Continue Mixing Until Stiff Peaks Form

No Bake Chocolate Lasagna boasting seven layers of creamy, fluffy, chocolaty decadence is the dessert of your dreams and will be the hit of every occasion. Plus, it's made with homemade whipped topping – no Cool Whip here!

Once you sink your teeth into this Chocolate Lasagna recipe, you'll never be able to live without it! It's not only gorgeous with its pristine rainbow of layers, but splendidly cool, crazy creamy, outrageously chocolaty, rich yet light at the same time and will have all your guests talking – and clamoring for the recipe. This no-bake Chocolate Lasagna is nestled in an Oreo crust, mounded with layers of fudgy chocolate ganache, creamy cheesecake, silky chocolate pudding chocolate cream, fluffy whipped topping (without any Cool Whip!), and more crushed Oreos to create a dessert that screams to you as it chills in the refrigerator, beckoning for its sensational layers to glide down your throat. This dessert is easy to make, make-ahead friendly and freezer friendly for a stress-free dessert homerun. The hardest part will be waiting for that first bite – and then not eating half the pan.

Chocolate desserts are their own fabulous brand of scrumptious. If you're a chocolate lover, don't miss these tried-and-true chocolate recipes: Mini Chocolate Peanut Butter Pies, Chocolate Butterfinger Pie, Chocolate Éclair Cake, Chocolate Raspberry Cake, Chocolate Mousse Cake and German Chocolate Cheesecake.

HOW TO MAKE Chocolate Lasagna VIDEo

a slice of chocolate lasagna showing the distinct layers of Oreos, chocolate, cream cheese, pudding and whipped topping

a collage showing how to make chocolate lasagna recipe by layering 1) Oreo crust, 2) chocolate ganache, 3) cheesecake, 4) chocolate pudding, 5) fluffy chocolate pudding, 6) whipped topping, 7) crushed Oreos, chocolate ganache drizzle and chocolate shavings

top view of chocolate lasagna showing how to add toppings of Oreo crumbs, chocolate drizzle and chocolate shavings

Chocolate Lasagna Recipe Ingredients

We are going to get the most out of the ingredients by using many of them in more than one layer. For example, the homemade whipped topping is used with the cheesecake layer, the pudding layer and as a standalone layer. Here's what you'll need:

Oreos: You'll need one family size/one pound package Oreo cookies to make this recipe (about 33 cookies). Use regular and not Double Stuf Oreos.
Butter: You can use salted or unsalted (whatever you have on hand). The butter is mixed with the crushed Oreos to create a stable crust that can hold up to the layers and layers of chocolatey goodness piled on top of it.
Cream cheese: I used full fat cream cheese but it will also work with less fat, but remember less fat = less flavor and creaminess. Avoid the whipped kind that comes in a tub. Brick-style cream cheese will make for the creamiest filling.
Heavy cream: Also known as heavy whipping cream. This is whipped with gelatin and powdered sugar to create the homemade whipped topping. You must use heavy cream – no other substitutions like half and half will work. Take care that your heavy cream is very cold, remove it from the refrigerator just when ready to use.
Unflavored gelatin: This can be found in the baking aisle of your local grocery store or next to the Jell-O. Make sure to buy unflavored! You're welcome to use a vegetarian gelatin if that's important to you.
Powdered sugar: This sweetens the homemade whipped topping without overpowering it. You must use powdered sugar! Granulated sugar would result in a grainy texture.
Vanilla extract: Use quality extract to really boost the flavor of the whipped topping.
Milk: You'll need to use cold milk to make the instant chocolate pudding. Any fat content should work here.
Instant chocolate pudding mix: You must use instant pudding mix. Cook and serve pudding won't work for this recipe. You'll need two 3.9 ounce boxes to make the filling.
Chocolate: Use quality baking chocolate bars to make the chocolate ganache. Baking chocolate is cooled, hardened chocolate liquor with a higher percentage of cocoa butter than chocolate chips because it's intended to be baked with and therefore melts more seamlessly.
Corn syrup: This keeps the ganache shiny, smooth and pliable after being refrigerated or frozen. You can omit the corn syrup if you really are opposed and substitute it with equal amounts vegetable oil and honey.

taking a bite out of chocolate lasagna showing how creamy it is

HOW TO MAKE Chocolate Lasagna

This Chocolate Lasagna recipe is rich, decadent, dizzyingly delicious, and best of all, anyone can make it! The only drawback is the dessert must be chilled between each layer so they can properly set before adding the next one – but it is SO WORTH THE WAIT! Here's the breakdown (full recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post:

Layer 1 – Oreo Crust

Add the whole Oreos with filling to a food processor and process until finely ground (or crush in a bag with a rolling pin). Set aside 1 cup for the topping. Add the butter and process (or stir) until evenly combined.
Pour into a 9×13 pan and pat into an even layer using the bottom of a glass so it's nice and compact. Place in the freezer while you make the next layer.

a collage showing how to make chocolate lasagna recipe by grinding Oreos to fine crumbs in a food processor and then pressing into the bottom of a 9x13 pan

