Christmas Lasagna dessert Recipe

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s festive, fun, and downright delicious, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite Christmas Lasagna dessert Recipe. This layered treat combines the crunch of a red vanilla wafer crust, the creamy tang of cheesecake, and the refreshing zing of peppermint pudding, all topped off with fluffy whipped topping and festive garnishes. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your seasonal go-to for holiday gatherings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each element in this Christmas Lasagna dessert Recipe plays an essential role—vanilla wafers create a crunchy red crust that holds everything together, while the cheesecake and pudding layers bring the creamy magic. I love using gel food coloring for vibrant colors that don’t wash out, especially for holiday treats.

• Vanilla Wafers: Crushing them fresh creates a sturdy, flavorful crust perfect for holding layers.
• Salted Butter: The melted butter binds the wafer crumbs, adding richness and a little salt balance.
• Red Food Coloring Gel: Use gel for a deep, festive red that won’t thin out the crust.
• Cream Cheese: Softened to fluffy perfection—this is the heart of the cheesecake layer.
• Granulated White Sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the tang in the cheesecake mixture.
• Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and helps the cheesecake layer spread evenly.
• Whipped Topping: Lightens the cheesecake filling and finishes the dessert with a fluffy texture.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the peppermint pudding luxuriously thick and creamy.
• Peppermint Extract: That holiday spice that breathes fresh life into this dessert.
• Green Food Coloring: Use liquid coloring here for smooth blending in the pudding.
• Cheesecake Instant Pudding Mix: Gives the pudding its rich, indulgent flavor and beautiful set.
• Mini Marshmallows & Christmas Candies (optional): Fun toppings that add texture and festive charm.

Variations

I love making this Christmas Lasagna dessert Recipe my own by tweaking a few ingredients or adding extra toppings. Feel free to play around to suit your family’s tastes or dietary needs—this is one recipe that welcomes creativity.

• Dairy-Free Version: I’ve swapped cream cheese and whipped topping with coconut-based alternatives, and honestly, it still turned out creamy and festive.
• Chocolate Peppermint: Adding a layer of crushed peppermint bark or a thin spread of chocolate ganache before the pudding gives a decadent upgrade that my chocolate-loving family adores.
• Spiked for Adults: Mixing a splash of peppermint schnapps into the pudding layer adds a grown-up twist for holiday parties.
• Fruit Twist: Adding crushed fresh raspberries between layers gives a lovely tart contrast that brightens the dessert.

How to Make Christmas Lasagna dessert Recipe

Step 1: Crafting the Vibrant Red Crust

Start by pulsing vanilla wafers in a food processor until fine crumbs form—about 1-2 minutes. Then mix in your melted butter combined with a scoop of red food coloring gel. I discovered this trick for a richer red shade and it really makes the crust pop visually. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a deep 9×13-inch glass dish. Pop it in the freezer while you tackle the cheesecake layer to let it set up nicely. Pro tip: press firmly for a crust that holds its shape well when you cut into the lasagna.

Step 2: Whipping Up the Creamy Cheesecake Layer

Beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and fluffy—this usually takes me about 2 minutes with a mixer. Then add sour cream and continue beating until combined. Gently fold in whipped topping using a spatula to keep that light, airy texture. Spread this luscious mixture directly over the frozen crust, smoothing it out carefully so you get a clean edge. Remember to wipe any drips off the sides; it makes the final presentation so much neater! Then back into the freezer it goes.

Step 3: Mixing the Minty Green Pudding

Whisk heavy cream, green liquid food coloring, and peppermint extract together in a bowl. Sprinkle in the cheesecake instant pudding mix and beat until thick and smooth—about 1-2 minutes. Using a mixer helps avoid lumps, which I’ve learned after a few trial runs. Pour this pretty green pudding layer over the cheesecake and gently spread it. Keep the sides clean again to maintain those distinct layers. Freeze for 5-10 minutes until firm.

Step 4: The Finishing Touches

Finally, spread the last tub of whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer. Cover the lasagna and chill it in the freezer for at least 30 minutes or in the refrigerator for 3 hours or overnight. When ready to serve, remove the cover and sprinkle mini marshmallows and your favorite Christmas candies or sprinkles on top. The marshmallows add whimsy and a fun texture that my family looks forward to every year!

How to Serve Christmas Lasagna dessert Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of sprinkling mini marshmallows on top—they bring a playful texture and snowball-like look. Sometimes I’ll add colorful Christmas-themed candies or red and green M&Ms for that extra pop. Sprinkles with shimmer or edible glitter also make this dessert feel truly special and party-ready.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a hot cup of spiced cider or peppermint tea. For a crowd, I love serving it alongside a cheese board or light finger foods so the richness of the Christmas Lasagna dessert takes center stage.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, I’ve served this dessert in transparent glass trifle bowls for layered individual servings. It’s also fun to cut into squares and place on a rustic wooden holiday board surrounded by pine sprigs and cinnamon sticks—makes your dessert table look magical!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator, and they last 3-5 days tasting just as good. The flavors even meld together better after a day or two, so no rush to finish it all immediately!

Freezing

If I want to make ahead way in advance, I wrap the dish securely in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It holds up well for up to 3 months, which is perfect for prepping dessert before holiday guests arrive.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled, so when thawing frozen portions, I defrost in the refrigerator overnight. No reheating needed—just scoop and enjoy cold. If you’re serving straight from the fridge, let it sit for 10 minutes to soften slightly for the perfect bite.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Lasagna dessert Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines so many classic holiday flavors into one beautiful, easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re new to holiday baking or looking to wow your guests, this layered delight will never disappoint. Give it a try—once you taste the creamy, minty, and colorful layers, you’ll see why it’s become a holiday tradition in my kitchen. Happy holidays and happy eating!

Print