Easter celebrations call for something truly special, and this Easter Chocolate Lasagna answers that call beautifully. Imagine layers of chocolate cookies, creamy filling, and festive Easter candies coming together in a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
This no-bake dessert is my family’s favorite spring treat – combining the familiar comfort of a classic chocolate lasagna with playful Easter colors and flavors. The beautiful pastel layers make it an instant centerpiece for your holiday table, while being surprisingly simple to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This
- No baking required – perfect for busy holiday preparations
- Make-ahead friendly – prepare a day in advance for stress-free entertaining
- Customizable with your favorite Easter candies and chocolates
- Kid-friendly layers that appeal to chocolate lovers of all ages
- Impressive presentation with minimal effort – looks professional but is beginner-friendly
Ingredients
- 36 Oreo cookies
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Cool Whip
- 2 (3.9 oz.) packages chocolate instant pudding
- 2 and 3/4 cups cold milk
- 2 cups Cool Whip
- 1 ½ cups crushed Oreo cookies
- Peeps bunnies, for decoration
- Easter egg candies, for decoration
Instructions
- In a food processor, finely crush the Oreo cookies into crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, place Oreo cookies into a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Using a fork, mix crushed Oreos with melted butter, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch dish. Place in the refrigerator to firm up.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until light and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of Cool Whip until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled Oreo crust and return to the refrigerator.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the chocolate instant pudding mix and cold milk for a few minutes until the pudding starts to thicken. Spread the pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer. Place in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to set slightly.
- Spread 2 cups of Cool Whip over the pudding layer, then sprinkle with the crushed Oreo cookies. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving to allow all layers to set properly.
- Just before serving, decorate the top with Peeps bunnies and Easter egg candies for a festive Easter touch. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For a mint-chocolate version, add 1/4 teaspoon mint extract to the cream cheese mixture
- Try using golden sandwich cookies for a contrast to the chocolate layers
- Substitute white chocolate pudding for a lighter flavor profile
- Add a layer of crushed malted Easter egg candies between the pudding and final whipped topping
- For a more colorful dessert, tint the cream cheese layer with pastel food coloring
- Make individual servings in clear dessert cups for a fun presentation
Serving Suggestions
This Easter Chocolate Lasagna is perfect served chilled alongside fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness. A small scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it even more indulgent for a special holiday dessert.
For a complete Easter dessert spread, pair this with some fresh fruit tarts or lemon cookies to balance the rich chocolate flavors with something bright and citrusy.
Notes
- Can be made up to 24 hours in advance and kept refrigerated
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- For cleaner slices, freeze for 15 minutes before cutting
- Allow cream cheese to fully soften at room temperature to prevent lumps
FAQs
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes, you can substitute 2 cups of homemade whipped cream stabilized with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar, though the dessert may not hold up as long.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies for the crust and verify your pudding mix is gluten-free.
Can I freeze this dessert?
While you can freeze it for up to 2 weeks, the texture of the whipped topping may change slightly upon thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
What other Easter candies work well for decoration?
Pastel M&Ms, chopped chocolate bunnies, or colorful jelly beans all make festive and delicious toppings.
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