Name: Christmas Peppermint Lasagna Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box Red Velvet Cake mix; ½ cup butter melted; 1 large egg; 16 ounces Cream Cheese; ½ cup confectioners sugar; ¼ cup crushed peppermint candies; ¼ cup milk; 8 ounces Whipped topping, like Cool Whip; 2 boxes Vanilla Instant Pudding 5.1 ounce boxes; 2 ½ cups milk; Green gel food coloring; 8 ounces Whipped topping; Holiday colored sprinkles

There’s something so festive and fun about layering flavors and textures, and this Christmas Peppermint Lasagna Dessert Recipe beautifully combines red velvet, creamy cheesecake, and cool peppermint into one irresistible treat. It’s like the holiday spirit baked into dessert form, perfect for sharing with family or friends.

This image shows a slice of a layered dessert held by a woman's hand on a metal spatula above a metal pan. The dessert has four layers: the bottom layer is a dark red, dense cake; above it is a thick white creamy layer with a light red tint; next is a bright green gelatin-like layer; and the top layer is white whipped cream decorated with small green, yellow star, and red round sprinkles. The background features a soft white marbled texture and blurred holiday decorations. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Peppermint Lasagna Dessert Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Christmas Peppermint Lasagna Dessert Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Christmas Peppermint Lasagna Dessert Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

When I made this Christmas Peppermint Lasagna Dessert Recipe for the first time, I was blown away by how easy it was to pull together yet how impressive it looked and tasted. It’s a no-fail crowd-pleaser that practically screams holiday cheer.

Layered Flavors & Textures: Each layer offers something unique—from cake, creamy cheesecake, peppermint crunch, to fluffy whipped topping.
Simple Ingredients: It uses easy-to-find pantry staples that most people have on hand, making last-minute holiday prep less stressful.
Customizable Festive Touch: You can adjust color, peppermint level, and sprinkles to match your holiday vibe perfectly.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It chills wonderfully, so you can prep it the day before your holiday party and focus on other things.

The image shows a dessert with three layers on a white plate in front of a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a dark brown cake with a smooth texture, topped by a thicker, light pink creamy layer with fine red bits inside. Above this is a medium-thick green gelatin-like layer, smooth and shiny. The top layer is white and fluffy, covered with green, red, and gold sprinkles scattered unevenly. Behind the plate is a square white baking pan holding the remaining dessert with one piece removed, and another cut piece on a white plate with a silver fork next to it. Small festive decorations, including candy canes and ornaments, are spread around the scene, giving a holiday feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This dessert layers classic festive flavors with textures that complement each other beautifully. Each ingredient plays a specific role, and I love how simple things like vanilla pudding and peppermint candies transform into holiday magic.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of bright red velvet cake mix powder, a small pool of melted butter beside it, one large whole egg with a clean shell, a block of cream cheese with a smooth surface, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine white confectioners sugar, a small white ceramic bowl holding crushed peppermint candies in red and white, a simple white ceramic bowl of fresh whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl brimming with fluffy white whipped topping, two unopened packets of vanilla instant pudding mix standing upright, a tiny white ceramic bowl with vivid green gel food coloring, and a small white ceramic bowl filled with colorful holiday sprinkles, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Red Velvet Cake Mix: The base gives that rich, slightly chocolatey flavor that's iconic for the season and a gorgeous red color.
Butter: Melting the butter helps create a cookie-like crust rather than cake, adding a nice sturdy layer for the toppings.
Egg: Binds the cake base perfectly so it holds together when layering.
Cream Cheese: Adds tanginess and creaminess, balancing the sweetness wonderfully.
Confectioners Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer smoothly without grit.
Crushed Peppermint Candies: Provide a delightful crunch and festive peppermint flavor—totally optional if you prefer a milder taste.
Milk: Essential for mixing pudding and cream cheese layers to the right consistency.
Whipped Topping (like Cool Whip): Lightens up the cream cheese layer and finishes off the dessert with fluffiness.
Vanilla Instant Pudding: Creates a creamy, luscious middle layer that holds the gel food coloring beautifully.
Green Gel Food Coloring: Gives that vibrant holiday green to the pudding without watering it down.
Holiday Colored Sprinkles: Adds visual fun and a sprinkle of extra cheer on top.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with this Christmas Peppermint Lasagna Dessert Recipe depending on my mood and who I’m serving it to. It’s super versatile—feel free to swap ingredients or add your favorite festive extras.

