If you’re looking for the ultimate layered chocolate dessert that’s loaded with creamy goodness, pillowy marshmallows, and nostalgic hot cocoa flavor, Hot Chocolate Lasagna is about to become your new obsession. Imagine crunchy chocolate cookie crust, fluffy whipped cream cheese, velvety chocolate pudding, and clouds of whipped topping — all nestled under a flurry of mini marshmallows and chocolate chips. It’s a no-bake showstopper that captures the magic of sipping rich hot cocoa by the fire, but in sliceable dessert form. Whether you’re serving a holiday crowd or treating yourself on a cozy night in, this Hot Chocolate Lasagna is guaranteed to bring smiles (and maybe a little plate-licking).

Hot Chocolate Lasagna Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This irresistible Hot Chocolate Lasagna comes together with simple yet essential ingredients — each one bringing its own magic touch to the layers. Every component has a delicious job to do, from the crunchy crust to the marshmallow-studded top.

Chocolate sandwich cookies: Crushed finely, these form the rich, chocolatey crust that anchors every bite.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds the cookie crumbs together for a sturdy, tasty foundation.
Cream cheese: Softened to blend smoothly, it creates a luscious, tangy middle layer that balances all the sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Just a touch to sweeten the dreamy cream cheese mixture without overpowering it.
Hot chocolate mix: This adds classic cocoa flavor and a sense of childhood nostalgia to the creamy layer.
Milk: Used both in the creamy and pudding layers to achieve that perfectly silky texture.
Whipped topping: Makes the filling irresistibly light and fluffy, as well as the dreamy finish on top.
Instant chocolate pudding mix: Delivers intense chocolate flavor and plenty of smooth, silky body for the lasagna.
Mini marshmallows: A must for any hot chocolate dessert, they add whimsy, chew, and marshmallowy bursts in each forkful.
Mini chocolate chips: Sprinkled for contrasting texture, bonus chocolate, and a little sparkle.
Chocolate syrup: For drizzling just before serving, which gives this dessert an irresistible, café-worthy finish.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Lasagna

Step 1: Make the Cookie Crust

Start by combining your finely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and melted butter in a medium mixing bowl. Use a fork or your clean hands to work the butter in until every crumb is chocolatey and glossy. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish — a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup makes this easy! This cookie crust provides the crunch and structure for your Hot Chocolate Lasagna.

Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Layer

In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, hot chocolate mix, and the first splash of milk until smooth and creamy. No lumps allowed! Once everything is combined, gently fold in half of your whipped topping until the mixture is fluffy but spreadable. Smooth this dreamy concoction over the cookie crust, making sure it covers every corner.

Step 3: Whisk That Chocolate Pudding

Empty your instant chocolate pudding mix into another clean bowl. Add two cups of cold milk and whisk with enthusiasm for about two minutes, until you feel it thicken up. Let it rest for two more minutes, then spread it evenly over the cream cheese layer. This step is all about rich, deep cocoa flavor and a pudding-smooth texture.

Step 4: Top with Fluffy Whipped Topping

Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer, swirling or smoothing it as you like — just make sure it covers the pudding completely. This snowy blanket helps hold in all that moisture and gives Hot Chocolate Lasagna its signature, cloud-like top.

Step 5: Add the Marshmallows and Chocolate Chips

Shower the top with mini marshmallows and a generous handful of mini chocolate chips. This is where the real hot chocolate magic happens! If you’re feeling festive, scatter your toppings with a creative hand for extra visual appeal.

Step 6: Chill to Set

Refrigerate your layered masterpiece for at least four hours (or overnight, if time allows), so it sets up nicely and the flavors meld together. Trust me, patience pays off — slicing Hot Chocolate Lasagna is so much easier when it’s completely chilled and firm.

Step 7: Drizzle and Serve

Right before serving, grab your favorite chocolate syrup and give the whole top a pretty, generous drizzle. Each slice is now fully loaded with chocolatey, creamy, marshmallow-topped joy!

