Red, White, and Blue Chocolate Lasagna Cake: The Ultimate No-Bake 4th of July Dessert Recipe
Are you ready to wow your guests this 4th of July with a dessert that's both delicious and visually stunning? Look no further than this Red, White, and Blue Chocolate Lasagna Cake! This no-bake dessert combines layers of creamy goodness, chocolatey richness, and a patriotic flair that will make your holiday celebration unforgettable. Follow along for step-by-step instructions, tips, and festive decoration ideas to create a dessert that rivals any store-bought treat.
Before we dive into the steps, let's gather all the ingredients you'll need:
For the Crust:
- 36 OREO cookies
- 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz (1 brick) of cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups of Cool Whip (or homemade whipped cream)
For the Chocolate Pudding Layer:
- 2 packs of instant chocolate pudding mix (3.9 oz each)
- 3 1/4 cups of cold milk
For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups of Cool Whip (or homemade whipped cream)
- 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips
- Red, white, and blue patriotic sprinkles
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Crush the OREOs: Place the 36 OREO cookies into a food processor, mixer, or a high-powered blender. Pulse until the cookies are finely crushed. Alternatively, you can place the cookies in a large zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Add the Butter: Transfer the crushed OREOs to a large mixing bowl and pour in the melted butter. Mix until all the crumbs are coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
Form the Crust: Spread the OREO mixture evenly into a 13 x 9-inch baking dish, pressing down firmly to create a compact crust. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to ensure an even layer.
Refrigerate: Place the crust in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the next layer.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
Combine Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and mix until well combined.
Add Cool Whip: Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of Cool Whip until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Spread the Layer: Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the chilled OREO crust. Use a spatula to ensure an even layer.
Refrigerate: Place the dish back in the refrigerator to allow the cream cheese layer to set.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Pudding Layer
Make the Pudding: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 packs of instant chocolate pudding mix and 3 1/4 cups of cold milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens.
Set the Pudding: Let the pudding sit for an additional 5 minutes to ensure it sets properly.
Spread the Pudding: Gently spread the chocolate pudding over the cream cheese layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Refrigerate: Place the dish back in the refrigerator to allow the pudding layer to set completely.
Step 4: Add the Final Topping
Spread Cool Whip: Once the pudding layer is set, spread 1 1/2 cups of Cool Whip over the top. Use a spatula to create an even, smooth layer.
Add Chocolate Chips and Sprinkles: Sprinkle the mini chocolate chips evenly over the Cool Whip layer. Add the red, white, and blue patriotic sprinkles for a festive touch.
Refrigerate: Allow the entire dessert to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps all the layers to set and meld together beautifully.
Tips for Success
Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This will make it easier to blend and prevent lumps in your cream cheese layer.
Chill Between Layers: Refrigerating the dish between layers helps each layer set properly and prevents them from blending together.
Homemade Whipped Cream: If you prefer homemade whipped cream over Cool Whip, simply whip 3 cups of heavy cream with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Divide it for use in both the cream cheese layer and the topping.
Decorate Creatively: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! You can add more sprinkles, use different colors for various occasions, or even add fresh berries for a burst of freshness.
Variations
Different Flavors: Swap out the chocolate pudding for vanilla or butterscotch for a different flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free sandwich cookies in place of OREOs to make this dessert gluten-free.
Nutty Twist: Add a layer of crushed nuts between the pudding and Cool Whip layers for added crunch and flavor.
This Red, White, and Blue Chocolate Lasagna Cake is the perfect dessert for your 4th of July celebration. Its no-bake nature makes it an easy and stress-free option, while its vibrant layers and rich flavors are sure to impress your guests. Whether you're hosting a big party or enjoying a quiet family gathering, this dessert will be the star of the show. Enjoy!
By following these detailed steps and tips, you'll create a dessert that's not only visually stunning but also irresistibly delicious. Happy 4th of July, and happy baking! If you want more delicious recipes perfect for the 4th or really anytime this summer, check out the ones below!
