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.

layered chocolate icebox cake


 

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.

chocolate lasagna with fresh fruit

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!
Oreo cookie crust in a baking dish
  1. 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.
whipped cream cheese in a mixing bowl
  1. 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.
how to make the pudding layer
  1. 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!
whipped cream topping for chocolate lasagna
  1. The toppings! Oh, here you get to go bonkers! Use festive sprinkles, more crushed cookies, maraschino cherries, toasted nuts or sauces like strawberry saucefudgecaramel or even praline.

    I do suggest waiting until you’ve plated to add sauces or anything heavy, like cherries.
close up of chocolate icebox cake

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…
overhead of chocolate lasagna on a serving plate

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
slice of chocolate lasagna on plate with fruit

Tips & Tricks for the Best Chocolate Lasagna

I don’t have a food processor, how do I make the crust?

No food processor, no problem! Place your cookies in an airtight plastic bag and give them a few rolls with a rolling pin.

Is this a chocolate ice box 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.

Do I need to remove the cream from the Oreos?

Nope- the cream is what will help adhere everything together. Do not use double stuff Oreos though, use the regular kind!

Can I use cook and serve pudding?

Nope- make sure you are using instant pudding or it won’t set up properly.

How do I spread each layer?

Freezing each layer for 15 minutes will make it easier to spread without them marrying together.

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.

chocolate lasagna for pinterest

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no bake strawberry cake using pound cake

No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Cake

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layers of chocolate cream pie

Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe

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close up of chocolate lasagna for pinterest
close up of chocolate lasagna slice

Chocolate Lasagna

5 from 30 votes
An EASY chocolate layered dessert that is also no bake and utterly decadent and delicious! It's the BEST!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 16

Ingredients

Crust

Layers

  • 8 ounces cream cheese , softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 16 ounces whipped topping , such as Cool Whip, thawed and divided
  • 3.4 ounces instant chocolate pudding
  • 3.4 ounces instant vanilla pudding
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • Toppings

Instructions

Crust

  • In a mixing bowl, combine Oreo cookie crumbs with melted butter until it forms a paste.
  • Coat a 9×13 dish with cooking spray and then press moistened cookie crumbs into the pan.
  • Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set. You can also use the freezer if you are short on time.
    cookie crust

First Layer

  • Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla.
    cream cheese filling
  • Fold in 2 cups (about 8 ounces) whipped topping.
    whipped cream cheese
  • Spread over chilled crust.
  • Place in refrigerator while you make the next layer.

Second Layer

  • Using a stand mixer fitted with the whisk or a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer, combine chocolate and vanilla instant pudding with milk. Whisk according to package directions (about 2 minutes) and then sit aside to set.
    pudding layer
  • Spread over cream cheese layer.

Third Layer

  • Spread remaining whipped topping (8 ounces or 2 cups) over pudding layer.
    whipped cream layer
  • Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or until ready to serve.

Toppings & Garnish

  • Top with sauces and toppings of your choice when ready to serve.
  • If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings!

Notes

*This equals about 1 14.3 ounce package. 

Nutrition

Calories: 348 kcal, Carbohydrates: 41 g, Protein: 4 g, Fat: 19 g, Saturated Fat: 11 g, Cholesterol: 38 mg, Sodium: 326 mg, Potassium: 135 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 33 g, Vitamin A: 473 IU, Calcium: 93 mg, Iron: 1 mg
Author: Jessica Formicola
Calories: 348
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chocolate lasagna, icebox cake
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!

Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Jessica Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and food lover behind Savory Experiments. She is obsessed with butter, salt and bacon and spends all her time in the kitchen and behind a camera. Jessica is a contributor to PopKitchen by Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal Food + Travel and more!

Read More About Jessica

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Questions and Reviews

  1. 5 stars
    Wow, does this ever bring back memories! Growing up, I had a friend whose mom used to make something very similar. Such a light, cool summer treat!

  2. 5 stars
    This is a chocolate lovers dream. Party perfect. I know this would fly off the dessert table at my next get together. Love how easy it is to make too.

  3. 5 stars
    OMG! What a modern twist on a classic lasagna! It is so interesting and intriguing! I do not think I will be able to survive without making it! 🙂