Christmas Lasagna Dessert

By Lily | Last modified on Dec 20, 2025

Featured in: Desserts

Celebrate the holiday season with this inviting Christmas Lasagna Dessert, a festive layered treat combining the rich flavors of sugar cookie, creamy cheesecake, and luscious pudding. Its vibrant red and green layers make it a centerpiece worthy of any holiday gathering, perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and sweet flavors, from the soft cookie crust to the smooth cheesecake and colorful pudding topping. This no-fuss dessert is sure to bring joy and holiday spirit to your table while being easy enough to prepare with kids.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A unique blend of cookie, cheesecake, and pudding layers create a decadent holiday treat.
Festive red and green colors add a cheerful touch to your dessert table.
Easy to prepare and assemble, perfect for holiday parties and family get-togethers.

Ingredients

Dry sugar cookie mix: 1 1/2 boxes provide the base dough for a soft and flavorful cookie crust layer.
Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened to blend smoothly with the cookie mix, enriches the dough’s texture.
Eggs: 2 large eggs to bind the cookie dough and give structure to the crust.
Cream cheese: 4 ounces, softened, for a rich and creamy cheesecake layer with smooth consistency.
Powdered sugar: 1 cup, sweetens and adds a silky texture to the cheesecake mixture.
Whipped topping: 3 cups, thawed, used in both cheesecake and pudding layers for lightness and creaminess.
Peppermint extract: 1 teaspoon, infuses the cheesecake layer with a festive, refreshing flavor.
White chocolate instant pudding mix: 7.8 ounces (two 3.9-ounce boxes), adds a luscious and sweet pudding layer.
Milk: 3 cups, needed to prepare the pudding mix into a smooth, pourable layer.
Mini marshmallows: 2 cups, add texture and a festive look as a topping.
Christmas sprinkles: for decoration, bringing colorful holiday charm.
Red and green M&M candies: for additional festive decoration and fun texture.
Green and red food coloring: to tint cookie dough and pudding layers giving the dessert its Christmas colors.

Instructions

Prepare the Cookie Dough Layer: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray. In a large bowl, combine the dry sugar cookie mix, softened butter, and eggs, mixing on low until fully blended. Gradually add red food coloring one or two drops at a time to reach your desired festive hue. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges turn a golden brown. Let it cool completely to provide a firm base for the next layers.
Make the Cheesecake Mixture: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat softened cream cheese for about one minute until fluffy. Add the powdered sugar and continue mixing until completely smooth. Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of the whipped topping and peppermint extract to infuse seasonal flavor. Spread this creamy cheesecake layer evenly over the cooled cookie crust. Place the pan in the freezer to set while you prepare the pudding layer.
Prepare the Pudding Layer: In a large bowl, whisk together the white chocolate instant pudding mixes with milk until the mixture begins to thicken and is smooth. Add green food coloring drop by drop to reach the perfect Christmas green. Remove the baking dish from the freezer and carefully spread the green pudding over the cheesecake layer. Return the pan to the freezer for 5 minutes or until the pudding firms up slightly, ensuring each layer stays distinct.
Add the Whipped Topping and Final Decorations: Remove the pan from the freezer and spread the remaining 1 1/2 cups of whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer for a light finish. Top with mini marshmallows, Christmas sprinkles, and red and green M&M candies to create a charming, festive appearance. Refrigerate the dessert for 3 to 4 hours, allowing all layers to set properly before cutting into squares and serving.

You Must Know

This dessert requires cooling and freezing steps to maintain defined, beautiful layers.
Use gel-based food coloring for more vibrant hues without thinning your dough or pudding.
You can prepare layers a day ahead, storing covered in the fridge for best freshness.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and texture. For longer storage, freeze the dessert in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, thawing in the refrigerator before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled to highlight the dessert’s creamy layers and refreshing peppermint flavor. Garnish with extra holiday sprinkles or crushed candy canes for added crunch and visual appeal. Pair with a warm cup of cocoa or coffee for a cozy holiday treat.

Professional Tips

Allow each layer to set fully before adding the next to keep clean, distinct layers.
Adjust peppermint extract carefully; it is potent and can overpower if overused.
Press the cookie dough evenly in the pan for uniform baking to avoid burnt edges.

FAQs

Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough instead of the mix?: Yes, homemade sugar cookie dough can be substituted, but be sure it is thick enough to hold the base layer. Adjust baking time accordingly.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for this dessert?: You can use dairy-free cream cheese, non-dairy whipped topping, and plant milk alternatives, but results may vary slightly in texture and flavor.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?: Absolutely! The layers benefit from chilling and melding flavors. Prepare up to 24 hours in advance and keep refrigerated.
What can I substitute for peppermint extract?: If you prefer, use vanilla extract or almond extract as a milder alternative to peppermint flavor.
How do I keep the layers from mixing?: Freeze or chill each layer until firm before adding the next layer. This helps maintain sharp, distinct layers and prevents blending.
Can I use other colors for the cookie or pudding layers?: Yes, feel free to get creative with different food coloring to suit your theme or preferences while keeping the festive feel.