Chocolate Lasagna Presentation
A decadent, no‐bake dessert that mimics the look of a traditional lasagna—with layers of a crunchy chocolate cookie crust, rich chocolate pudding, a velvety cream cheese mixture, and a cloud of whipped cream on top. Perfect for parties or a special family treat, this dessert needs only a few minutes to assemble before chilling and setting in the refrigerator.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch (or similar size) rectangular dish or lasagna pan
- Mixing bowls (at least 3)
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap (for covering while chilling)
Ingredients
- For the Chocolate Cookie Crust
- 2 cups chocolate wafer cookies or chocolate graham crackers finely crushed
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- For the Chocolate Pudding Layer
- 1 3.9 oz package instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups cold whole milk or milk of choice, as directed on pudding package
- For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream whipped until soft peaks form
- Tip: Chill the cream before whipping for best results.
- For the Whipped Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- For Garnish Optional
- Cocoa powder for dusting or chocolate shavings
- Fresh berries strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries
- Mint leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- a. In a medium bowl, combine the finely crushed cookies with the melted butter.
- b. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of your 9×13-inch dish, forming a firm, even layer.
- c. Place the dish in the refrigerator while you prepare the remaining layers.
- Make the Chocolate Pudding Layer:
- a. In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- b. Remove the crust from the refrigerator and spread the pudding evenly over the cookie base.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
- a. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- b. Gently fold in the pre-whipped ½ cup of heavy cream until the mixture is well combined and light.
- c. Carefully spread this cream cheese mixture over the chocolate pudding layer in an even layer.
- Whip the Topping:
- a. In a chilled bowl, combine 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
- b. Whip with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
- c. Gently spread or pipe the whipped cream over the cream cheese layer.
- Garnish and Chill:
- a. Dust the top with cocoa powder or sprinkle with chocolate shavings for an elegant finish.
- b. Optionally, add a few fresh berries and mint leaves for color and flavor.
- c. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best) to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld.
- Serve:
- a. Once set, cut into squares or use a spatula to serve scoops. Enjoy your delicious, layered Chocolate Lasagna Presentation!
- Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Time Cook: 0 minutes (no baking required)
- Time Total: Approximately 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Layered Dessert
- Cuisine: Contemporary / American
- Diet: Vegetarian (use gluten-free cookies for a gluten-free version)
- Keywords
- Chocolate dessert, no-bake dessert, layered dessert, lasagna presentation, chocolate pudding, cream cheese dessert, party dessert, easy dessert recipe
- Nutrition (Approximate values per serving; serving size ~150 g)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
- Note: Nutritional values are estimated and may vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.
Notes
Chilling is Key: For the best texture and flavor, allow the dessert to chill for at least 4 hours—overnight chilling will enhance the melded flavors and set the layers perfectly.
Customization:
For a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free chocolate cookies or graham crackers.
Feel free to incorporate fruit layers (such as sliced bananas or strawberries) between layers for added flavor and texture.
Advance Prep: This dessert can be made a day ahead; just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
Serving Suggestion: Serve in clear glasses or dessert bowls for a more refined presentation if desired.
Customization:
For a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free chocolate cookies or graham crackers.
Feel free to incorporate fruit layers (such as sliced bananas or strawberries) between layers for added flavor and texture.
Advance Prep: This dessert can be made a day ahead; just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
Serving Suggestion: Serve in clear glasses or dessert bowls for a more refined presentation if desired.