Creamy Chocolate Lasagna
The addition of Mascarpone gives this delicate Chocolate Dessert a touch of Tiramisu! The perfect anytime Easy Dessert Recipe idea.
I think this is the only recipe on the site that I have that includes a packaged mix. I like to make everything from scratch. But I just couldn’t remove this recipe as it holds wonderful memories for me. If you prefer you could make it with this easy Homemade Chocolate Pudding recipe, be sure to double the recipe if using.
What is Lasagna?
It is technically an Italian dish made of stacked layers of flat noodles alternating with fillings. This is an American dish that is sweet rather than savory. It is also stacked with different fillings.
Recipe Ingredients
- Chocolate wafter cookies – crush the cookies using a food processor or purchase already crushed chocolate cookie crumbs
- Butter – melted
- Mascarpone – remove from the fridge 15 minutes before using
- Cream – heavy, whole or whipping cream with at least 30% fat
- Icing Sugar – also known as confectioners or powdered sugar
- Chocolate Pudding – either homemade or boxed mix
- Milk – either whole or 2%
- Chocolate flakes – for garnish (optional), you can make flakes with a potato peeler.
I decided to change it up a bit and instead of cream cheese give it an Italian flare with mascarpone.
How to make it
For the first layer
In the baking dish combine the crumbs and melted butter, press down firmly in the pan, with the back of a spoon or even the bottom of a glass. Place the pan in the fridge to chill.
For the 2nd layer
In a large bowl combine the mascarpone, cream and powdered sugar, whip until very thick. Spread on top of cookie base. Place the pan in the fridge to chill.
For the 3rd layer
In a large bowl combine the chocolate pudding package and milk beat as instructed on package (do not add extra milk). Spread over 2nd layer. Again refrigerate.
For the 4th Layer
In a large bowl beat the cream until stiff peaks form, then spread over the 3rd layer. Refrigerate until firm. Sprinkle with chocolate flakes before serving.
Tips for making the best Chocolate Lasagna
- If you prefer you can substitute the chocolate wafter cookies with oreo cookies.
- After each layer it’s a good idea to place the lasagna in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes, this makes it easier to spread the fillings.
- Be sure to chill the dessert it might also be a good idea to freeze it for about 20-30 minutes before serving this makes it easier to cut.
- Make sure your cream is very cold, it will whip quicker. If you want you can even chill the bowl and beaters to help whip it faster also.
Can I substitute cream cheese for mascarpone?
Yes you can just be sure to use both at room temperature it makes it easier to combine and a creamier filling.
Do I need to cook the instant chocolate pudding used in the third layer?
No, just whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with milk according to package instructions until it thickens, then spread over the second layer.
Can I make chocolate lasagna a day ahead?
Yes, it’s even recommended to make it a day ahead to ensure all layers are perfectly set and flavors meld together.
What other toppings can I use?
If you don’t want to use chocolate flakes or curls, then you could use chocolate chips or even more crushed cookies.
More No Bake Desserts you may enjoy!
- Pineapple Cream Dessert
- Toasted Coconut Lemon Ice Cream
- No Bake Summer Mixed Berry Cheesecake
- Death By Chocolate Ice Cream Cake
- Creamy Strawberry Semifreddo
Believe me you can’t go wrong with this fast and easy Chocolate Lasagna and did I mention no bake desserts make the easiest Summer Desserts too! Enjoy.
Creamy Chocolate Lasagna
Ingredients
1ST LAYER
- 20 chocolate wafer cookies crushed (approximately 1½ cups)
- ¼ cup butter melted (cooled slightly)
2ND LAYER
- 1 cup mascarpone
- 1 cup cream (heavy, whole or whipping cream, with at least 30% fat)
- 1 ½ tablespoons icing/powdered sugar
3RD LAYER
- 1 box instant chocolate pudding (5.1 ounce box)*
- 1½ cups milk (whole or 2%)
*or Homemade Chocolate Pudding if you prefer, be sure to double the recipe if using.
4TH LAYER
- 1 cup cream (heavy, whole or whipping cream, with at least 30% fat)
EXTRAS
- ¼-⅓ cup chocolate flakes for garnish ( or chocolate chips or cookie crumbs)
Instructions
- I used a very deep 8×6 inch (20×15 cm) pan although if your pan isn't that deep then a 9 inch (23 cm) square pan would work, add the following by layers.
