Did You Know 87% of Easter Desserts Require Baking? Here’s the Exception…
Picture this: It’s Easter Sunday, the house smells like ham and fresh spring flowers, and your oven is already working overtime. The last thing you want is another baking project—but the kids (and let’s be honest, you too) are craving something decadently chocolatey. Enter the Best Easter Chocolate Lasagna, a no-bake dessert that’s as easy to assemble as it is impossible to resist. Layers of Oreo crust, velvety cream cheese, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream come together like a sweet symphony—no oven required.
I first discovered this magical dessert years ago when my sister showed up to our family Easter brunch with a tray of what looked like a chocolate lover’s dream. “Lasagna? For dessert?” my grandma asked, eyebrow raised. One bite later, we were all converts. Now it’s a tradition as cherished as dyeing eggs or hiding baskets—except with far less mess (and no risk of burnt edges!).
Why This No-Bake Chocolate Lasagna Belongs on Your Easter Table
What makes this dessert truly special isn’t just its effortless preparation—it’s how perfectly it captures the joy of Easter in every layer. The crushed Oreo “nests” hold pockets of creamy filling like little edible treasure chests. The pastel sprinkles or crushed Cadbury Mini Eggs on top make it feel festive without fuss. And unlike delicate cakes or temperamental meringues, this lasagna actually gets better as it chills, meaning you can make it the night before and wake up to a stress-free dessert that’s ready to shine.
But here’s my favorite part: While most Easter treats scream “holiday!” so loudly they’d feel out of place any other time, this chocolate lasagna walks the perfect line between seasonal and year-round worthy. Swap the pastel toppings for crushed peppermint in December or fresh berries in July, and suddenly you’ve got a whole new dessert. Though fair warning—once your family tries it, they’ll request it for every gathering. (Mine still does!)
PrintEaster Chocolate Lasagna
A decadent no-bake dessert layered with chocolate, cream cheese, and whipped topping, perfect for Easter celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 36 chocolate sandwich cookies
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cold milk
- 1 (12 oz) tub whipped topping, divided
- 2 (3.9 oz) packages instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 1/4 cups cold milk
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- Pastel-colored sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
- Crush chocolate cookies into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish to form the crust. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1 1/4 cups whipped topping until smooth. Spread over crust.
- Whisk pudding mixes with 3 1/4 cups milk for 2 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes until thickened. Spread over cream cheese layer.
- Top with remaining whipped topping. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and pastel sprinkles.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste.
Best Easter Chocolate Lasagna – No-Bake Dessert
There’s something magical about a dessert that requires no oven time yet delivers layers of decadence. This Easter Chocolate Lasagna is just that—a showstopper that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat. Creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-chocolatey, it’s the perfect sweet ending to your holiday feast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Oreo cookies (36 pieces) – The base of our lasagna! Crushed into crumbs, they create that irresistible chocolatey crust.
- Unsalted butter (6 tbsp, melted) – This binds the Oreo crumbs together for a perfect, firm base. If you only have salted butter, just reduce any added salt later.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened) – The secret to that luscious middle layer. Let it sit at room temperature for smoother blending.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup) – Just enough sweetness to balance the cream cheese without overpowering.
- Cool Whip (16 oz, divided) – Light and airy, it gives the dessert its dreamy texture. Keep it chilled until ready to use!
- Instant chocolate pudding mix (2 packets, 3.9 oz each) – The star of the show! Go for the classic chocolate flavor for that rich, velvety layer.
- Cold milk (3 cups) – Whole milk works best for a creamier pudding, but 2% will do in a pinch.
- Mini chocolate eggs or pastel M&M’s – For that festive Easter touch! Scatter them on top for color and crunch.
Let’s Make This No-Bake Masterpiece
- Crush the Oreos. Place the cookies in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin (or pulse in a food processor) until fine. Pour into a bowl and mix with melted butter until it resembles wet sand. Press firmly into a 9×13-inch dish—this is your foundation!
- Whip up the cream cheese layer. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Gently fold in 1 cup of Cool Whip. Spread this over the Oreo crust, smoothing it with a spatula. Pop it in the fridge to set while you prepare the next layer.
- Make the chocolate pudding. Whisk the pudding mixes and cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Let it sit for 5 minutes—it’ll firm up slightly. Then, carefully spread it over the cream cheese layer. Pro tip: Work quickly before the pudding sets too much!
Now, take a deep breath and admire your progress. The hardest part is over, and soon, you’ll have a dessert that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Stay tuned for the finishing touches—because what’s a lasagna without its crowning glory?
Pro Tips, Variations, and Substitutions
This Easter Chocolate Lasagna is incredibly forgiving, so don’t be afraid to make it your own! Here are some fun twists to try:
- Cookie Swap: Swap the Oreos for Golden Oreos, chocolate graham crackers, or even Biscoff cookies for a caramelized flavor.
- Candy Toppings: Instead of chocolate shavings, try crushed Peeps, mini eggs, or pastel M&M’s for an extra festive touch.
- Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of peppermint or orange extract to the cream cheese layer for a refreshing twist.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut whipped cream and dairy-free cream cheese for a lactose-friendly version.
What to Serve It With
This decadent dessert is rich enough to stand alone, but if you want to turn it into a full Easter dessert spread, here are some perfect pairings:
- A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a warm-cold contrast
- Fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries to cut through the sweetness
- A drizzle of salted caramel or raspberry sauce for extra indulgence
- A cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk to balance the richness
Benefits of This No-Bake Dessert
Why is this Easter Chocolate Lasagna a must-make? Let us count the ways:
- No Oven Needed: Perfect for warm spring days when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen.
- Make-Ahead Magic: It actually tastes better after chilling overnight, making it ideal for stress-free entertaining.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will go wild for the layers of chocolatey goodness.
- Customizable: Easily adapts to different dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Real-Life Tips
After making this dessert countless times (and receiving endless compliments!), here are my tried-and-true tips:
- Let the cream cheese soften fully—this prevents lumps in your creamy layer.
- Use a springform pan for clean slices, or line your dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Want perfect layers? Chill for 30 minutes between adding each one.
- If you’re short on time, store-bought whipped topping works just fine!
- For extra drama, serve with a dusting of edible glitter or gold flakes.
Whether you’re hosting Easter brunch or just craving something sweet, this Chocolate Lasagna is guaranteed to become a new spring tradition. The hardest part? Waiting for it to chill!
Conclusion
This Easter Chocolate Lasagna is the ultimate no-bake dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With layers of creamy cheesecake, rich chocolate pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and crunchy Oreo crust, it’s a showstopper that requires minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting an Easter brunch or just craving a decadent treat, this dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
So, why not give it a try? Whip up this indulgent dessert, snap a photo, and share your masterpiece with us in the comments or on social media. And if you loved this recipe, be sure to check out our other no-bake desserts for more easy and delicious ideas!
FAQs
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this dessert tastes even better when made a day in advance. The layers have time to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to enjoy.
Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
Yes! While Oreos are classic, you can swap them for graham crackers, chocolate graham crackers, or even vanilla wafers for a slightly different flavor. Just be sure to adjust the butter as needed to achieve the right consistency.
Is there a substitute for Cool Whip?
If you prefer, you can use homemade whipped cream instead. Just whip 2 cups of heavy cream with ¼ cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Keep in mind that homemade whipped cream may not hold its shape as long, so serve it the same day.
Can I add toppings to this dessert?
Definitely! Chocolate shavings, mini eggs, sprinkles, or fresh berries would all make delightful additions. Get creative and tailor it to your Easter theme!
How long does this dessert last in the fridge?
It will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent the layers from drying out.