There’s something truly festive and cozy about this layered delight. The Christmas Red Velvet Lasagna Dessert Recipe combines rich red velvet, creamy layers, and a pop of peppermint that instantly brings holiday cheer to your table—perfect for making Christmas magic in your kitchen.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Red Velvet Lasagna Dessert Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Christmas Red Velvet Lasagna Dessert Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Christmas Red Velvet Lasagna Dessert Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I still remember the first time I made this Christmas Red Velvet Lasagna Dessert Recipe—it’s like all my favorite holiday flavors came together in one show-stopping dish. It’s got the fun, colorful layers and festive flavors that surprise your guests every time. Plus, the no-fuss prep makes it doable even on busy days.
- Easy to assemble: It’s a no-bake layering feast after the cake base is baked, so no complicated steps.
- Festive flavor combo: Classic red velvet paired with peppermint and cream cheese frosting vibes.
- Beautifully colorful: The green pudding layer and red cake create that perfect Christmas palette that’s great for holiday tables.
- Makes a crowd-pleaser: You can easily serve up to 18 people, so it’s ideal for holiday parties or family gatherings.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This dessert is all about layering flavors and textures that complement each other—from the soft but slightly cookie-like red velvet base to the smooth cream cheese and festive peppermint crunch, finished off with a creamy, lightly minty pudding. Each ingredient has a purpose that builds into a balanced, indulgent treat.
- Red Velvet Cake Mix: Provides that iconic, tender crumb with rich red hues perfect for the holidays. Using the cake mix this way creates a sturdier base than usual cake.
- Butter: Melted butter adds moisture and richness to the cake layer, ensuring it bakes into a soft cookie-like texture.
- Egg: Acts as a binder so the cake layer holds together nicely in the lasagna format.
- Cream Cheese: Gives the middle layer that tangy, creamy flavor that cuts through the sweetness and pairs beautifully with peppermint.
- Confectioners Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese for a smooth, fluffy filling.
- Crushed Peppermint Candies: Adds crunchy bursts of holiday spice and cooling peppermint flavor—totally optional if peppermint isn’t your thing.
- Milk: Used to soften the cream cheese mixture and to prepare the instant pudding, helping everything set up perfectly.
- Whipped Topping: Lightens both the cream cheese layer and the pudding topping, making the whole dessert feel airy and luscious.
- Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix: Creates a creamy, vivid green layer that adds color, flavor, and an extra element of festivity.
- Green Gel Food Coloring: Brings the pudding layer to life with a holiday green that visually pops against the red velvet base.
- Holiday Colored Sprinkles: Final festive touch to sprinkle on top—fun to customize with your favorite festive colors and shapes.
Make It Your Way
I love how this Christmas Red Velvet Lasagna Dessert Recipe is so flexible. Over the years, I’ve swapped peppermint candies for crushed candy canes when I wanted a bit more festive crunch or left them out for a simpler sweetness that still hit all the right notes. Don’t be afraid to tweak it to fit your taste or dietary needs.
- Variation: For a dairy-free twist, try coconut whipped topping and cream cheese alternatives—you’ll still get that creamy, dreamy texture without compromise.
- Festive Fun: Swap the green gel for red gel at Christmas to create a red-and-white dessert, or use blue and silver sprinkles for a winter wonderland version.
- Extra Crunch: Add some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the cream cheese layer for texture that surprises with every bite.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Red Velvet Lasagna Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Red Velvet Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 13×9 baking pan. In a large bowl, mix your red velvet cake mix with melted butter and one large egg using an electric mixer—not by the box instructions, because this makes more of a cookie-like base that holds up better under layers. Spread evenly in your pan, then bake for 15 minutes. Let it cool completely—about 30 minutes—before moving on. Patience here pays off when layering later.
Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Peppermint Layer
While your base cools, beat together cream cheese and confectioners sugar until smooth. Add ¼ cup of milk to loosen the mixture nicely, then gently fold in 8 ounces of whipped topping and your crushed peppermint candies. This layer brings creamy tang with cooling mint bursts—make sure it’s well mixed but still fluffy. Spread evenly over the cooled cake. Pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set.
Step 3: Mix and Layer the Green Pudding
In a clean bowl, whisk together the vanilla instant pudding mixes with 2 ½ cups milk until thickened. Add green gel food coloring drop by drop until you hit that festive green hue you love—about 5-6 drops to start works well. Pour this smooth pudding layer over the chilled cream cheese layer and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
Step 4: Top and Garnish
Once your pudding layer is set, spread the remaining 8 ounces of whipped topping evenly on top, smoothing it out gently with a spatula. Finish with your chosen holiday sprinkles for a joyful burst of color and texture. Keep it chilled until ready to serve, and watch it disappear fast!
Top Tip
Over several holiday seasons, I’ve learned that the key to this Christmas Red Velvet Lasagna Dessert Recipe’s success is in the chilling time and layering order. Rushing any step tends to make the layers run together, and that’s no fun.