Variation: I’ve made it without the peppermint candies for a subtle mint flavor that my peppermint-sensitive guests appreciated.
Dietary Tip: You can try dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping options to make it vegan-friendly, though results vary.
Seasonal Twist: Use red gel food coloring instead of green for a classic red-and-white look or swap sprinkles based on your holiday décor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Peppermint Lasagna Dessert Recipe

Step 1: Crafting the Cookie-Like Red Velvet Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 13x9 baking pan—trust me, this prevents any sticky surprises later. Instead of following the box instructions for the cake mix, I blend the mix with melted butter and an egg using an electric mixer. This combination creates a sturdier, cookie-like base rather than a soft cake, which is perfect for holding all those delicious layers. Pour that batter into the pan and smooth it evenly. Bake for 15 minutes, then let it cool completely for about 30 minutes before moving on. This cooling step is crucial to keep the other layers from melting or sliding off.

Step 2: Whipping Up the Cream Cheese Peppermint Layer

While your base cools, beat the cream cheese and confectioners sugar together for that creamy sweetness. Add ¼ cup of milk to loosen it up just right. Gently fold in half of your whipped topping and the crushed peppermint candies. This layer brings a gorgeous balance of creaminess with a refreshing peppermint crunch. Spread it evenly over the cooled red velvet layer, then pop the whole pan into the fridge for about 30 minutes so it firms up nicely.

Step 3: Creating the Festive Green Pudding Layer

In a clean bowl, mix the remaining 2½ cups of milk with both boxes of vanilla instant pudding until thickened. Add green gel food coloring a few drops at a time until you reach the perfect holiday hue—start with 5-6 drops and adjust from there. Pour this vibrant pudding over the cream cheese layer and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling step is super important for clean slices and the perfect texture.

Step 4: Finishing with Fluffy Whipped Topping and Sprinkles

Once your pudding layer is set, spread the remaining whipped topping over the surface like a fluffy white blanket. Then go ahead and sprinkle on those festive holiday colored sprinkles—it’s the little touch that brings the dessert fully to life. Serve chilled and watch your guests light up with delight.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Christmas Peppermint Lasagna Dessert Recipe multiple times, getting the layering right and chilling it properly are key to perfection.

Don’t Skip Cooling the Base: Make sure the red velvet layer is fully cooled before adding the cream cheese layer to avoid melting and mixing.
Crush Peppermints Finely: I learned that too-large peppermint bits can make cutting messy, so I pulse mine lightly in a food processor.
Chill Until Set: Patience here is your friend; allowing at least 2 hours ensures the pudding sets up firm for clean slices.
Use Gel Food Coloring: It won’t affect the pudding texture like liquid colorings can, giving you that crisp green look every time.

How to Serve Christmas Peppermint Lasagna Dessert Recipe

Garnishes

I usually stick with holiday colored sprinkles because they’re easy and festive, but crushed candy canes, mini chocolate chips, or a light dusting of cocoa powder can be delightful alternatives. Sometimes I add a fresh mint leaf on each slice for a crisp pop of green that complements the peppermint beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dessert is rich and festive on its own, but pairing it with a simple cup of spiced hot cocoa or peppermint coffee really elevates the experience. For a party, I like having fresh fruit or light cookies alongside, so guests can balance sweetness with fresh bites.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I made individual servings in clear parfait glasses—layered beautifully so guests could see each colorful step. It was a hit at our holiday brunch. You can also create a festive platter with slices arranged in a grid and garnished with seasonal edible flowers or crushed peppermint around the edges for show-stopping tablescapes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always cover this dessert tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and keep it in the fridge. It holds up well for 3-4 days, which is perfect because it rarely lasts that long in my house! Keeping it chilled maintains the layers’ texture and flavor.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing leftovers once, but I recommend only freezing the individual layers separately if possible. Freezing the whole assembled lasagna can change the texture of the pudding and whipped topping, making them a bit watery after thawing. If freezing, thaw slowly in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

This dessert is best served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to soften layers, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving—it makes cutting easier and the flavors open up nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Christmas Peppermint Lasagna Dessert Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead helps the layers set firm and develops flavors beautifully. Just be sure to cover it well and keep it refrigerated.

What if I don’t like peppermint or can't find peppermint candies?

You can skip the crushed peppermint candies or substitute them with finely grated white chocolate or crushed red and green sprinkles. It’ll still be festive and delicious without the minty crunch.

Can I use homemade pudding instead of instant?

Instant pudding is key here for quick and easy setting without extra steps. Homemade pudding might be too runny or require thickening agents, so I recommend sticking with instant packets for the best result.

How do I cut the Christmas Peppermint Lasagna Dessert without it falling apart?

Use a sharp, thin knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. Chill the dessert well before slicing to keep the layers intact. This technique helps achieve clean, pretty slices every time.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Peppermint Lasagna Dessert Recipe has become my go-to holiday dessert because it’s festive, flavorful, and fuss-free. I love the way the layers come together both visually and taste-wise, and it always earns compliments at every gathering. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do—give it a try and see how it adds a deliciously cool twist to your holiday table.