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Hot Chocolate Lasagna is that go-to no-bake dessert that always wows a crowd and brings back cozy winter memories at every bite. With dreamy layers of creamy chocolate mousse, fluffy whipped cream, and pops of marshmallow above a crisp Oreo crust, it is a favorite for parties when you want something decadent without ever turning on the oven.
When I made this for my nieces during our holiday movie night, they kept sneaking to the fridge for extra bites and asked for it every year since. It truly is a memory-making kind of treat.
Ingredients
- Oreo cookies: Using cookies with the filling helps create that classic chocolate sandwich flavor and a sturdy crust Grind for a fine crumb for the best base
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and binds the Oreo crust together Use good quality for the best taste
- Cream cheese: Lends tang and creamy texture to the cheesecake mousse Opt for full-fat for the richest flavor
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves smoothly into mousse and whipped topping Sift it if you want extra smooth layers
- Vanilla extract: Brings balance and classic sweetness Look for pure vanilla for superior aroma
- Instant hot cocoa mix: Infuses milk chocolate flavor into the mousse Choose a mix with real cocoa powder for depth
- Heavy whipping cream: Whips up to cloudlike layers Use well-chilled cream for the fluffiest mousse and topping
- Chocolate instant pudding mix: Creates a thick and luscious pudding layer Pick a brand you love since flavor shines through
- Milk: Transforms the pudding and helps everything set whole or two percent both work well
- Mini marshmallows: Add fluffy sweetness and the classic hot chocolate touch Fresh marshmallows melt a bit into the pudding making every bite extra luscious
- Chocolate topping or Nutella: Makes the finishing drizzle use quality chocolate for shine and taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Oreo Crust:
- Crush all the Oreos with their filling in a food processor until you have an even dark crumb. Mix in melted butter by hand so every crumb gets slick and glossy. Press this mixture as flat as you can into the bottom of your serving dish pushing it to the edges and up the sides if you want extra structure. Chill it to set the crust while you get everything else ready so the next layer goes on smoothly.
- Make the Hot Chocolate Cheesecake Mousse Layer:
- Beat softened butter and cream cheese in a bowl until the mixture is smooth with no lumps. Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar and whip until it looks billowy. In a separate cold bowl whisk chilled heavy cream and cocoa mix until you see stiff peaks that do not droop when you lift the whisk. Fold half of the chocolate whipped cream gently into the cream cheese base then fold in the rest until the color is even. Spread this mousse right over your cold Oreo crust and return to the fridge until the surface is set.
- Prepare the Chocolate Pudding Layer:
- Mix the chocolate pudding powder and cold milk in a medium bowl whisking briskly until it just begins to thicken. Fold in mini marshmallows so they are suspended throughout the pudding. Pour and gently smooth this pudding mixture over the firmed-up cheesecake mousse layer and chill once again until the pudding does not jiggle.
- Make the Whipped Cream Topping:
- Whip very cold heavy cream and powdered sugar together with electric beaters until you get firm peaks. Spread this whipped cream thickly over the pudding layer covering it completely so every spoonful is soft and airy.
- Add Final Toppings and Serve:
- Scatter a generous layer of mini marshmallows across the whipped cream. If you like, heat chocolate or Nutella until just melted and drizzle over the top using a spoon or piping bag for a pretty finish. Chill the entire dish several hours or overnight before serving to slice beautifully and set the flavors.
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For me the absolute best part is swirling Nutella on top while it is still a little warm so it creates those fudgy ribbons each time you cut through. My nieces argue over which marshmallow bites are the squishiest and it always becomes a kitchen party when we serve it.
Storage Tips
Once assembled this dessert keeps best covered in the refrigerator for up to four days The layers stay distinct and moist so you can enjoy slices all week As a bonus the texture does not get soggy since it is chilled
Ingredient Substitutions
No Oreos Try chocolate graham crackers or gluten free sandwich cookies for a similar crust Different instant pudding flavors such as white chocolate or cookies and cream would add a fun spin Dairy free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and coconut whip make it easy to adapt for allergies
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is a showstopper at holiday gatherings or birthday parties Pair it with mugs of real hot chocolate for a double treat I sometimes serve it with extra chocolate sauce or sprinkle chopped peppermint candies on top for a festive touch
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Cultural or Historical Context
Lasagna style layered desserts are a classic in American potluck culture Inspired by the look of traditional savory lasagna these sweet versions with cookie crusts and fluffy mousses took off in the eighties and nineties Hot Chocolate Lasagna borrows that nostalgia and amps it up with the familiar flavors of winter cocoa
Recipe FAQs
- → How do you make the Oreo crust stick together?
Combine finely crushed Oreos (with the filling) and melted butter, then press firmly into the pan so the crust holds when chilled.
- → Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought?
Yes, beating heavy cream with powdered sugar creates a fresh, stable whipped cream ideal for topping this dessert.
- → Is chilling overnight necessary?
Chilling several hours lets layers set fully. Overnight chilling makes slicing cleaner and textures firmer for serving.
- → Can I substitute different instant pudding flavors?
Chocolate is classic, but feel free to swap with flavors like cookies and cream or white chocolate to suit your taste.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Cover and refrigerate any leftovers. The dessert keeps best when chilled and eaten within three days for optimum freshness.
- → Can the dessert be made ahead of time?
Absolutely, this no-bake treat is perfect for preparing a day in advance as chilling improves taste and texture.