Cookie Lasagna with Cream Cheese and Vanilla Pudding Recipe
A festive no-bake Cookie Lasagna dessert featuring layers of crushed Christmas sugar cookies, creamy cheesecake filling, instant vanilla pudding with cookie crunch, and whipped topping. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, this easy-to-make layered dessert delights with its creamy textures and crunchy cookie bursts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 24 Christmas sugar cookies (or shortbread cookies)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or whipped topping
Vanilla Pudding Layer
- 1 package (3.4 oz / 96g) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) cold milk
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional for a festive flavor)
- ½ cup crushed Christmas cookies
Topping
- 2 cups whipped topping
- Crushed Christmas cookies, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Crush the cookies for the crust into fine crumbs using a food processor or by hand. Combine with melted butter until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch dish. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Make the cheesecake layer: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Fold in the whipped topping or heavy cream carefully to maintain lightness. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- Prepare the pudding layer: In another bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and almond extract until thickened according to package instructions. Stir in the crushed Christmas cookies to add texture, then spread this pudding layer evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Add the topping and garnish: Spread the 2 cups of whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer. Decorate the top with additional crushed cookies, colorful sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips for a festive look.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow all layers to firm up and the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- For a richer crust, use shortbread cookies instead of sugar cookies if desired.
- Almond extract is optional but adds a lovely festive aroma and flavor.
- Make sure to soften cream cheese to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
- This dessert is best served cold and fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use heavy cream or quality whipped topping for a stable, airy cheesecake layer.
Keywords: cookie lasagna, no bake dessert, Christmas dessert, layered dessert, instant pudding dessert, holiday cookie dessert