Layer 2 – Ganache

Add the heavy cream and corn syrup to a microwave safe bowl. Heat until the cream is simmering, about 90 seconds.
Add the chopped chocolate and let the mixture stand for 5 minutes, then whisk vigorously until chocolate is melted and smooth. See my chocolate ganache page if you need extra help with it. Let the ganache cool slightly so it's lukewarm but still pourable before adding to the crust.
Transfer about 3 tablespoons (eyeball it) to a microwave safe bowl to use later as the drizzle. Pour the remaining ganache over the crust and spread into a smooth layer. Place the pan in the freezer while you make the next layer.

a collage showing how to make Chocolate Lasagna by making ganache: 1) simmering heavy cream, 2) adding chopped chocolate, 3) letting chocolate sit in heavy cream, 4) whisking until smooth and creamy

Layer 3: Cheesecake

Homemade Whipped Topping: Stir the water and gelatin together in a small bowl; let sit 5 minutes. Microwave for 20 seconds or until just simmering, then give it a stir and set aside.
Add heavy cream, some powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to a large mixing bowl. Whip using an electric hand mixer just until soft peaks form (the peaks flop over when the beaters are lifted.) Turn the mixer to low and slowly pour in the gelatin mixture. Mix until combined then increase speed to medium and continue mixing until stiff peaks form (peaks stand straight up when the beaters are lifted).

showing how to make chocolate lasagna by making homemade whipped topping by beating heavy cream and sugar in a mixing bowl

Cream cheese: In a separate large bowl, beat the cream cheese, some powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk until smooth and creamy.
Fold 1 ½ cups of the whipped topping into the cream cheese until smooth. You'll use the rest of the whipped topping in a few minutes.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the ganache. Place in the freezer while you make the next layer.

a collage showing how to make chocolate lasagna recipe by adding whipped topping to the beaten cream cheese and folding together until smooth and creamy in a glass bowl

Layer 4 – Chocolate Pudding

Beat pudding mixes and milk with a handheld whisk for 2 minutes or until smooth and very thick. .
Spoon 2 cups of the pudding over the cheesecake layer and smooth into an even layer. Place the pan in the freezer while you make the next layer.

showing how to make chocolate lasagna recipe by beating pudding and milk until smooth

Layer 5: Chocolate Cream

To the remaining pudding, stir in one cup of the remaining whipped topping. Spread over pudding. Place in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to set.

a collage showing how to make chocolate lasagna recipe by adding whipped topping to chocolate pudding and folding in until creamy

Layer 6: Whipped Topping

Spread the remaining whipped topping over the top.

showing how to make chocolate lasagna recipe by spreading homemade whipped topping over the chocolate pudding layer

Layer 7: Crushed Oreos and Chocolate

Evenly sprinkle with remaining crumbled Oreos and lightly press into the whipped topping.
Evenly sprinkle with optional chocolate shavings. (Shave with carrot peeler), or use your favorite chopped candy (like Butterfinger).
Microwave the reserved chocolate ganache for 10 seconds or so until pourable. Let it cool for a few minutes, add to a plastic bag, snip the corner, and drizzle all over the top.

showing how to make chocolate lasagna recipe by covering the whipped topping layer with crushed Oreos, chocolate ganache drizzle and chocolate shavings

Step 8: Chill

Cover the Chocolate Lasagna with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours in the fridge or freeze for 1-2 hours before slicing.

Use the whole Oreo. Don't toss the cream filling! You'll want to crush the whole cookie so the crust will stick together.
Use a food processor. You want the finest Oreo crumbs possible so they compact together and don't fall apart. I recommend using your food processor to achieve this fine texture in seconds.
Stick with Jell-O brand pudding. Reduced-fat brands or "healthier" brands of pudding have a tendency to bleed into the next layer, so stick with Jell-O brand for the cleanest layers.
The pudding consistency should be thick. Don't be tempted to add additional milk to the pudding. It needs to be thick so it will hold its shape.
Use quality chocolate for the ganache. Use baking chocolate bars because they melt beautifully due to the higher percentage of cocoa butter. If you have to use chocolate chips, use a quality brand with a higher percentage of cocoa butter like Guittard or Ghirardelli. Many other chocolate brands contain less cocoa butter and will not melt as seamlessly and can leave you with stubborn chocolate pieces that won't melt.
Don't skip the corn syrup. The corn syrup keeps the ganache shiny, smooth and pliable even after being refrigerated.
Use homemade whipped topping: You cannot use plain homemade whipped cream without the gelatin or the dessert will deflate and melt. The other option is to use Cool Whip.
Fix stiff whipped topping. If the whipped topping is extra stiff and not spreadable, it's easy to fix by folding in additional heavy cream a couple tablespoons at a time until it's spreadable.
Freeze the lasagna between every layer. I highly recommend popping the dessert into the freezer after each step for about 10 minutes. The longer you can freeze the dessert between the steps, the more distinct your layers will be. To that end, this dessert is best if you can make it while you're doing something else around the house, so you don't get frustrated about the waiting time.
To cut clean slices: Fill a large glass with hot water. Dip the knife in the hot water before each cut, then wipe clean with a paper towel after each cut, then repeat. You can also run the knife under hot water in between cuts.
For easiest slicing and cleanest cuts: I recommend freezing the Chocolate Lasagna for at least 2 hours (up to 24), slicing, then transferring to the refrigerator to thaw. If you don't have time to thaw the lasagna, then freeze for 30-60 minutes, slice and serve.
Chill until ready to serve: Refrigerate the Chocolate Lasagna until it's time to serve otherwise it will start to soften and will be impossible to slice cleanly. If that happens – just scoop it out!
Freeze if chilling isn't possible. If you are bringing the dessert to a gathering and it's not possible to keep refrigerated, then freeze and slice before transporting. It will thaw by the time it's ready to serve.

