This Easter Chocolate Lasagna is a festive, no-bake dessert featuring decadent layers of Oreo crust, tangy cream cheese, rich chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped topping. Topped with colorful marshmallow Peeps and chocolate shavings, it serves as a kid-friendly, show-stopping centerpiece that is perfect for any spring celebration.
Is it even an Easter party without those iconic, sugary bunnies standing guard over the dessert tray? They are definitely the reason why this rich, velvety chocolate dessert is always the first to disappear at our get togethers!
One of my favorite parts about this easy, no-bake recipe is that it can be prepared a day ahead to let the deep chocolate and tangy cream cheese flavors truly meld together. Having a chilled, decadent treat ready to go makes holiday hosting feel much more manageable--don't you agree?
Making this layered dessert couldn't be easier. Start by pressing a buttery Oreo crust into your pan and spreading a sweet, tangy cream cheese mixture on top. Next, add a thick layer of instant chocolate pudding followed by a generous coating of fluffy whipped topping. Finish it off with chocolate shavings and your favorite Easter candies to create those beautiful, colorful layers.
This scrumptious, silky dessert is the perfect way to end any springtime meal, whether it's for a holiday gathering or simply on a busy weeknight. It pairs beautifully with my Slow Cooker Pasta Fagioli for a cozy and satisfying family dinner. You can even serve it alongside my Mini Egg Cookie Bars and Buttercream Eggs for a fun variety of sweet Easter treats!
Jump to:
🥘Ingredients
- Oreo cookies (regular; not double stuffed) - these provide a crunchy, dark chocolate base; they hold up well under the creamy layers without getting soggy
- butter - melted butter binds the cookie crumbs together; it creates a solid crust that slices easily once chilled
- cream cheese - this adds a tangy richness to the center; it balances the sweetness of the chocolate and pudding
- granulated sugar - a small amount sweetens the cream cheese layer; it helps create a smooth, dessert-like consistency
- 2% milk - essential for whisking the instant pudding and provides just the right amount of creaminess
- Cool Whip - this lightens the cream cheese and top layers; it gives the chocolate lasagna its signature airy, mousse-like feel
- instant chocolate pudding - this creates the deep chocolate flavor; using instant pudding allows the dessert to set quickly
- semi-sweet baking chocolate - shavings add a gourmet touch and extra texture; the slight bitterness offsets the sugary marshmallow toppings
- Peeps & other Easter themed candies (M&Ms, sprinkles, etc.) - these festive decorations add pops of color; they make the dish look perfect for an Easter celebration
See recipe card for quantities.
🔪Instructions
- Step 1: Crush the Oreos and thoroughly mix them with the melted butter; press into baking dish and chill.
- Step 2: Beat softened cream cheese, sugar, and 2 tablespoon cold milk; fold in some of the whipped topping. Layer on top of the crust and chill.
- Step 3: Mix the pudding with the remaining milk; spread on top.
- Step 4: Spread more whip on top; sprinkle with shaved chocolate. Add Easter candy just before serving.
Hint: For the best consistency, allow your whipped topping to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid using the microwave or leaving it on the counter, as rapid temperature changes can cause it to lose its fluffy texture.
🥣Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Option - Swap the regular Oreos for Gluten-Free Chocolate Sandwich Cookies. Most brands (including Oreo) offer these now, and they provide the same structural integrity for the crust without the gluten.
- Lighter/Low-Fat Version - Use Neufchâtel cheese and reduced fat whip (as I often do). You can also use fat-free or sugar-free instant pudding. This reduces the calorie count while maintaining that signature velvety texture.
- Dairy-Free Alternative - Use a plant-based cream cheese, dairy-free whipped topping (like CocoWhip), and prepare the instant pudding using extra-creamy oat milk (you may need to use less milk than instructed in this recipe for it to set properly--I have not personally tested this option).
📖Variations
- Individual Easter Lasagna Cups - Instead of a large pan, layer the ingredients into clear plastic cups or glass jars. This makes for an easy, "grab-and-go" dessert for an outdoor egg hunt or a busy brunch where guests are mingling.
- Easter Chocolate Trifle - Double all the layers and assemble them in a large glass trifle bowl. Repeat the layers (crushed Oreo-cream-pudding-whip) twice for a vertical, high-impact look. Please note it's not necessary to use butter with this option.
- Frozen Lasagna Bars - Assemble the dessert in a pan lined with parchment paper (minus the Easter candy). Freeze for at least 4 hours, then lift and slice into perfectly square bars. Serve them semi-frozen for a texture that mimics a gourmet ice cream cake.
Love Peeps in desserts? Check out our Birds Nest Cookies, another easy, no-bake Easter treat!
🍽Equipment
- 13x9 glass baking dish (so you can see the layers!)
- food processor or gallon-sized freezer bag (for crushing Oreos)
- 3 mixing bowls
- hand mixer
- silicone scraping and spreading spatulas
- vegetable peeler (for shaving the chocolate)
🍶Storage
Store Easter Chocolate Lasagna for up to 5 days in the refrigerator (covered). Remove as many candies as possible (especially the Peeps) before storing. Please note that the crust will start to get a little soggy after day 2.
