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

There’s something utterly delightful about layers of chocolate, creaminess, and crunchy Oreos coming together in a single dish. This Chocolate Lasagna Recipe is exactly that kind of treat—rich, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to whip up when you want to impress or just satisfy a serious sweet tooth.

The image shows a square dessert with four layers on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a dark crumbly crust that looks like crushed chocolate cookies. Above this is a thick, smooth white layer that appears creamy. On top of that is a thick light brown layer with a soft texture, looking like pudding or mousse. The next layer is a fluffy white cream that covers the whole top. The dessert is topped with small dark crumbs and many light brown chocolate curls scattered all over the 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 been a staple in my dessert rotation ever since I first made it at a family potluck. The way those creamy layers contrast with the crunchy Oreo crust feels almost magical every single time, and your friends and family will be just as hooked.

Layered Deliciousness: Each layer brings a different texture and flavor—creamy pudding, tangy cream cheese, and crunchy Oreos—that makes every bite exciting.
Quick & Simple: No baking necessary, so you can assemble this dessert in under 30 minutes with common pantry ingredients.
Customizable: It’s easy to tweak with your favorite candies or toppings, making it a fun recipe to personalize.
Impressive Presentation: That layered look with chocolate drizzle on top always wows guests without requiring fancy skills.

A square dessert with four visible layers sits on a white plate. The bottom layer is dark and crumbly, resembling crushed cookies. Above it is a thick white cream layer, smooth and fluffy. The third layer is shiny and dark brown, similar to chocolate pudding or mousse. Another white cream layer follows, topped with a thick sprinkle of dark cookie crumbs. On top, there are many small, curly chocolate shavings scattered around the surface and plate. The plate rests on a white marbled background, with soft natural light highlighting the dessert's texture and layers. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe’s ingredients balance each other so well—from the buttery Oreo crust acting as a base, to rich cream cheese tones, and the light, fluffy Cool Whip layers. Together, they create a dreamy, no-bake dessert that holds its shape beautifully.

Flat lay of crushed Oreo cookie crumbs, whole Oreo cookies, soft cream cheese blocks, fluffy Cool Whip dollops, instant vanilla pudding mix box, instant chocolate pudding mix box, smooth melted butter pool, rich chocolate syrup drizzles, and elegant chocolate curls, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Oreo cookies: Regular Oreos provide just the right amount of crunch and sweetness; definitely avoid double-stuffed for texture balance.
Margarine or butter: This binds the crushed Oreos so the crust stays sturdy when chilled.
Cream cheese: Adds creaminess and a slight tang, cutting through the sweetness for a balanced flavor.
Cool Whip: A light, airy layer that softens the dessert and makes it luscious.
Instant vanilla & chocolate pudding mix: Combining these creates a rich, chocolatey filling with a smooth texture when mixed with cold milk.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese mixture perfectly without grit.
Chocolate syrup: For that final glossy drizzle that amps up chocolate flavor and appearance.
Chocolate curls or candy (optional): Adds a decorative touch and little bursts of extra chocolate crunch.

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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

What I love about this Chocolate Lasagna Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I often swap out the chocolate curls for chopped nuts, or sometimes I add a handful of M&M’s on top for an extra fun twist. Feel free to make it your own!

Variation: For a peanut butter lover’s version, I add a layer of peanut butter pudding or swirl some peanut butter into the cream cheese layer—it’s a showstopper.
Dietary Tweaks: You can use light or sugar-free pudding mixes and Cool Whip to lighten things up without losing flavor.

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

Step 1: Create That Perfect Oreo Crust

I start by pulsing the Oreos in a food processor until the crumbs are even—this really helps the crust hold together once you mix in melted butter or margarine. If you don’t have a processor, simply pop those Oreos into a Ziploc bag and get smushing with a rolling pin. Then mix the crumbs with melted butter, press it firmly into the bottom of your 9x13 pan, and pop it in the fridge to chill. This chilling step is key to keep that crust from falling apart later.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Layer

Next, I mix softened cream cheese, Cool Whip, and powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. This creamy layer adds a dreamy contrast to the crunchy crust. Spread it evenly over the chilled Oreo crust and back into the fridge it goes for a bit to set.

Step 3: Blend the Pudding Layers

Now for the pudding! I combine the instant vanilla and chocolate pudding mixes with cold milk and whisk until thickened. Pour this rich, creamy layer over the cream cheese base, smoothing it out carefully.

Step 4: Top It Off with Cool Whip and Oreo Crunch

Finally, spread the remaining Cool Whip over that luscious pudding layer and sprinkle with the reserved Oreo crumbs. I drizzle a bit of chocolate syrup on top for a glossy finish and sometimes throw on chocolate curls or chopped candy for that extra sparkle. Then, it chills in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Patience pays off here—the flavors meld and the layers firm up beautifully.

Top Tip

After making this Chocolate Lasagna Recipe many times, a few small adjustments make a huge difference in texture and flavor. Let me share what I’ve learned to help you nail it every time.

Chill Between Layers: Take a little time to refrigerate each layer (even just 15 minutes) so the lasagna doesn’t turn into one messy blob. This is especially important for the crust to firm up.
Use Regular Oreos: Double-stuffed cookies can make the crust too soft, so stick with the original for the right crunchy balance.
Don’t Overmix Pudding: When you prepare the pudding layer, mix gently once thickening starts to keep it silky smooth, not runny.
Food Processor Magic: Crushing the Oreos in a processor rather than a bag makes the crust finer and easier to press down evenly.

How to Serve Chocolate Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep my garnishes simple and elegant—chocolate curls scattered on top or a dusting of cocoa powder works beautifully. When I’m in a festive mood, chopped chocolate candies or even fresh raspberries add a lovely pop and color contrast.

Side Dishes

This dessert is quite rich, so I often pair it with light sides like fresh fruit salad or a simple mint tea. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is also a match made in heaven if you’re serving it for a special occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve slices on elegant dessert plates, each drizzled with extra chocolate syrup right before serving. Occasionally, I prepare mini versions in glass cups with alternating layers for a fun individual treat that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil to keep the layers fresh and crisp in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for about 3-4 days, though I rarely get leftovers that last that long!

Freezing

For longer storage, I’ve frozen chocolate lasagna in an airtight container. It thaws well in the fridge overnight—just be aware that the texture of the Cool Whip might change slightly after freezing, but it still tastes fantastic.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled, so I don’t recommend reheating. Instead, just allow it to come to a slightly warmer fridge temperature for about 15 minutes before serving if it feels too cold.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

You can absolutely substitute the Oreo cookies with other chocolate sandwich cookies if you prefer, but keep in mind the classic Oreo flavor pairs best with the cream cheese and pudding layers. Avoid cookies that are too soft or crumbly as they won't hold together as well for the crust.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-intolerant guests?

Traditional Oreos contain gluten, so for gluten-free guests, you'll want to use gluten-free sandwich cookies for the crust. Just ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified. The rest of the layers are naturally gluten-free.

How long does it take for the layers to set properly?

I recommend chilling each layer for 10-20 minutes before adding the next one. This helps achieve distinct layers. After assembling the entire dessert, chill for at least 2 hours to let everything set and flavors meld before serving.

Can I prepare this dessert a day ahead?

Yes! In fact, making the Chocolate Lasagna Recipe a day ahead allows the flavors to really develop. Just cover it well and refrigerate overnight; it will slice more cleanly and taste even better the next day.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Lasagna Recipe has become my go-to when I want something impressive yet easy, that everyone asks for again and again. It’s sweet without being overly rich, full of textures that make every bite interesting. I genuinely hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s like a little layered celebration in every forkful!