slices removed from chocolate lasagna in 9x13 pan showing the clean layers

Use different flavored Oreos: Toffee Crunch, Chocolate Hazelnut, Mint, Birthday Cake, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Carrot Cake, Chocolate Marshmallow, Caramel Coconut, Lemon, etc. Just make sure the Oreos are not Double Stuf.
Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free Oreo substitute and check that your pudding is gluten-free. When using cookies other than Oreos, increase the butter to 8 tablespoons in the crust because the cookies are missing the Oreo filling.
Use Cool Whip: I prefer making homemade whipped topping, but you can replace it with a store-bought whipped topping, such as Cool Whip.
Skip the ganache: The chocolate ganache is optional and may be omitted if desired.
Change flavors completely!Substitute the chocolate pudding for coconut, banana, butterscotch, lemon, etc. along with your choice of cookie. For example, you could use lemon pudding with Chocolate Coconut Oreos. When using cookies other than Oreos (like Graham Crackers), increase the butter to 8 tablespoons because the cookies are missing the Oreo filling.
Nuts: Add nuts into the pudding or as a garnish. If you like pistachios, chocolate and pistachio are a winning combination. Crushed peanuts and pecans, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts are also delicious.
Fruit: Consider garnishing the top with fruit or adding a layer of fruit – I love raspberries and chocolate together! Strawberries, cherries, bananas and coconut could also be used.
Fun Serving options: Instead of making the Chocolate Lasagna in a 9×13 baking dish, layer it in a couple trifle dishes or individual dishes or mason jars for a shower, birthday or event serving.
Serve partially frozen: Pop the dish in the freezer and serve partially frozen and it will be more like an ice cream cake.

a fork taking a bite of of a slice of chocolate lasagna with Oreos and chocolate pudding

Chocolate Lasagna FAQS

How Many Oreos Will I Need?

You'll need 33 Oreo cookies, or a 1-pound family pack. That's about 3 cups of Oreo crumbs.

Can I Use Double Stuf Oreos?

No, you'll need to use regular Oreos to make the crust.

Can I Use Cool Whip in the Filling?

If you prefer to use Cool Whip, then replace the gelatin and heavy cream mixture with one 12-oz thawed container of whipped topping. Use it wherever the homemade whipped topping is used.

CAN I USE HOMEMADE PUDDING?

Sure thing! Homemade chocolate pudding would be delicious in this Chocolate Lasagna recipe.

IS THERE A HEAVY CREAM SUBSTITUTE I CAN USE?

No, you must use full-fat, regular heavy cream to make the homemade whipped topping.

DOES CHOCOLATE LASAGNA HAVE TO BE REFRIGERATED?

Yes! You MUST let it chill for at least 4 hours before slicing and serving. This gives the layers time to firm up. If you're short on time, try freezing the pan for an hour instead.

The cookie crust sticks to the pan. How can I prevent this?

Be sure to grease the bottom of the pan generously before adding the Oreo crust.

What do I create distinct, clean layers?

First, stick with Jell-O brand pudding. Reduced-fat brands or "healthier" brands of pudding have a tendency to bleed into the next layer. Second, freeze the dessert for 10 minutes between each layer. Finally, chill the dessert sufficiently before slicing. Ideally, pop it in the freezer for a few hours, slice, then transfer to the refrigerator.

Can I make this chocolate lasagna the night before?

Absolutely! Just like traditional lasagna, this recipe tastes even better the next day as the layers have time to chill and set up.

How Long Does Chocolate Lasagna Last?

It will last up to three days in the fridge. After that, layers will soften/deflate a bit and may start to weep.

a bite taken out of chocolate lasagna showing how creamy it is

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Oreo Crust

1 family size/1 pound pkg. Oreo cookies (regular cookies with filling)
6 tablespoons butter, melted (salted or unsalted)

Whipped Topping

1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup powdered sugar
3 1/4 cups heavy cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Cheesecake

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk

Chocolate Pudding

2 3.9 oz. pkgs. INSTANT chocolate pudding (unprepared)
3 cups milk

Garnish

1 cup reserved Oreos crumbs (in directions)
4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate (optional to make chocolate curls)