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As the holiday season approaches, the quest for the perfect festive dessert begins. This year, why not surprise your family and friends with a delightful twist on a classic favorite? Introducing the Christmas Lasagna Dessert—a showstopper that layers bold flavors and vibrant colors to capture the spirit of the season. From its buttery red velvet shortbread base to its creamy peppermint cheesecake and white chocolate pudding layers, this dessert is a harmony of taste and texture that will surely shine on your Christmas table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Christmas Lasagna Dessert is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. It combines the rich, buttery taste of red velvet shortbread with a refreshing peppermint cheesecake, all topped with a luscious layer of white chocolate pudding. The final touch of whipped cream and mini marshmallows not only adds sweetness but also a festive flair. It’s the perfect dessert to add a touch of whimsy and magic to your holiday celebrations.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 9″x13″ baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
Ingredients
Layer of Red Cookies:
- 1 package of 17.5 ounces of sugar cookie mixture
- ½ cup (1 stick) of butter, softened but not melted
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup Andes Peppermint Crunch or crushed peppermint
- Red food coloring
Layer of Creamy White Cheese:
- 1 can of 8 oz. cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
The Layer of Green Pudding:
- 2 boxes of 3.3 ounces of instant white chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups of cold milk
- ½ cup of melted white chocolate chips
- Green food coloring
Topping:
- 2 cups of cold whip
- ¼ cup Andes Peppermint Crunch or crushed peppermint
- ¼ cup of mint chips
Instructions
Layer of Red Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9″x13″ pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar cookie mixture, butter, flour, and egg. Once well blended, add the Andes mint crisp and mix.
- Add the red food coloring gradually until you achieve a nice Christmas red.
- Press the dough evenly into the pan to form a thick crust. For a thinner crust, use half the dough and save the other half for cookies.
- Bake for 20 minutes until the edges are lightly browned. For a thinner crust, check after 15 minutes.
- Let the crust cool completely before adding the next layer.
Layer of Cream Cheese:
- In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract until smooth.
- Gradually add heavy cream and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Spread evenly over the cooled cookie layer and refrigerate or freeze for 30 minutes to set.
Layer of Green Pudding:
- In a large bowl, beat the pudding mix and milk until thickened.
- Add the melted white chocolate chips and mix until combined.
- Gradually add green food coloring to your desired shade.
- Spread over the cream cheese layer and refrigerate or freeze for another 10 minutes.
Topping:
- Spread the cold whip over the green pudding layer.
- Sprinkle Andes mint crisp and mint chips on top.
- Store in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve.
Tips for Success
- Ensure each layer is completely set before adding the next to maintain clean layers.
- For a more intense flavor, adjust the amount of peppermint extract to taste.
Additional Tips and Variations
Feel free to experiment with different colors for the pudding layer to match your festive theme. You can also top with crushed candy canes for extra crunch and color.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
Each serving of this Christmas Lasagna Dessert is a sweet treat, perfect for indulging during the holidays. Enjoy responsibly!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I prepare this dessert in advance? Absolutely! This dessert can be made up to a week in advance when stored in the refrigerator or a month in the freezer.
How should I store leftovers? Cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator or freezer. If frozen, allow it to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving for a softer texture.
Conclusion
This Christmas Lasagna Dessert is sure to become a festive favorite in your household. Its vibrant layers and delightful flavors make it a standout dish for any holiday gathering. Try it out this season, and don’t forget to share your experiences and any creative variations you come up with. Merry Christmas and happy baking!
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