How to Serve Hot Chocolate Lasagna

Garnishes

Classic garnishes for Hot Chocolate Lasagna include a final drizzle of chocolate syrup, an extra pinch of mini marshmallows, and a scattering of chocolate chips. If you want to get fancy, toast your marshmallows with a kitchen torch for magical, s’mores-style flavor and gourmet flair.

Side Dishes

This showstopper doesn’t need much alongside it, but pairing it with a steaming mug of hot chocolate (of course!), a cup of coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for an ultra-decadent treat. Fresh berries add a nice tart contrast and a pop of color on dessert plates.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve Hot Chocolate Lasagna in individual mason jars or parfait glasses for a portable, adorable twist. You can also freeze mini squares on popsicle sticks for a whimsical frozen treat, or cut the lasagna into bite-size cubes and skewer with marshmallows to make dessert kebabs for a playful snack table centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow end up with leftovers (ha!), simply cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Hot Chocolate Lasagna stores beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, and somehow tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight.

Freezing

Want to plan ahead? Hot Chocolate Lasagna freezes well — just wrap individual squares or the whole pan in two layers of plastic and a layer of foil. Let it thaw in the fridge before serving for best texture, or enjoy slightly frozen for a magical, frosty treat!

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature, so no need to reheat. If it’s been frozen, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then slice and serve as usual.

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Absolutely! If you’re a fan of homemade whipped cream, feel free to swap it in for the store-bought whipped topping. Just make sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks so your Hot Chocolate Lasagna holds its shape nicely.

Can I use a different flavor of pudding?

Yes, you can get creative and use chocolate fudge, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate pudding for fun flavor twists. Chocolate fudge pudding will give an even richer and more decadent chocolate punch!

How do I crush the sandwich cookies easily?

The easiest way is to pulse the cookies in a food processor until they’re fine crumbs. No food processor? Pop them in a zip-top bag and roll over them with a rolling pin for a satisfying, hands-on approach.

Is it possible to toast the marshmallows on top?

Definitely! Once your Hot Chocolate Lasagna is chilled, give the marshmallows a quick toast with a kitchen torch right before serving. It smells incredible and gives your dessert a dreamy, fireside finish.

Can I make Hot Chocolate Lasagna gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies in the crust and double-check that your pudding mix is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are typically gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation for everyone to enjoy!

Final Thoughts

If you love a good potluck stunner or a nostalgic treat that’s genuinely fun to make and serve, give Hot Chocolate Lasagna a whirl. It’s lush, chocolatey, and full of playful whimsy — the kind of dessert you’ll find yourself craving for every special gathering (or those days when you just need a chocolate hug). Gather your ingredients and get ready to wow your friends and family with this crowd-pleasing favorite!

Hot Chocolate Lasagna Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chill time)
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate treat with this Hot Chocolate Lasagna. Layers of chocolate sandwich cookie crust, creamy cheesecake, rich chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped topping, all topped with marshmallows and chocolate chips. A no-bake dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Cookie Crust:

36 chocolate sandwich cookies (crushed into fine crumbs)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

Cheesecake Layer:

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons hot chocolate mix
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 container (4 oz) whipped topping

Chocolate Pudding Layer:

1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups cold milk

Toppings:

1/2 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Chocolate syrup for drizzling

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Instructions

Prepare the Chocolate Cookie Crust: Mix crushed cookies with melted butter. Press into bottom of a 9×13-inch dish.
Make the Cheesecake Layer: Beat cream cheese, sugar, hot chocolate mix, and milk until smooth. Fold in half of the whipped topping and spread over crust.
Layer the Chocolate Pudding: Whisk pudding mix with milk, then spread over the cheesecake layer.
Add Toppings: Top with remaining whipped topping, marshmallows, and chocolate chips.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Drizzle with chocolate syrup before serving.