Christmas Lasagna with Peppermint Pudding Recipe

If you’re looking for a truly show-stopping holiday dessert, you’ve got to try this Christmas Lasagna with Peppermint Pudding Recipe. It’s like a festive party on your taste buds, layering a red vanilla wafer crust, creamy cheesecake, and a vibrant green peppermint pudding — topped with fluffy whipped cream and cute holiday candies. When I first made this, my family went wild; it’s not just tasty, it looks amazing too. Stick with me here, I’ll walk you through every step so you nail it just like I do!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Christmas Lasagna with Peppermint Pudding Recipe comes from simple ingredients that blend beautifully—rich cream cheese, fluffy whipped topping, and that irresistible peppermint twist in the pudding. Grab good-quality vanilla wafers and fresh heavy cream to get the best texture and flavor.

• Vanilla Wafers: Crushing these finely creates the perfect buttery, sweet red crust texture.
• Salted Butter: Melted butter binds the crust and adds richness, don’t skip the salted kind.
• Red Food Coloring Gel: Gel works best for vivid color without watering down the crust mixture.
• Cream Cheese: Softened and whipped until smooth – it’s the creamy heart of your cheesecake layer.
• Granulated White Sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance tart cream cheese.
• Sour Cream: Adds tang and silkiness to the cheesecake layer.
• Whipped Topping: Folded into cheesecake and used as a topping, it keeps layers light and dreamy.
• Heavy Cream: Essential for making the peppermint pudding thick and luscious.
• Peppermint Extract: A little goes a long way for that fresh holiday flavor kick.
• Cheesecake Instant Pudding Mix: Creates quick thick pudding with a creamy mouthfeel.
• Green Liquid Food Coloring: Adds that festive green shade to the pudding layer.
• Mini Marshmallows & Christmas Candies: For fun, festive garnish that makes every slice feel like a party.

Variations

I love playing with this Christmas Lasagna with Peppermint Pudding Recipe depending on what flavors or textures I want to highlight. Don’t feel limited—you can swap and layer in what suits your taste or dietary needs.

• Make it Dairy-Free: I’ve tried coconut whipped topping and dairy-free cream cheese substitutes with good results for a vegan-friendly version.
• Mint Chocolate Twist: Adding mini chocolate chips into the pudding layer gives an extra crunch and a chocolatey winter vibe.
• Spiced Crust: A small pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the crust mix adds cozy warmth.
• Alternative Garnishes: Try crushed candy canes on top for a peppermint crunch and visual wow factor.

How to Make Christmas Lasagna with Peppermint Pudding Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Press the Red Vanilla Crust

Start by pulverizing your vanilla wafers into fine crumbs in a food processor. I like to pulse a couple of times longer than you’d think, just to avoid any big chunks that might throw off the crust texture. Next, whisk melted salted butter with a scoop of red gel food coloring until you get that festive deep red — this step gives the crust a joyful holiday pop. Mix this vibrant butter right in with your wafer crumbs quickly, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13” glass dish. If you press firmly and evenly, the crust holds together beautifully, giving you that satisfying crunch when you serve. Pop it into the freezer while you make the cheesecake layer so it firms up nicely.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy White Cheesecake Layer

In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with the sugar until it’s light and fluffy—this usually takes me around 2 minutes with my stand mixer. Then stir in sour cream until perfectly smooth. The sour cream is key for richness without heaviness. Gently fold in the whipped topping, being careful not to overmix because you want to keep the lightness. Spread this delicious layer evenly over your frozen crust. Pro tip: wipe any excess off the edges so each layer looks clean and crisp. Back in the freezer it goes so you can prep the pudding while it sets just right.

Step 3: Mix the Green Peppermint Pudding Layer

Whisk heavy cream, peppermint extract, and green liquid food coloring in a bowl—start with a few drops and add more to reach that happy holiday shade. Sprinkle in the cheesecake instant pudding mix and beat until the mixture thickens, about 1-2 minutes. I’ve learned the hard way that a mixer is best here; hand-whisking often leaves lumps, especially since this pudding uses heavy cream for thickness. Pour the pudding over the cheesecake layer and smooth it out nicely, again cleaning the sides to keep your layers neat. Freeze for 5-10 minutes so it firms up enough for the final topping step.

Step 4: Finish with Whipped Topping and Festive Garnishes

Spread the remaining tub of whipped topping evenly on top of the pudding. Now comes the fun part—sprinkle mini marshmallows generously all over, and add your favorite Christmas candies or red and green M&Ms for that celebratory sparkle. I often go heavy on the marshmallows because my family loves the gooey bite contrast. Chill the whole lasagna in the freezer for about 30 minutes to an hour before serving or refrigerate overnight if you prefer a softer texture.

How to Serve Christmas Lasagna with Peppermint Pudding Recipe

Garnishes

I always top mine with mini marshmallows—they melt just a bit around the edges and add a soft chewiness. A handful of red and green M&Ms or festive sprinkles really amps up the holiday vibe, and crushed candy canes add a satisfying peppermint crunch that pairs beautifully with the pudding layer.

Side Dishes

This lasagna dessert is rich, so I like to serve it alongside lighter holiday treats like fruit platters or gingerbread cookies. A cup of peppermint tea or hot chocolate also makes the experience extra cozy and complements the peppermint pudding perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served this Christmas Lasagna in individual glass cups layered with crackers on the side—so guests can dig in without the pressure of cutting perfect squares. Another time, I swapped mini red and green edible glitter on top for a sparkly, magical look that wowed everyone at the family gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover my Christmas lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 5 days, which is perfect because it’s popular enough to disappear fast in my house!

Freezing

When I’ve had leftovers, I wrap the lasagna securely with a double layer of foil and plastic wrap before freezing. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, and when thawed, it maintains its creamy texture and bright colors without any weeping.

Reheating

This is one dessert you enjoy chilled, so no reheating is needed. Just thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge and serve cold. Bringing it to room temperature for about 15 minutes before slicing helps make clean cuts.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Lasagna with Peppermint Pudding Recipe has become my go-to holiday dessert—each colorful layer represents a bit of joy, and every bite sparks smiles. I love how it’s so easy to make but still brings that festive wow-factor to any gathering. I really encourage you to try it out: once you do, you’ll find yourself making it year after year, just like I do, because it’s truly a holiday classic in my book.

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