Christmas Lasagna Dessert Recipe

If you’re looking for a unique treat that brings together the festive spirit and sweet indulgence, this Christmas Lasagna Dessert Recipe is a must-try. It layers bright reds and greens with creamy textures, making it not just delicious but also a real showstopper on any holiday table. I love how it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for even last-minute preparations but special enough to make people stop and ask for seconds.

What really makes this Christmas Lasagna Dessert Recipe stand out is the balance of flavors and textures—from the crunchy red crust made of vanilla wafers to the tangy cheesecake layer and the refreshing peppermint pudding all topped with cozy marshmallows and festive candies. I’ve served this at holiday family gatherings and it always disappears fast because it manages to feel both fancy and comforting at the same time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Christmas Lasagna Dessert Recipe works together beautifully, creating a layered treat that’s colorful and full of festive charm. When you shop, look for good quality cream cheese and whipped toppings for the best results, and feel free to pick your favorite peppermint candies for the final garnish.

• Vanilla wafers: These form a sturdy yet flavorful red crust—look for fresh wafers to keep the base crisp.
• Salted butter: Melting this seals the crust perfectly and adds richness; salted butter really enhances the flavor here.
• Red food coloring gel: A little goes a long way to give the crust that festive pop without making it taste artificial.
• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is key to a smooth cheesecake layer; room temperature makes mixing easier.
• Granulated white sugar: Balances the tang of cream cheese for just the right sweetness.
• Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang that brightens up the cheesecake layer.
• Whipped topping: Used twice—once in the cheesecake layer and again for the topping to keep things light and fluffy.
• Heavy cream: Provides the body for the peppermint pudding, ensuring a rich and indulgent texture.
• Peppermint extract: The star for that fresh, minty holiday flavor; use sparingly to keep it balanced.
• Cheesecake instant pudding mix: Gives the green pudding layer a creamy cheesecake twist that’s irresistible.
• Green liquid food coloring: For that festive, eye-catching green; adjust to get your favorite holiday hue.
• Mini marshmallows: Adds a soft, sweet finish with a bit of chew that reminds me of holiday fireside treats.
• Christmas candies, sprinkles, or red & green M&Ms: Optional but perfect for adding a fun, colorful garnish that guests will love.

Variations

I like to customize this Christmas Lasagna Dessert Recipe depending on who I’m serving it to — it’s fun to swap in ingredients or toppings to cater to different preferences and dietary needs. Giving yourself permission to play with the layers makes it feel like your own holiday signature dish.

• Chocolate Peppermint Twist: I once layered crushed peppermint bark between the layers for an extra minty crunch—it’s irresistible if you’re a chocolate lover.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap regular whipped topping and cream cheese for coconut-based versions to make the dessert vegan-friendly without losing creaminess.
• Nutty Addition: Adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts in the crust layer adds a delightful crunch and a cozy, earthy flavor perfect for winter.
• Less Sweet Version: For those who prefer a milder sweetness, I reduce the sugar in the cheesecake layer slightly and skip the colored marshmallows, which keeps it lighter.

How to Make Christmas Lasagna Dessert Recipe

Step 1: Creating the Festive Red Crust

Start by crushing the vanilla wafers until they’re fine crumbs—you can do this in a food processor or a sealed bag with a rolling pin. Melt the salted butter and stir in a small scoop of red food coloring gel until you get that perfect bright red hue. Mix the wafers with the butter until all crumbs are coated, then press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. I like to use the bottom of a glass to compact it evenly. This step sets the stage for the whole dessert so make sure it’s packed tightly; otherwise, your layers might slide around.

Step 2: Whipping Up the White Cheesecake Layer

In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Adding the sour cream next helps mellow the flavor and keep it silky. Gently fold in 2 cups of whipped topping to lighten the mixture—don’t overmix or the texture can become dense. Spread this layer evenly over the cooled red crust, smoothing the top so it’s even. This cheesecake layer is my personal favorite because the tangy flavor contrasts so nicely with the sweet crust and pudding.

Step 3: Preparing the Green Peppermint Pudding Layer

In a separate large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold in the cheesecake instant pudding mix, peppermint extract (start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to your taste), and green food coloring—add a little at a time until you get that lovely festive color. Patience here makes all the difference. Spread this creamy pudding layer gently over the cheesecake layer. This is where the magic happens—the fresh peppermint gives the dessert an unmistakable holiday vibe that your family and friends will talk about for years!

Step 4: Adding the Toppings and Chill Time

The final layer consists of an 8-ounce tub of whipped topping spread smoothly on top, followed by a generous sprinkle of mini marshmallows and your choice of Christmas candies or red and green M&Ms. I like to add just enough so it looks sprinkled with holiday cheer but not too crowded. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. Trust me, this chilling allows all the layers to set and flavors to marry perfectly.

How to Serve Christmas Lasagna Dessert Recipe

Garnishes

I’m all about pretty garnishes that also add a bit of fun texture and flavor—my go-to toppings include festive sprinkles, crushed candy canes for a minty crunch, and a few M&Ms scattered around for color. It’s like adding a little holiday sparkle with every bite, which your guests will really appreciate.

Side Dishes

This dessert is rich and creamy, so I often pair it with a simple cup of hot cocoa or coffee to balance things out. For holiday meals, a fresh citrus salad with pomegranate seeds complements the peppermint and creaminess nicely without competing for attention.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I served this layered dessert in clear glass trifle bowls. It looked so festive with all the colorful layers visible, and guests loved seeing every layer before they dug in. Another time, portioning it into individual mason jars made for adorable gifts that friends took home with smiles. Presentation can really elevate this Christmas Lasagna Dessert Recipe from just tasty to memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for up to four days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. I’ve found the flavors actually deepen if you wait a day, so if you’re able, make it ahead of time—it’s perfect for stress-free entertaining.

Freezing

I haven’t had great success freezing this Christmas Lasagna Dessert Recipe because the whipped topping layers don’t maintain their texture well once thawed. I recommend enjoying it fresh or refrigerated, but if you freeze it, do so before adding marshmallow toppings, and expect a slight change in texture.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled and doesn’t require reheating. If you want to revive the texture after storing, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. This softens the layers just enough and brings out the peppermint flavor beautifully.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Lasagna Dessert Recipe has become a holiday staple in my house because it’s festive, fun, and utterly scrumptious. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, adding your own twists and serving it surrounded by friends and family. It’s one of those desserts that brings smiles and warm memories, so go ahead and give it a try—you won’t regret it!

Print