Easter Chocolate Lasagna

The other day, I was helping my niece put together an Easter craft when she looked up and asked if we could make something “chocolatey and silly.” Her idea of silly was layers of pudding, cookies, and candy all in one dish.

Challenge accepted. After a quick brainstorm and a pantry check, Easter Chocolate Lasagna was born. We cranked up the kitchen music, made a bit of a mess, and laughed way too much over who got to crush the Oreos.

This dessert quickly turned into the star of our Easter gathering. Guests kept going back for seconds, not because they were still hungry, but because it tasted like all their favorite childhood candies stacked into one sweet slice.

The pastel sprinkles, mini chocolate eggs, and creamy layers make this more than just a dessert—it becomes a festive centerpiece. And the best part? It’s a no-bake recipe, which means no oven drama and more time spent doing, well, anything else.

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, kid-approved treat that’s easy to assemble but impressive to serve, this is the one.

Short Description

Easter Chocolate Lasagna is a no-bake layered dessert featuring a buttery Oreo crust, a fluffy cheesecake layer, silky chocolate pudding, and a playful topping of whipped cream, pastel sprinkles, and mini chocolate eggs. A fun and festive treat perfect for spring gatherings.

Key Ingredients

Crust:

• 1 package (14.3 oz) Oreo cookies, crushed
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Layer:

• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups whipped topping (Cool Whip)

Chocolate Pudding Layer:

• 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant chocolate pudding mix
• 3 cups cold milk

Topping:

• 2 cups whipped topping
• ¼ cup pastel sprinkles
• ½ cup mini chocolate eggs (e.g., Cadbury Mini Eggs or M&Ms)
• ¼ cup chocolate shavings (optional)

Tools Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls (various sizes)
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Offset spatula (optional, but helpful for even layers)
• Plastic wrap or foil for chilling

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Make the crust
Combine crushed Oreo cookies and melted butter in a bowl. Stir until evenly coated and crumbly like damp sand.

Press the mixture firmly into a 9×13-inch dish to create a compact base. Refrigerate for 20 minutes while you prep the next layer.

Step 2: Prepare the cheesecake layer
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then beat again until fully blended with no lumps.

Fold in whipped topping gently until light and fluffy. Spread the cheesecake mixture over the chilled crust and return to the fridge for another 15–20 minutes.

Step 3: Make the chocolate pudding layer
Whisk the instant pudding mix with cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Let it sit for 5 minutes to set.

Once ready, spread the pudding over the cheesecake layer using a spatula for an even finish.

Step 4: Add topping and decorations
Top the pudding with a final layer of whipped topping. Use a spatula to smooth it out, reaching all the way to the edges.

Garnish with pastel sprinkles, mini chocolate eggs, and optional chocolate shavings for texture and color.

Step 5: Chill and serve
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. When ready to serve, use a sharp knife to cut into squares and serve chilled.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– No baking required—perfect for warm days or busy kitchens

– Festive and colorful with kid-friendly toppings

– Creamy, crunchy, and rich all in one bite

– Great make-ahead dessert for Easter brunch or potlucks

– Easily customizable with different candies or flavors

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Mistake 1: Runny pudding layer
Solution: Use only cold milk and allow it to sit the full 5 minutes after whisking. Avoid using almond or oat milk unless labeled suitable for pudding mix.

Mistake 2: Lumpy cheesecake layer
Solution: Soften the cream cheese fully before mixing and beat until smooth before adding sugar and whipped topping.

Mistake 3: Crust falling apart
Solution: Press the crust down very firmly with a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup. Let it chill long enough before adding other layers.

Mistake 4: Messy layers when slicing
Solution: Chill the finished lasagna for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Wipe your knife clean between cuts for neater slices.

Mistake 5: Candy bleeding into topping
Solution: Add mini eggs and sprinkles just before serving to keep colors sharp and prevent melting.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve chilled, straight from the fridge, as a light and sweet end to your Easter feast. It works beautifully at:

– Family brunches or spring potlucks

– Kid’s parties and dessert buffets

– Served with coffee, milk, or a vanilla latte

– Alongside fresh fruit or fruit salad for contrast

Slice into small squares for easy finger food, or plate with a drizzle of chocolate syrup for a fancier touch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep chilled to maintain structure.

Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating: Not recommended—this dessert is meant to be enjoyed cold!

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought crust instead of making it?
Yes, but it may be thinner and less flavorful. Homemade Oreo crust adds better structure and taste.

2. Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies for the crust and check pudding mix labels to confirm they’re gluten-free.

3. What type of chocolate pudding should I use?
Instant pudding is best. Avoid cook-and-serve versions as they change the texture and require heating.

4. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes! Whip 2 cups of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar until soft peaks form and use it as a 1:1 substitute.

5. How far in advance can I make this?
Up to 24 hours ahead is ideal. Any longer, and the toppings may soften or bleed color, so decorate right before serving.

Tips & Tricks

– Chill the mixing bowl before whipping cream for extra fluffiness

– Crush Oreos in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin for less mess

– Swap in flavored Oreos (like mint or peanut butter) for a twist

– Decorate with edible Easter grass or sugar bunnies for extra flair

– Let kids help with decorating—it’s fun and makes the dessert even more special

Recipe Variations

1. Strawberry Cream Easter Lasagna

Swap chocolate pudding for strawberry pudding

Use Golden Oreos instead of regular

Top with sliced strawberries and pink sprinkles

2. Peanut Butter Cup Easter Lasagna

Add ½ cup peanut butter to the cheesecake layer

Sprinkle chopped mini peanut butter cups on top

Drizzle with melted peanut butter before serving

3. Lemon Easter Lasagna

Replace pudding with lemon instant pudding

Use shortbread cookies for the crust

Decorate with lemon zest, whipped cream, and white chocolate curls

4. Triple Chocolate Dream

Mix ½ cup mini chocolate chips into the pudding layer

Use chocolate whipped topping for final layer

Top with dark, milk, and white chocolate curls

Final Thoughts

Every holiday seems to bring its own little traditions, and this year, Easter Chocolate Lasagna somehow became one of ours. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people light up when you walk in the room holding it. Kids crowd around, eyes wide, and adults sneak extra bites between conversations. It’s not complicated, just fun to make—and even more fun to share.

Watching people dig in and discover the layers is part of the joy. The crunch of the crust, the silky pudding, the fluffy topping, and the burst of sweetness from the chocolate eggs—it all just works. You don’t need fancy skills to pull this off. Just a little time, a big spoon, and someone to help you decorate.

Honestly, desserts like this are a reminder that food doesn’t have to be sophisticated to be memorable. Sometimes, it’s the ones with sprinkles that leave the biggest impression.