The Christmas Cheesecake Lasagna! is a holiday dessert that feels extra special. Imagine creamy cheesecake, fluffy pudding, and a crunchy candy cane topping all in one delicious dish. It’s as festive as it gets! This layered treat is sure to be the star of your holiday gatherings. Not only is it visually stunning, but it also offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Don’t worry if you’re not a professional baker; this recipe is simple, requiring no baking, which means you can whip it up without stress. You can even make it ahead of time, allowing you to relax and soak in the holiday cheer. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a sweet masterpiece that’ll wow your friends and family!
Why This Recipe Works
The Christmas Cheesecake Lasagna combines the layered texture of traditional lasagna with the rich flavors of cheesecake. It creates a dessert that’s both festive and indulgent. Each layer harmonizes perfectly, with the creamy cheesecake contrasting the crunchy candy cane topping. This ensures a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Plus, using Cool Whip gives the layers that fluffy and light feel without the hassle of whipping cream. Each bite is a little piece of holiday magic, making it an unforgettable treat on your table.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cheesecake Lasagna!
This seasonal treat brings cheer to your holiday gatherings. Its stunning presentation will wow your guests while the intricate flavors leave everyone wanting more. With minimal preparation and no baking required for the cheesecake layers, it’s a stress-free option. You can prepare it ahead of time so you can focus on enjoying the festivities with your loved ones. It’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or just a special dessert on a cozy winter night. Everyone will be mesmerized by the layers and flavors that come together so perfectly.
Ingredients
- For the Shortbread Base:
- 3/4 cup unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Hershey cocoa powder
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
-
For the Peppermint Cheesecake Layer:
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip
- 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- 2 (3.9 oz.) boxes white chocolate instant pudding
- 3 cups milk
- 2-4 drops green food coloring
- 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip (for topping)
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
The Shortbread Base
Preheat and Prepare
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab your 9×13 baking dish and line it with parchment paper. This step is key for easy removal later.
Make the Shortbread Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cocoa powder. Then, in a standing mixer, cream the softened butter and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing on low speed until everything is well combined. You can even use your hands if you prefer to ensure everything is mixed well.
Bake the Shortbread Layer
Press the dough into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Bake it for 18-20 minutes until it’s lightly golden. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely. This step is important because you don’t want it to melt the next layer.
The Peppermint Cheesecake Layer
Beat the Cheesecake Mixture
Now it’s time for the star of the dessert—the cheesecake! Using the standing mixer, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until you get a smooth mixture. Add 1 1/2 cups of Cool Whip and peppermint extract, mixing until it’s all combined.
Spread Over the Base
Spread the creamy cheesecake mixture evenly over that cooled shortbread layer. Once it’s spread nicely, place it in the freezer to harden while you prepare the next layer.
The Green Pudding Layer
Prepare the Pudding Mix
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the two boxes of pudding and cold milk along with green food coloring. Mix for about 5 minutes until it thickens up nicely. The color should resemble fresh pine—so festive!
Layer the Pudding
Next, spread the green pudding mixture over the cheesecake layer. Cover this with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for 1 hour to set.
The Final Topping
Add the Whipped Cream and Toppings
After that hour flies by, take it out. Spread 1 1/2 cups of Cool Whip over that beautiful pudding layer. Then, sprinkle on mini marshmallows and crushed candy canes for that perfect holiday touch.
Chill Before Serving
Finally, refrigerate the entire lasagna overnight to allow all those wonderful flavors to meld together. This step ensures your dessert firms up perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
Serving this Christmas Cheesecake Lasagna chilled makes it even more delightful. You can garnish slices with extra crushed candy canes or some chocolate shavings to make it even more festive. Pair it with a hot cup of cocoa or a tasty holiday punch for a complete holiday experience.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This helps avoid lumps in your cheesecake layer.
- Allow enough chilling time for each layer to ensure those clean slices when serving.
- Feel free to adjust the crushed candy cane amount based on your taste preferences for sweetness and crunch.
Variations
- For a flavor twist, swap the white chocolate pudding for vanilla or chocolate pudding.
- If you want something spicier, add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese mixture.
- Try using crushed peppermint bark instead of candy canes for a different texture and taste.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare the Christmas Cheesecake Lasagna in advance?
Absolutely! This dessert is perfect for make-ahead preparations. You can whip it up a day or two ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
2. How should I store leftovers?
Cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap, or transfer them to an airtight container. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
3. Can I freeze the Christmas Cheesecake Lasagna?
Freezing it is not recommended. It may affect the texture of the cream cheese layer. However, you can freeze individual pieces for easier serving later.
4. What if I cannot find white chocolate pudding?
No worries! You can substitute it with vanilla pudding, which still pairs beautifully with the other layers.
5. Is there a gluten-free option for the shortbread layer?
Yes! You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
This Christmas Cheesecake Lasagna is more than just dessert; it’s a festive centerpiece that sparks joy and delight. With its layers of creamy cheesecake, rich pudding, and a crunchy candy cane topping, it’s a true showstopper. The versatility in flavors makes it your go-to holiday dessert. Perfect for family gatherings or as a charming gift for hosts, this lasagna-style cheesecake is one to try this season. Enjoy creating sweet memories with each delicious slice!
Print
Christmas Cheesecake Lasagna
This no-bake Christmas Cheesecake Lasagna is a delightful blend of creamy cheesecake, fluffy pudding, and festive candy cane, making it a perfect treat for holiday cheer.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted sweet cream butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Hershey cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip
- 1 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
- 2 (3.9 oz.) boxes white chocolate instant pudding
- 3 cups milk
- 2–4 drops green food coloring
- 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip (for topping)
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, salt, and cocoa powder; cream butter and powdered sugar.
- Gradually combine the flour mixture and press into the baking dish; bake for 18-20 minutes and cool completely.
- Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar; add Cool Whip and peppermint extract, mix well.
- Spread cheesecake mixture over the cooled shortbread base and freeze to harden.
- Whisk pudding mix with milk and green food coloring; spread over the cheesecake layer and freeze for 1 hour.
- Top with Cool Whip, mini marshmallows, and crushed candy canes; refrigerate overnight before serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
Chill each layer thoroughly for clean slices when serving.
Alter crushed candy cane quantity according to sweetness preference.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
