If there is one dessert that completely takes over the holidays every year, it’s chocolate — rich, cozy, nostalgic chocolate. This Viral Holiday Hot Cocoa Lasagna is the ultimate no-bake dessert that tastes like a warm mug of hot cocoa wrapped in layers of creamy, chocolatey magic. It’s indulgent without being heavy, festive without being complicated, and dangerously easy to make.
This dessert has gone viral for a reason. It checks every box: no oven required, make-ahead friendly, stunning layers, and flavors that instantly transport you back to childhood winters — fuzzy socks, holiday movies, twinkle lights, and marshmallows melting into cocoa. It’s the kind of dessert people ask for again before they’ve even finished their first slice.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party, bringing a dessert to a family gathering, or just want something magical in the fridge for December nights, this hot cocoa lasagna delivers. It looks impressive, feeds a crowd, and tastes even better the next day — which makes it perfect for stress-free holiday entertaining.
Recipe Time
Servings: 12–15
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: ~4 hours 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 family-size package chocolate sandwich cookies (Oreos), crushed
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip), divided
- 2 packages (3.9 oz each) chocolate instant pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup hot cocoa mix (dry powder)
- Chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or crushed peppermint for topping
Instructions
- Mix crushed chocolate cookies with melted butter until evenly combined. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch dish to form the crust.
- In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in 1/2 cup whipped topping.
- Spread the cream cheese layer gently over the crust.
- Whisk chocolate pudding mix with cold milk until thick. Stir in dry hot cocoa mix until fully blended.
- Spread the pudding layer evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Sprinkle mini marshmallows evenly across the pudding.
- Spread remaining whipped topping over the marshmallows.
- Finish with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or festive toppings.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving.
Calories (Approx.)
Total calories (entire dessert): ~4,800 calories
Calories per serving (12–15 servings): ~320–400 calories
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dessert is pure holiday comfort layered into one irresistible dish. The cookie crust provides a rich, chocolatey base, while the cream cheese layer adds balance and softness. The hot cocoa–infused pudding is what truly makes this recipe viral — it deepens the chocolate flavor and gives the dessert its signature winter warmth.
Another reason this recipe explodes online every year is how customizable it is. You can sprinkle crushed candy canes for peppermint lovers, drizzle hot fudge for extra indulgence, or even add marshmallow fluff for a dramatic pull-apart moment. It adapts beautifully to whatever holiday vibe you’re going for.
Most importantly, this is the kind of dessert that brings people together. It’s easy enough for beginners, impressive enough for guests, and nostalgic enough to feel meaningful. It doesn’t just taste good — it feels good. That’s what makes it unforgettable.
If you’re looking for one dessert to define your holiday season — the one people screenshot, save, and request every year — this viral hot cocoa lasagna is it.
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