturing the holiday spirit with its red, white, and green layers.
• No-Bake Convenience: No need to spend hours baking. This recipe is simple and quick.
• Kid-Friendly: With marshmallows, sprinkles, and candy, it’s a hit with children (and adults, too!).
• Perfect for Parties: A show-stopping dessert that serves a crowd.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Festive Christmas Dessert Lasagna

1. Prepare the Shortbread Cookie Layer

The base of your dessert lasagna is a festive red shortbread cookie layer that provides the perfect crunch.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, beat ¾ cup of softened butter with ½ cup of powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
3. Add 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt to the bowl. Mix until combined.
4. Add a few drops of red food coloring and mix until the dough is evenly colored.
5. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish to form a thin layer.
6. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the layer is firm. Let it cool completely before adding the next layer.

2. Make the Peppermint Cheesecake Layer

This layer brings a refreshing peppermint flavor and creamy texture to your dessert.

1. In a mixing bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the mixture.
3. Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of thawed Cool Whip until everything is well combined.
4. Spread the peppermint cheesecake layer evenly over the cooled shortbread crust

3. Prepare the Pudding Layer

This vibrant green layer is both delicious and eye-catching.

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together two boxes of white chocolate instant pudding mix and 3 cups of milk until smooth.
2. Add a few drops of green food coloring and whisk until the color is evenly distributed.
3. Let the pudding sit for a few minutes to thicken, then spread it over the peppermint cheesecake layer.

4. Add the Cool Whip Topping

The fluffy Cool Whip topping adds a light and creamy finish to the dessert.

1. Spread 1 ½ cups of thawed Cool Whip evenly over the pudding layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.

5. Garnish the Lasagna

The final step is to decorate your dessert lasagna with festive garnishes.

1. Scatter 2 cups of mini marshmallows evenly over the Cool Whip layer.
2. Add a sprinkle of red and green sprinkles for extra color and cheer.
3. Place red and green M&M candies on top to complete the holiday look.

6. Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours to let the layers set. When ready to serve, slice into squares and enjoy the layers of festive flavor in every bite!

Tips for Success

• Chill Time Is Crucial: Don’t skip the refrigeration step. It allows the layers to firm up for clean slices.
• Use Gel Food Coloring: Gel food coloring provides more vibrant colors without affecting the texture.
• Make Ahead: This dessert can be prepared the night before, making it ideal for holiday parties.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your Cool Whip is fully thawed, and your cream cheese is softened for smooth layers.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown for a single serving (based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	380
Total Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	14g
Carbohydrates	40g
Sugar	25g
Protein	4g

FAQs About Festive Christmas Dessert Lasagna

1. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! This dessert actually tastes better when made a day in advance. The layers have more time to set, making it easier to slice and serve.

2. What if I don’t have peppermint extract?

You can substitute it with vanilla extract, but keep in mind that the peppermint flavor is what gives this dessert its festive touch.

3. Can I use a different pudding flavor?

Of course! If white chocolate pudding isn’t available, vanilla or even chocolate pudding would work well in this recipe.

4. Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free shortbread cookie recipe and gluten-free pudding mix to adapt this dessert for dietary needs.

5. How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

6. Can I freeze this dessert?

This dessert isn’t ideal for freezing, as the layers may lose their texture once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Conclusion: A Holiday Dessert to Remember

The Festive Christmas Dessert Lasagna isn’t just a treat—it’s a show-stopping centerpiece that brings joy to your holiday table. Its vibrant red, green, and white layers perfectly capture the Christmas spirit, while the flavors of peppermint, chocolate, and cream will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a unique dessert to impress your family, this easy, no-bake lasagna is guaranteed to be a hit.

So, gather your ingredients, turn on some Christmas music, and start layering your way to holiday magic. Your family and friends will thank you!

Print