Name: Chocolate Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 14.3 ounces package of Oreo cookies regular, not double stuffed; ½ cup melted margarine or butter; 8 ounces cream cheese softened; 16 ounces Cool Whip softened (divided: 8 ounces for second layer, 8 ounces for final layer); 1 cup powdered sugar; 5.1 ounces box instant vanilla pudding; 5.1 ounces box instant chocolate pudding; 3 cups milk; Chocolate syrup; Optional topping: Chocolate curls or your favorite chocolate candy chopped into small pieces

Nothing says indulgence quite like a layer cake filled with creamy, chocolatey goodness, and this Chocolate Lasagna Recipe truly hits the spot. It's no ordinary dessert—each layer brings its own texture and flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering or a comforting treat just because.

A square dessert with four layers sits on a white plate over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is dark and crumbly, made of crushed cookies. Above it is a thick white cream layer, smooth and dense. Next, a rich chocolate layer adds a darker brown, silky texture. On top, there is another white cream layer, light and fluffy. The dessert is covered with tiny dark cookie crumbs and decorated with tight chocolate curls scattered on top and around the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Lasagna Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Chocolate Lasagna Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Chocolate Lasagna Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Chocolate Lasagna Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to desserts when I want something impressive but easy. It captures everything a great no-bake cheesecake and chocolate dessert should be—rich, creamy, and wonderfully textured—with layers that actually look like a lasagna, which adds that fun twist everyone asks about.

Layered Delight: Each distinct layer offers a perfect balance of crunchy Oreos, smooth cream cheese, fluffy pudding, and airy Cool Whip, making every bite exciting.
No-Bake Simplicity: You don’t need to heat up your kitchen or fuss with complicated steps—just mix, layer, chill, and enjoy.
Customizable: Whether you want to add candies or swap ingredients for dietary needs, it’s super adaptable to your taste buds.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The lasagna chills beautifully and actually tastes better after it’s had some time to set, making it great for parties or meal prep.

A square piece of layered dessert sits on a white plate with a white marbled background. The bottom layer is dark and crumbly, followed by a thick white creamy layer. Above this is a rich, smooth chocolate layer, topped again with a thin white cream layer. The top is covered with a dark crumbly texture, sprinkled generously with small chocolate curls that add a decorative touch. Some chocolate curls also scatter around the base on the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a specific role in crafting this dreamy dessert. From the Oreos that form a sturdy, chocolatey crust to the creamy pudding layers that create that “lasagna” effect, every part complements the others perfectly. When picking ingredients, the freshness of your dairy and quality of cookies can make a noticeable difference.

Flat lay of whole and crushed Oreo cookies, softened cream cheese, smooth cool whip dollops, instant vanilla pudding powder box, instant chocolate pudding powder box, a small glass of milk, melted butter in a clear dish, powdered sugar mound, chocolate syrup drizzle, and delicate chocolate curls scattered around, all beautifully arranged and contrasting with each other, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Oreo Cookies: Use regular Oreos—not double stuffed—to get that perfect texture and flavor balance for the crust and topping.
Instant Vanilla and Chocolate Pudding Mix: These bring the silky, mousse-like layers to life without tons of effort.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds tang and creaminess that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Cool Whip: Keeps the layers light and fluffy, preventing the dessert from feeling too heavy.
Milk: Makes the pudding layers smooth and creamy—use cold milk for best results.
Powdered Sugar: Gives a smooth sweetness to the cream cheese layer without graininess.
Butter or Margarine (melted): Helps bind the Oreo crust into a firm base that holds up well through layering and chilling.
Chocolate Syrup and Optional Chocolate Curls: These are for that final touch of rich chocolate flavor and fancy presentation.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the reasons I love this Chocolate Lasagna Recipe is how easy it is to tweak depending on what I have on hand or the occasion. You can make it your own by swapping out candies or adding crunchier toppings—you can even experiment with different pudding flavors!

Nutty Surprise: I once mixed in chopped toasted pecans with the Oreo crust—added a lovely crunch and slightly toasted flavor that my family adored.
Peanut Butter Twist: Adding a swirl of peanut butter to the cream cheese layer creates a delicious chocolate-peanut butter combo that’s out of this world.
Dairy-Free Version: Using dairy-free pudding and whipped topping options works great and you won’t miss the traditional ingredients.
Seasonal Flair: Swap in peppermint or pumpkin spice pudding mixes around the holidays for a festive version.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Craft That Perfect Oreo Crust

Start by pulsing whole Oreos in a food processor until you get even, fine crumbles. I always set aside about a cup of these crumbles for topping later. Then, mix the rest with melted butter. Press this firmly into the bottom of your 9x13 pan—I like to use the bottom of a glass to really get a solid, even layer. Chill this layer in the fridge for at least 10-20 minutes to help it set firmly.