1ST LAYER
- In the baking dish combine the crumbs and melted butter, press down firmly in the pan, with the back of a spoon or even the bottom of a glass. Place the pan in the fridge to chill for approximately 15-20 minutes.
2ND LAYER
- In a large bowl combine the mascarpone, cream and powdered sugar, whip until very thick. Spread on top of cookie base. Place the pan in the fridge to chill for about 15-20 minutes.
3RD LAYER
- In a large bowl combine the chocolate pudding package and milk beat as instructed on package (do not add extra milk). (If using homemade chocolate pudding, then be sure to let it cool completely before spreading over the 2nd layer). Spread over 2nd layer. Again refrigerate for about 15-20 minutes.
4TH LAYER
- In a large bowl beat the cream until stiff peaks form, then spread over the 3rd layer. Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours or overnight, for easier cutting freeze for 15-20 minutes. Sprinkle with chocolate flakes before serving.
Notes
Recipe Tips
For a smooth texture, beat the mascarpone (or cream cheese) with the powdered sugar until creamy, then gradually add the heavy cream and continue beating until the mixture is fluffy. You can use homemade chocolate pudding, this is a great recipe although it should be doubled to make this Chocolate Lasagna and let it cool completely before adding it on the 2nd layer. If you don’t want to use chocolate flakes or curls, then you could use chocolate chips or even more crushed cookies.How to store Chocolate Lasagna
The dessert should be covered well and stored in the refrigerator, it will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge it can also be frozen, covered well or in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months, although the texture of the mascarpone and whipped cream layers might change upon thawing.Nutrition
Updated from April 23, 2015.
I made this today. One of the easiest things to make. For added/different flavor I used espresso flavored mascarpone. Turned out really good. Ended up using Oreo cookies because I couldn’t find the wafer cookies. I also used the 6 1/2 oz pudding mix and came out really thick. What size pkg was I supposed to use? Either way it was good.
Hi Nancy, I think i used the 3.4 ounce box but the bigger box would also work. I have never seen espresso flavoured mascarpone, interesting. Glad you enjoyed it.
Is there a way to use something else for the pudding? I dont like using processed foods..
Hi Linda, that is an old recipe and I don’t like processed food either anymore. So I thought why not try substituting with my Italian Chocolate Pastry Cream? https://anitalianinmykitchen.com/chocolate-pastry-cream/ (eliminate the pudding mix and milk). I should remake it too! 🙂 Let me know if you decide to make it.
WOW!! I have had chocolate lasagna (oddly enough in Canada as well!) and tiramisu is my fav–can not wait to try this!
Hi Kristen, thanks anything chocolate is good by me. Have a great weekend.
WOW! This looks so decadent. Thank you so much for linking up at Tasty Tuesday! Your recipe has been pinned to the Tasty Tuesday Pinterest board! Please join us again this week!
Oh, that looks heavenly!
Looks so good!! Stopping by from SITS.
Hi thanks very much.
thank you for sharing this amazing recipe at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop my friend. Watch for your feature on Monday xo
This lasagna looks amazing! Thank you for sharing in the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop!
xx Erika @whaterikawears
Oh my that looks delicious! Thanks for sharing this at Friendship Friday at Create With Joy!
I have had had this cake years ago by its previous name. 🙂 It is so good, but I can no longer eat Cool Whip or other processed food because it all has soy. I pinned this because I have plans. Thanks so much for doing the research for me.
Hi Madonna, Your welcome, let me know how your plan goes. Have a great day.
Love-love-love. I am going to include this on my friday links post!
Thanks very much! Have a great day.
Total Yum!
Hi Peter, thanks, have a great day.
I’m saying WOW too!!! This is something my son would gobble up by himself! I have to make this for him!! I’m with you- I prefer to make homemade whipped cream- nothing compares to it. And mascarpone- omg!
Hi Veronica, my husband pretty well gobbled it up by himself, lol!
That looks absolutely wonderful!! Don’t you just love desserts that evoke pleasant memories?? I will definitely have to try this. It sounds amazing!! Hope your Sunday went well 🙂
I can only say WOW! I need this 🙂