You can also freeze this easy dessert without the candy for up to 2 months. Freeze individual portions in freezer safe containers (not bags) and thaw on the counter before serving (just know that the crust will be a little soggy).
💭Top tip: The secret to a perfect Oreo crust
For a sturdy, chocolatey base that doesn't crumble when sliced, use the entire Oreo cookie—filling and all! The cream center acts as an extra binding agent alongside the melted butter. To ensure it holds up under the heavy layers, thoroughly mix the crumbs with the butter until it looks like wet sand, then press firmly into the bottom of your pan using the back of a measuring cup or a flat spatula.
🗨️FAQ
Despite the name, there are no pasta noodles involved! It is called a "lasagna" because it is a layered dessert built in a 9x13 baking dish, much like the traditional savory dish. In some regions, you might also hear it referred to as a "Chocolate Lush" or a "Chocolate Dream Dessert."
Yes, it is actually better when made in advance! Preparing this dessert 24 hours ahead allows the layers to set properly and the flavors to meld. For the best results, add your festive Easter Peeps and candies right before serving to keep them from getting soft in the fridge.
You can store your lasagna covered in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Keep in mind that the Oreo crust will begin to soften after the second day as it absorbs moisture from the cream cheese and pudding layers.
For the cleanest, "picture-perfect" layers, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped dry between each cut. If you've already piled on the candy, try to slice between the Peeps rather than through them to keep the decorations intact.
Marshmallow Peeps and sugary candies tend to absorb moisture from the pudding and whipped topping over time. For the best results, wait to add your Peeps and festive candies until just before serving. If you have leftovers, try to remove the Peeps before covering and refrigerating the pan to keep them from becoming soft.
Absolutely! Using crushed Cadbury Mini Eggs or chopped Robin Eggs is a fantastic variation. Not only do they add a festive pop of color, but they also provide a satisfying crunch that complements the velvety chocolate layers.
A standard straight-edge vegetable peeler is the easiest and most effective tool for home cooks. You can also use a sharp paring knife for a more "splintered" look or a box grater if you want fine, snowy flakes.
If your chocolate is too cold, it will break into small shards rather than smooth curls. For the best results, ensure your chocolate is at room temperature, or pop it in the microwave for just 5-10 seconds to soften it slightly before you start peeling.
🥄Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
🍴Pairing
These are my favorite Easter treats to serve with Easter Chocolate Lasagna:
📋Recipe
Easter Chocolate Lasagna
Equipment
- 13x9 glass baking dish (so you can see the layers!) Use a deep dish if you have one, but this can be made in a standard 13x9 as pictured
- food processor or gallon-sized freezer bag (for crushing Oreos)
- 3 mixing bowls (one for the crust, one for the cream cheese mixture, one for the pudding)
- hand mixer
- whisk
- scraping and spreading spatulas
- vegetable peeler (for shaving the chocolate baking squares)
Ingredients
- 1 (13.29 oz) package regular Oreos NOT double stuffed
- 4 tablespoon butter melted
- 8 oz cream cheese softened at room temperature (I often use Philadelphia Reduced Fat)
- ¼ c granulated sugar
- 3 ¼ c + 2 tablespoon cold milk divided; I recommend 2%
- 12 oz frozen dairy whipped topping divided; defrost overnight in fridge
- 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant chocolate pudding
- 2 oz semi-sweet chocolate baking squares shaved
- Peeps, Easter M&Ms, sprinkles, edible grass, etc. use a variety of your favorite springtime candies for the top
Instructions
- In a food processor, pulse whole Oreo cookies with cream until fine crumbs (preferred method), OR add them to a gallon-sized freezer bag and crush them.
- Mix the crushed cookies with the melted butter. Thoroughly mix to ensure that all cookie crumbs have been saturated by the butter.
- Press cookie crust into the bottom of a 13x9 casserole dish. Use the back of a measuring cup or flat spatula to firmly pack and press the crust down. Refrigerate dish while you work on the next step.
- Use a hand mixer to combine the softened cream cheese, sugar, and 2 tablespoon milk until smooth. Fold in 1&½ cups whip (half of an 8 oz. container). Spread this mixture gently over the crust, smoothing it as much as possible. Return the dish to the refrigerator.
- Use a whisk to mix the pudding with 3&¼ cups cold milk until partially set. Carefully spread this mixture over the cream cheese layer to avoid mixing the two separate layers.
- Add 3 cups whip to the top (an entire 8 oz. container); smooth over pudding layer.
- Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours so layers will set.
- Just before serving, remove dessert from fridge. Using a vegetable peeler, shave the chocolate baking squares; sprinkle chocolate shavings over top whip layer.
- Add marshmallow Peeps and other candies to the top (its helpful to think about how you want to cut the individual servings before you add these decorations).
Notes
Nutrition
Please note that nutritional information is provided by a third party service and is intended for guidance purposes only. KitchenReadyBetty.com makes no claims to its accuracy.
Comments
No Comments