Chocolate Lasagna Layered Dessert Recipe

Want a dessert that looks like it came from a fancy restaurant but costs less than a coffee shop latte? I’m here to tell you it’s totally possible. This Chocolate Lasagna Layered Dessert is my go-to secret weapon for feeding a crowd without draining my wallet. If you love easy, no-bake treats, you should also try these Chocolate Strawberry Crunch Tacos.

It’s the ultimate crowd pleaser, combining an Oreo crust with creamy layers of sweet cheese and pudding. Best of all, it’s a fantastic Olive Garden copycat you can make right at home. You don’t need expensive ingredients or fancy skills to make something truly special.

Recipe Overview

Here’s the quick snapshot of what you’re making. It’s incredibly simple and requires zero baking.

• Cuisine: American
• Category: Dessert
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes (plus 4 hours to chill)
• Servings: 12

Why This Recipe Saves You Money

Let’s talk about why this dessert is so kind to your budget. Every part of it is built on smart, affordable choices.

First, the Oreo crust uses store-brand sandwich cookies. They work just as well as the name brand for a fraction of the cost. The creamy layers rely on basic block cream cheese and instant pudding mix, which are pantry staples that keep for ages.

There’s no need for exotic chocolate or special equipment. You likely have the butter and milk already. This dish proves that a little creativity with simple items can create a show-stopping result. It’s all about maximizing flavor from minimal investment.

My Tips for Smart Shopping on a Budget

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to keep my grocery bill low. These strategies work for this recipe and beyond.

Always buy cream cheese in the block form, not the tubs. It’s cheaper per ounce and works better for this dessert. For the whipped topping, get the frozen tub and thaw it yourself instead of the aerosol cans. This same frugal principle applies to making delicious frozen yogurt bites.

Choose store-brand or generic versions for the cookies, pudding mix, and milk. The taste difference is negligible in a layered dessert like this. I also watch for sales on baking supplies and stock up then.

The Budget-Friendly Ingredient List

Here is everything you need. Double-check your pantry first—you might already have half of it!

• 1 package (about 36 cookies) store-brand chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
• 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese, softened at room temperature
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 (8 oz) tub frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed and divided
• 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant chocolate pudding mix
• 3 1/4 cups cold milk (any kind you have)
• Optional for garnish: chocolate shavings or extra cookie crumbs

How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

Follow these easy steps. The hardest part is waiting for it to chill!

1. Start by making the crust. Put the chocolate sandwich cookies (creams and all) into a food processor or zip-top bag. Crush them into fine crumbs. Mix the crumbs with the melted butter until it looks like wet sand.

2. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. I use the bottom of a measuring cup to get it nice and even. Put the dish in the fridge to set while you make the next layer.

3. For the sweet cheese layer, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together in a bowl until it’s smooth. Gently fold in half of the thawed whipped topping (about 1 1/2 cups) until no white streaks remain.

4. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over your chilled crust. Take your time to make a smooth layer. Pop the dish back into the refrigerator.

5. Now, make the layered pudding part. In a clean bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mixes with the cold milk for 2 full minutes. It will thicken quickly. Let it sit for 5 minutes to set further.

6. Carefully spread the thickened pudding over the cream cheese layer. Cover the dish and chill everything for at least 4 hours, or overnight is even better.

7. Right before serving, spread the remaining whipped topping over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of cookie crumbs or chocolate shavings if you like. Slice and serve cold!

How to Use Up Every Last Bit (No Waste!)

I hate throwing food away. Here’s how to make sure every ingredient in this recipe gets used.

If you have leftover whipped topping, freeze it in dollops on a parchment-lined tray. Once frozen, store them in a bag for quick single servings on hot cocoa or fruit. Extra pudding mix can be used to make a single-serving mug cake.

That partial block of cream cheese? It keeps well. Use it to make a small batch of frosting, or add a spoonful to scrambled eggs for extra creaminess. Leftover milk is perfect for oatmeal, smoothies, or your morning coffee.

Nutrition Notes

This is a rich, indulgent dessert. Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

• This is an estimate per serving (1/12 of the recipe).
• Calories: ~380
• Fat: ~20g
• Saturated Fat: ~12g
• Carbohydrates: ~45g
• Sugar: ~35g
• Protein: ~5g

Common Questions About This Recipe

Here are answers to the questions I get asked most often about this chocolate lasagna.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I recommend it. Making it the night before gives the layers time to firm up perfectly. Just add the final whipped topping layer right before you serve it.

What can I use instead of whipped topping?

You can make your own stabilized whipped cream. Just whip 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream with 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla until stiff peaks form. Use this in place of the tub topping.

My pudding layer seems runny. What went wrong?

This usually means the pudding wasn’t whisked long enough with cold milk. Make sure you whisk for a full 2 minutes and use milk straight from the fridge. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before spreading.

This no-bake chocolate lasagna is proof that you can eat incredibly well on a tight budget. It’s a dessert that feels luxurious but is built from humble, smart choices. The layers of texture and flavor always get rave reviews, and your wallet will thank you. For another fantastic no-bake dessert that combines chocolate and strawberry, don’t miss these easy Chocolate Strawberry Crunch Tacos.

I love hearing how you make recipes your own. Did you try a different cookie for the crust? Add a layer of peanut butter? Let me know your own money-saving twists for this recipe in the comments below! Please leave a rating!