Name: Christmas Lasagna
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened; 2/3 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; Red food coloring (gel-based for vibrant color); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract; 8 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip), divided; 2 (3.4 oz) packages white chocolate instant pudding; 3 cups milk; 10 crushed peppermint candies or candy canes; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips for garnish; Green and red sprinkles for garnish

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Christmas Lasagna is the perfect holiday dessert with its festive layers of buttery red velvet shortbread crust, peppermint cheesecake, and creamy white chocolate pudding. The bright red and white layers are beautifully accented with crushed peppermint candies and colorful sprinkles, making it a visually stunning centerpiece for any holiday gathering. This no-bake treat is easy to make and is sure to impress your guests. The combination of cool peppermint, smooth cream cheese, and rich white chocolate is a delightful holiday indulgence. Serve this dessert after your Christmas dinner for a sweet and refreshing finish to the celebration!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
Red food coloring (gel-based for vibrant color)

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons peppermint extract

8 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip), divided
2 (3.4 oz) packages white chocolate instant pudding
3 cups milk

10 crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips for garnish
Green and red sprinkles for garnish

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy.
Add flour and a few drops of red food coloring to the butter mixture. Mix until a smooth dough forms.

Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until set. Let it cool completely.
In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract until smooth. Fold in half of the whipped topping.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled cookie crust.

In another bowl, whisk together instant pudding mix and milk until it thickens (about 2-3 minutes). Spread the pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer.
Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer.
Sprinkle crushed peppermint candies, mini chocolate chips, and sprinkles on top for a festive garnish.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes (includes chilling time)
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 12 servings

A Festive Delight: The Irresistible Christmas Lasagna

When the holiday season rolls around, we all look forward to delicious, indulgent treats that bring a little extra joy to our celebrations. Among the plethora of holiday desserts, one creation stands out as both eye-catching and mouthwatering: Christmas Lasagna. This layered holiday dessert is a fun and festive twist on traditional lasagna, replacing savory ingredients with layers of sweet, creamy goodness and holiday flavors. With its combination of a red velvet shortbread cookie crust, a peppermint cheesecake layer, and white chocolate pudding, this dessert is guaranteed to be a hit at any Christmas gathering.

A Creative Twist on Holiday Desserts

Christmas Lasagna is more than just a dessert; it’s a creative culinary experience that blends familiar ingredients in unexpected ways. Much like a savory lasagna, this dessert is built in layers, but instead of pasta and meat sauce, you’ll find layers of colorful, holiday-inspired ingredients. The foundation of the dish is a buttery red velvet shortbread crust, which provides a beautiful, festive base for the rest of the dessert.

The red velvet crust is rich and tender, with a slightly sweet flavor that complements the layers above it. The next layer, a creamy peppermint cheesecake, adds a refreshing burst of flavor that balances the richness of the other components. This layer is light and fluffy, yet indulgent, with just the right hint of peppermint to evoke the flavors of the season without being overpowering.

The final layer is a smooth and luscious white chocolate pudding, which adds a creamy texture that ties the whole dessert together. This combination of textures—crunchy crust, creamy cheesecake, and silky pudding—makes every bite a delightful experience. Topped with crushed peppermint candies, mini chocolate chips, and festive sprinkles, the finished dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Why Christmas Lasagna is the Perfect Holiday Dessert

There are plenty of reasons why Christmas Lasagna is the perfect dessert for the holiday season. First and foremost, it’s easy to make. While the name “lasagna” might evoke images of complicated cooking processes, this dessert is surprisingly simple to prepare. The red velvet shortbread crust is quick to mix together, and the cheesecake and pudding layers come together with minimal effort. Since it’s a no-bake dessert, it’s also convenient for busy holiday schedules. You can make it ahead of time, pop it in the fridge to chill, and have a show-stopping dessert ready whenever your guests arrive.