Step 2: Cream Cheese Sweetness

While your crust is chilling, mix softened cream cheese with a cup of powdered sugar and half of the Cool Whip until smooth and fluffy. I use my stand mixer for this to get it perfectly mixed with no lumps. Spread this layer gently but evenly over the chilled crust—then pop it back in the fridge for another 10-15 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Double Pudding Layer

Next, whisk together the instant vanilla and chocolate pudding mixes with three cups of cold milk until thickened. This usually takes just a couple of minutes. Spread this luscious pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer evenly—try not to disrupt the layer beneath. Chill again for the best setting effect.

Step 4: Top It Off and Decorate

The final step is to spread the remaining Cool Whip over the pudding layer. Then sprinkle the reserved Oreo crumbs over the top—this adds crunch and a beautiful contrast. Drizzle chocolate syrup lightly across everything. If you want to get fancy, I love adding chocolate curls or chopped candy pieces for an added wow factor. Refrigerate until the lasagna is firm and ready to slice.

Top Tip

I’ve made this dessert dozens of times, and here are a few golden nuggets from my experience that will help your Chocolate Lasagna Recipe come out perfectly every time.

Patience with Layers: Giving each layer 10-20 minutes to chill before adding the next prevents mixing and keeps those beautiful, distinct layers intact.
Crushing Oreos: Using a food processor is the easiest way to get uniformly fine crumbs. If you don’t have one, throw the Oreos in a Ziploc bag and use a rolling pin—just take your time to get them as fine as possible.
Smooth Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temp before mixing, or you’ll end up with lumps that are hard to smooth out.
Chill Time Matters: The dessert tastes best after chilling for at least a few hours—overnight chilling really lets the flavors meld and the layers set, making slicing much easier.

How to Serve Chocolate Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of crushed Oreos and a drizzle of chocolate syrup on top, plus a handful of chocolate curls if I’m feeling fancy. Sometimes, I toss on some mini chocolate chips or even colorful candies like M&M’s for a playful touch—kids love that!

Side Dishes

Since this dessert is rich and chocolatey, I like to serve it alongside fresh fruit—raspberries or sliced strawberries add a nice tart contrast. A cup of strong coffee or a cold glass of milk is also a classic pairing to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served the Chocolate Lasagna in clear glass trifle bowls so everyone can admire the beautiful layers. You can also cut it into squares and top individual servings with whipped cream and a fresh mint leaf for a fancy touch that impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I tightly cover the dessert dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh and delicious for about 3 to 4 days. Just remember to keep it chilled to maintain those clean layers and creamy texture.

Freezing

Freezing works surprisingly well if you want to make it ahead for a special event. I freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed inside a freezer-safe bag. It keeps for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

This dessert is best served cold, so reheating isn’t usually needed. If you bring frozen leftovers out of the freezer, just plan ahead and let them thaw fully in the fridge. After thawing, give it a gentle stir or freshen up the top layer with a spoonful of whipped topping for that “just made” feel.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cookie for the crust instead of Oreos?

Absolutely! While Oreos give that classic chocolate crunch and flavor, you can experiment with graham crackers, chocolate wafer cookies, or even gluten-free cookie options if needed. Just make sure to crush them finely and mix with the melted butter for a sturdy crust.

Do I have to use both vanilla and chocolate pudding mixes?

Nope! You can use just one flavor if you prefer. Combining the two gives a nice depth and contrast that’s part of the fun of the Chocolate Lasagna Recipe, but using only chocolate or vanilla pudding still makes a delicious layered dessert.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, I recommend making it at least a few hours, or even the night before. Chilling allows the layers to set properly, making the texture perfect and flavors more melded together. Just keep it covered tightly in the fridge until ready to serve.

What’s the best way to crush Oreos if I don’t have a food processor?

The easiest alternative is to put the Oreos in a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag and carefully use a rolling pin to crush them into fine crumbs. Do it gradually to avoid smashing unevenly, and shaking the bag occasionally helps get an even texture.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Chocolate Lasagna Recipe feels like a secret weapon in my dessert arsenal. It’s quick to assemble, delivers show-stopping results, and somehow feels like a hug in edible form. Whether you make it for friends, family, or just yourself on a cozy night in, it never fails to bring smiles and happy sighs all around. I’m excited for you to try it and make it your own! You’ll find yourself coming back to this one again and again.