Decadent No-Bake Chocolate Lasagna Dessert Recipe

This chocolate lasagna is an easy, impressive no-bake dessert that layers crushed Oreos, a creamy vanilla layer, and a chocolate pudding filling. Chilled until firm, it slices cleanly like a savory lasagna and serves a crowd.

Perfect for potlucks and gatherings, this dessert combines a crunchy Oreo crust, a light vanilla cream layer, and a rich chocolate pudding center. A 9×13-inch pan yields about 12 servings, and the assembly takes roughly 20 minutes—plus chilling time.

A serving of Chocolate Lasagna on a plate.

Ingredient Notes

See the recipe card below for exact measurements and full instructions.

Ingredients to make chocolate lasagna set out on the counter.
  • Oreos – Finely crushed to form the base. Use gluten-free cookies if needed.
  • Chocolate pudding mix – Makes a thick, mousse-like chocolate filling when combined with heavy cream.
  • Cool Whip – Thawed, used in the vanilla layers for light creaminess and stability.
  • Cream cheese – Room temperature, added to the vanilla layer for structure and tang.
  • Heavy cream – Whipped with the pudding mix to form the chocolate custard.
  • Butter – Salted and melted, used to bind the cookie crumbs for the crust.
  • Powdered sugar – Sweetens the vanilla layer without a grainy texture.
  • Vanilla extract – A small amount brightens the vanilla layer and balances the chocolate.

How to Make Chocolate Lasagna

Combine crushed Oreos and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust.

Crushed Oreos crust pressed into the bottom of a baking dish.

In a large bowl, beat together thawed Cool Whip, room-temperature cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Spread about half of this mixture over the Oreo crust and set aside.

Cool whip, cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl.
Vanilla cool whip mixture in a mixing bowl.
Vanilla cool whip layer in the baking dish.

In another bowl, whisk the heavy cream with the chocolate pudding mix until combined and slightly thickened. Chill the pudding briefly if desired, then spread it evenly over the first vanilla layer. Finish with the remaining vanilla mixture spread on top.

Heavy whipping cream and chocolate pudding mix in a mixing bowl.
Chocolate pudding layer in a rectangle glass dish.
Top vanilla whipped cream layer in the rectangle glass dish.

Garnish with extra crushed Oreos, shaved chocolate, or mini chocolate chips if you like. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the pudding layer is fully set. Slice and serve cold.

A layer of crushed Oreos on top of chocolate lasagna.

Storage

Store the chocolate lasagna covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve chilled and avoid leaving it out at room temperature for more than 30 minutes at a time.

Recipe Tips

  • Top with shaved chocolate, toasted nuts, hot fudge, or extra crushed Oreos for added texture and flavor.
  • Use room-temperature cream cheese and fully thawed Cool Whip to ensure a smooth, lump-free vanilla layer.
  • If Cool Whip isn’t available, homemade whipped cream can substitute, though the layer will be slightly softer.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make chocolate lasagna without cream cheese?

Yes. You can substitute sweetened condensed milk for cream cheese for a softer vanilla layer, though texture and stability will differ slightly.

How long does the pudding need to set?

Allow about 4 hours in the refrigerator for the pudding to firm up so the layers hold their shape when sliced.

Is chocolate lasagna the same as a trifle?

They’re similar in concept—both are layered desserts—but a trifle traditionally uses sponge cake, fruit, and custard. Chocolate lasagna uses an Oreo crust and pudding layers and is firmer, allowing clean slices.

Slice of chocolate lasagna on a plate topped with crushed Oreos.

This velvety chocolate lasagna is simple to assemble and delivers rich, chocolate-forward flavor with contrasting textures. Enjoy every slice!

Chocolate Lasagna Recipe

Crunchy Oreo crust, mousse-like chocolate pudding, and two creamy Cool Whip layers combine into a fun no-bake dessert.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 0 mins
Chill Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 20 mins
Servings: 12
Calories: 486 kcal (approx.)

Ingredients

  • 30 Oreos, crushed
  • 1/4 cup salted butter, melted
  • 16 oz Cool Whip, thawed
  • 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 5.9 oz chocolate pudding mix

Instructions

  1. Mix melted butter with crushed Oreos until the texture resembles wet sand. Press into a 9×13-inch baking dish to form a crust. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, beat Cool Whip, cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth, about 3 minutes.
  3. Spread half of the vanilla mixture over the Oreo crust.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk heavy cream and chocolate pudding mix until combined. Chill 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
  5. Spread the pudding over the first vanilla layer, then top with the remaining vanilla mixture.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, until set.
  7. Slice, serve cold, and enjoy.

Notes

Top with extra crushed Oreos, mini chocolate chips, or shaved chocolate for texture. Store covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate)

Calories: 486 kcal; Carbohydrates: 50 g; Protein: 7 g; Fat: 29 g; Sugar: 38 g.