This sweet, minty dessert lasagna is light, fluffy, and easy to make—no baking needed! We layer crushed cookies, minty cream cheese, pudding, and whipped topping into a festive green treat that’s perfect for any St. Paddy’s celebration. It’s cool, creamy, and loaded with texture. Great for making ahead and even better the next day.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to when I want a St. Patrick’s Day dessert that feels like a party but takes barely any effort. It’s creamy, minty, and totally dreamy.
- No oven needed = stress-free
- You can make it ahead and chill it until it’s time to serve
- That combo of crushed cookies + cream is unbeatable
- It looks like you spent forever on it, but it’s actually super simple
Serves: 12
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 2–4 hours or overnight
Total Time: ~30 minutes active time
What You’ll Need
- 36 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos), crushed
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp peppermint extract (or vanilla if you prefer)
- Green food coloring (6–8 drops, gel or liquid)
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant white chocolate or cheesecake pudding
- 3 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip), divided
- Green sprinkles or shamrock candy toppers (optional)
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×9-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Food-safe gloves (for mixing food coloring if needed)
- Plastic wrap (for chilling)
Pro Tips
- Use gel food coloring for a richer green
- Let the cream cheese come to room temp—it blends way better
- Want extra crunch? Save a few crushed cookies to sprinkle on top
- Chill at least 2 hours, but overnight gives the best texture
- Don’t skip the peppermint—it adds that fresh dessert magic
Substitutions and Variations
- Use gluten-free cookies if needed
- Skip the peppermint and use vanilla if mint’s not your thing
- Use chocolate pudding instead of white chocolate
- Add mini chocolate chips or Andes mints to the layers for crunch
Make Ahead Tips
- You can make this a full day ahead and store it in the fridge covered
- Add the toppings (sprinkles, whipped cream) right before servingRecipe + Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cookie Crust
Crush 36 chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs. Mix with ¼ cup melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9×9 baking dish to form the crust. Chill while you prep the next layer.
Step 2: Make the Green Cream Cheese Layer
Beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1 cup powdered sugar until smooth. Add 1 tsp peppermint extract and 6–8 drops green food coloring. Fold in 1 cup whipped topping until fluffy.
Step 3: Spread the Mint Layer
Spread the green cream cheese mixture gently over the cookie crust in an even layer.
Step 4: Make the Pudding Layer
Whisk 2 cups cold milk with both pudding mixes (vanilla + cheesecake flavor) for 2 minutes until thick. Let sit for 2–3 minutes to firm up.
Step 5: Add the Pudding Layer
Spread the thick pudding layer over the green cream layer in the dish.
Step 6: Top with Whipped Topping
Spread the remaining 2 cups of whipped topping over the pudding. Smooth the top, then decorate with sprinkles or shamrock candies if using.
Step 7: Chill and Slice
Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours. Slice and serve cold.
Leftovers + Storage
- Store covered in the fridge up to 4 days
- Don’t freeze—it’ll mess with the creamy texture
- Keep chilled until serving for best slice and texture
Macros Information (Per Serving – makes 12)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 3g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The pudding thickens fast with cold milk, giving structure without baking. Folding whipped topping into the cream cheese adds air, keeping it light. Crushed cookies + butter make a solid base that holds it all up, especially after chilling.
Common Mistakes
- Not letting it chill long enough – it won’t slice clean
- Using warm cream cheese – it won’t mix smooth
- Adding food coloring late – color won’t mix evenly
- Using too much milk – pudding layer will be too soft
What to Serve With
- Mint hot chocolate
- Irish coffee (for adults)
- Simple fruit skewers
- Chocolate-dipped strawberries with green drizzle
FAQ
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free pudding, cream cheese, and whipped topping (like coconut whip).
Do I need a mixer?
A hand mixer is best for smooth layers, but you can do it with a strong whisk and patience!
Can I freeze it?
Nope. It turns icy and weird. Best kept chilled, not frozen.
Final Thoughts
This Shamrock Dessert Lasagna is creamy, festive, and just the right amount of minty. It’s so easy to throw together, but it feels like a holiday celebration in every bite. Try it out, have fun decorating it, and let me know how yours turns out!
