No-Bake Christmas Oreo Lasagna

This festive no-bake Oreo lasagna is a holiday tradition that always gets the party started A dreamy blend of crushed Oreo cookies velvety cream cheese real whipped cream and sweet vanilla pudding stacked together makes every bite taste like Christmas magic My kids hover around the fridge all day waiting for dessert time

Last year I whipped this up on Christmas Eve as a last minute dessert and it completely stole the show Friends asked for the recipe before the night was over and now we never go a holiday season without it

Ingredients

• Oreo cookies: These are the backbone of the crust layer For the biggest wow try the holiday versions with red or green filling Regular work well too
• Unsalted butter: The butter binds the Oreo crumbs together to help the crust set smoothly Go for a fresh unsalted block and melt it just before mixing
• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese creates a decadent creamy layer Start with a quality full fat block at room temperature for easy blending
• Powdered sugar: Helps sweeten and smooth out the cream cheese Look for fine textured powdered sugar
• Heavy whipping cream: Whip until stiff for the lightest fluffiest cheesecake layer Use very cold cream straight from the fridge
• Vanilla extract: Builds rich flavor throughout Choose pure vanilla if possible
• Instant vanilla pudding mix: Sets up the next layer with soft pudding goodness Make sure it is instant not cook and serve for best results
• Milk: Any milk will work but whole milk gives a richer fluffier pudding layer
• Mini marshmallows: These are optional for extra texture Choose fresh soft ones for melt in your mouth appeal
• Crushed peppermint candies or mini M&Ms: Brings a cheerful color and crunchy contrast Use your favorite festive treat for garnish
• Red and green sprinkles: Optional but highly recommended for holiday sparkle
• Whole Oreo cookies: For the perfect finishing touch set aside a few for decorating the top

Instructions

Prepare the Oreo Crust:

Place Oreo cookies into a food processor saving a handful for later then pulse until they become fine crumbs In a bowl stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand Pour into the bottom of a 9 by 13 inch baking dish and press down to form an even crust layer Use your hands or the back of a measuring cup to compact it well Place the dish in the fridge while you prepare the next layer

Make the Cream Cheese Layer:

In a large mixing bowl combine softened cream cheese and powdered sugar Beat until completely smooth in texture In a separate bowl whip heavy cream and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on medium high speed until stiff peaks form Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula Their combined fluffiness will be the key to this layer being light but rich Spoon this mixture over the chilled crust and spread evenly all the way to the corners

Make the Pudding Layer:

Whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk in a clean bowl Stir vigorously for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly Allow to sit for another minute or two to reach a soft set Now carefully spread this pudding across the cream cheese layer creating a thick even swath

Top with Marshmallows:

If using scatter mini marshmallows evenly over the pudding layer Lightly press them down so they stick

Chill:

Slide the dish into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least three hours Longer chilling helps the layers firm up perfectly so do not rush this step The lasagna should feel set and easy to slice when ready

Garnish and Serve:

Just before serving add crushed peppermint candies or M&Ms across the top Shake over some holiday sprinkles for bright color Place extra whole Oreo cookies on top for a festive finish Slice gently with a sharp knife and serve chilled

I have a soft spot for the crunchy peppermint bits on top The bold mint bursts with every bite and reminds me of making old fashioned peppermint bark with my grandmother There is something about those little candy pieces that truly brightens up this dish

Storage Tips

Slice leftovers into squares before storing so they are easy to grab and serve Arrange pieces inside an airtight container with parchment between layers to prevent sticking The flavor actually improves after a day in the fridge and this keeps for up to four days

Ingredient Substitutions

Chocolate graham crackers can be swapped in for Oreos if needed For a dairy free dessert use vegan cream cheese and coconut whipped topping Different pudding flavors such as white chocolate or cheesecake add a surprise twist

Serving Suggestions

This dessert pairs beautifully with a mug of hot cocoa or fresh winter berries Drizzle melted chocolate on each piece for a rich finish It fits perfectly at a cookie swap party or as a stunning finale to your holiday meal

A Brief History

Oreo lasagna is a playful spin on classic icebox cakes which gained popularity in America during the 1930s The tradition of building desserts in a pan became a staple at festive gatherings because of their easy prep and dramatic layered look Over time home cooks like us turned simple ingredients into show stopping treats passed down through families

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap mini M&Ms for crushed candy canes after Christmas Go for pastel sprinkles and lemon pudding for spring events In summer use fresh strawberries and blueberries for a patriotic version

Success Stories

The first time I made this dessert my little niece could not stop smiling We all gathered around the table for slice after slice and now she helps layer the ingredients every holiday The no bake format means younger kids can join in safely making it a true family friendly tradition

Freezer Meal Conversion

To freeze for future celebrations cut the chilled lasagna into squares layer with parchment and store inside a zip top bag Freeze for up to two months Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving and add fresh garnishes for best results

This no bake Oreo lasagna always brings our family together each holiday Try making it your new festive favorite and watch the smiles follow

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use holiday-themed Oreo cookies for this dessert?

Yes, holiday-themed Oreos add festive colors and flavor, making the dessert even more suitable for winter celebrations.

→ Is it necessary to include marshmallows in the layers?

No, marshmallows are optional. Including them creates an extra fluffy texture, but the dessert will still be delicious without them.

→ How long should the dessert chill before serving?

Chill for at least 3 hours, or until the layers are firm. For convenience, you can prepare it a day in advance.

→ Can I substitute homemade whipped cream for store-bought?

Absolutely! Whipping heavy cream with vanilla creates a fresher and richer flavor compared to ready-made whipped toppings.

→ What other garnishes work well with this dessert?

Try crushed peppermint candies, festive sprinkles, mini M&Ms, or even extra whole Oreo cookies for a fun, colorful finish.

→ Does the cream cheese need to be softened before mixing?

Yes, softened cream cheese mixes more smoothly into the filling, ensuring a creamy, lump-free texture in each layer.