- Chill Between Layers: Always let each layer set firmly in the fridge before adding the next. This keeps your layers distinct and visually stunning.
- Gentle Folding: When mixing the cream cheese layer, fold the whipped topping gently to retain fluffiness—no rushing or overmixing!
- Quality Ingredients: Use full-fat cream cheese and a high-quality whipped topping for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- Watch Your Color: Add coloring gradually and test as you go for that perfect holiday green without going too artificial or overpowering.
How to Serve Christmas Red Velvet Lasagna Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top mine with holiday sprinkles—red, green, and white stars and pearls—because they add just the right festive sparkle. Sometimes I throw on a few whole peppermint candies for a bit of extra crunch and charm. Fresh mint leaves can also brighten it up visually and add a fresh aroma on serving day.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines on its own, but pairing it with warm mulled cider or a spiced hot chocolate really elevates the holiday experience. If it’s a big meal, lighter sides like spiced nuts or a citrusy salad can refresh the palate between bites of this luscious dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For serving at parties, I like setting this red velvet lasagna dessert in a clear glass dish so the colorful layers are on full display—it’s like edible holiday art. Alternatively, I’ve made individual portions in small glass jars for pretty party favors or a whimsical buffet setup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered tightly in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The layers stay moist and delicious, but the whipped topping looks best the day it’s made, so try to serve it fresh or within a couple of days for full effect.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dessert once or twice by wrapping it tightly to avoid freezer burn. After thawing overnight in the fridge, it holds up pretty well—though the whipped topping layer sometimes loses a bit of its fresh texture. Still tasty and perfect for making ahead holiday treats!
Reheating
This dessert is best served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. Just give leftovers a gentle fluff of the whipped topping before serving to freshen up the look, then scoop and enjoy straight from the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! If peppermint isn’t your thing or someone in your family isn’t a fan, you can skip the crushed peppermint candies altogether without losing the essence of the dessert. It’ll just be a slightly less minty, but still delicious treat.
Start with 5-6 drops of green gel food coloring and mix well. Add more drops slowly if needed to avoid an artificial look. The goal is a festive but soft green that complements the red velvet base without overpowering it.
Definitely. In fact, this dessert benefits from some overnight chilling to let the layers set perfectly and flavors meld together, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for busy holiday days.
Store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator. It stays delicious for 3-4 days, but the whipped topping is freshest on day one, so try to enjoy it promptly for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Red Velvet Lasagna Dessert Recipe has truly become my go-to for the holidays—it’s festive, fun, and genuinely impressive without being complicated. When I bring it to family gatherings, it always sparks compliments and smiles, and knowing how easy it is to put together means I can enjoy the season just as much as my guests do. Give it a try—you might just find your new holiday tradition!
Print
Christmas Red Velvet Lasagna Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This festive Christmas Lasagna Dessert features a red velvet cake base topped with a creamy peppermint-cream cheese layer, a vibrant green vanilla pudding layer, and whipped topping adorned with holiday sprinkles. It's a delicious, no-fuss layered dessert perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Red Velvet Cake Base
- 1 box Red Velvet Cake mix
- ½ cup butter melted
- 1 large egg
Cream Cheese Layer
- 16 ounces Cream Cheese
- ½ cup confectioners sugar
- ¼ cup crushed peppermint candies
- ¼ cup milk
- 8 ounces Whipped topping
Vanilla Pudding Layer
- 2 boxes Vanilla Instant Pudding 5.1 ounce boxes
- 2 ½ cups milk
- Green gel food coloring (5-6 drops or to desired color)
Finishing Layer
- 8 ounces Whipped topping
- Holiday colored sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350° F and grease a 13×9 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Make Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Use an electric mixer to blend well, forming a thick batter that resembles cookie dough.
- Bake Cake Layer: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and confectioners sugar together until smooth. Add ¼ cup milk and mix well. Fold in 8 ounces of whipped topping and the crushed peppermint candies, stirring until combined.
- Assemble Cream Cheese Layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled cake layer. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
- Prepare Pudding Layer: In a separate large bowl, whisk the remaining 2 ½ cups milk with both vanilla instant pudding mixes until thickened. Add green gel food coloring in small increments until the desired festive green shade is achieved.
- Add Pudding Layer: Pour the green pudding over the cream cheese layer and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully set.
- Finish with Whipped Topping: Before serving, spread the remaining 8 ounces of whipped topping over the pudding layer and decorate with holiday colored sprinkles for a festive touch.
Notes
- Omit the peppermint candies if you prefer a less minty flavor or have allergies.
- Store the assembled dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness.
- You can use sugar-free or low-fat versions of ingredients for a lighter dessert.
- To speed up chilling time, ensure your refrigerator is cold and cover the lasagna to prevent odors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
Leave a Reply