Another reason this dessert shines is its versatility. Christmas Lasagna is adaptable to various tastes and dietary preferences. You can easily adjust the peppermint flavor by adding more or less extract, depending on your preference. If you’re serving a crowd that loves chocolate, feel free to sprinkle some extra chocolate chips between the layers or drizzle melted chocolate on top for an added touch of decadence. If you’re catering to a crowd with dietary restrictions, you can even make substitutions like gluten-free shortbread for the crust or a plant-based whipped topping for a dairy-free version.

Beyond its flexibility, the visual appeal of Christmas Lasagna is another reason to love it. The bright red crust, creamy white layers, and festive sprinkles make this dessert a perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. It’s sure to catch the eye of your guests and inspire admiration before they even take a bite. It’s the type of dessert that will have people asking, “What is that?” before eagerly digging in for a taste.

Tips for Making the Best Christmas Lasagna

While Christmas Lasagna is a relatively easy dessert to prepare, there are a few tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time.

Use Gel Food Coloring for a Vibrant Crust
The red velvet shortbread crust is one of the most visually striking elements of the dessert. To get that vibrant red color, it’s important to use gel food coloring rather than liquid. Gel food coloring is more concentrated, which means you can achieve a bold red hue without thinning the dough. This helps the crust maintain its texture and structure while still delivering that iconic red velvet look.

Chill Between Layers
Christmas Lasagna benefits from ample chilling time. After pressing the red velvet crust into the baking dish, let it cool completely before adding the next layer. Similarly, after adding the cheesecake and pudding layers, allow each one to chill in the refrigerator before proceeding to the next. This ensures that each layer sets properly and remains distinct when sliced.
Customize Your Toppings
The final toppings—crushed peppermint candies, mini chocolate chips, and sprinkles—are where you can get creative. You can customize the dessert to match your holiday theme or personal preferences. For example, you could use white chocolate curls for a more elegant look or add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a richer, more indulgent topping.
Make it Ahead of Time
One of the great things about Christmas Lasagna is that it can be made in advance. In fact, it’s best if it has several hours or even overnight to chill in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the layers hold their shape when you cut into the dessert. If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, this make-ahead feature can be a real lifesaver, freeing up time on the day of your event.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Christmas Lasagna is a versatile dessert that can be served in a variety of ways. For a formal holiday dinner, you can slice it into neat squares and present it on individual dessert plates, garnished with an extra sprinkle of crushed peppermint or a sprig of mint for a festive touch. If you’re serving a more casual gathering, simply place the baking dish on the table and let guests help themselves to generous portions.

This dessert pairs beautifully with a cup of hot cocoa or a festive holiday coffee. The peppermint flavor in the cheesecake layer is a natural complement to mint-flavored beverages, and the creamy texture of the dessert balances out the richness of coffee or cocoa. For an extra-special treat, consider serving Christmas Lasagna alongside a peppermint mocha or a cinnamon-spiced latte.

Why Your Guests Will Love It

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the flavors of Christmas Lasagna. The peppermint, red velvet, and white chocolate evoke memories of candy canes, holiday cookies, and sweet treats shared during festive family gatherings. For many, peppermint is a quintessential holiday flavor, and this dessert delivers it in a way that’s both fun and sophisticated.

The layers of Christmas Lasagna also create a sense of indulgence that’s perfect for the holiday season. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors—crispy, creamy, sweet, and refreshing all at once. It’s a dessert that satisfies both the eyes and the palate, making it a memorable addition to any holiday menu.

Conclusion:

Christmas Lasagna is more than just a dessert; it’s a festive tradition that brings a sense of joy and celebration to the table. Its vibrant colors, delicious layers, and easy preparation make it an ideal choice for holiday gatherings, whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or a casual family party. Best of all, it’s a dessert that can be made ahead of time, giving you more time to enjoy the holiday festivities with your loved ones.

With its delightful combination of peppermint, red velvet, and white chocolate, Christmas Lasagna is sure to become a favorite holiday dessert. So this year, add a little extra magic to your holiday dessert spread with this fun, festive, and delicious creation!