Description
This raspberry dark chocolate lasagna recipe creates a showstopping no-bake dessert that combines the rich intensity of dark chocolate with the bright, tangy freshness of raspberries. Layer after beautiful layer, this dessert creates a symphony of textures and flavors that make it impossible to resist.
Ingredients
- For the Cookie Crust Layer:
- 24 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon dark chocolate cocoa powder
- For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip), divided
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips, melted and cooled slightly
- For the Raspberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh raspberries (plus extra for garnish)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon cold water
- 1 package (3 oz) raspberry flavored gelatin
- For the Chocolate Pudding Layer:
- 2 packages (3.9 oz each) instant dark chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)
- For the Topping:
- Remaining whipped topping (approximately 4 oz)
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate shavings or curls
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 2 tablespoons dark chocolate sauce for drizzling
- 2 tablespoons crushed freeze-dried raspberries (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Crust:
- Place chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor and pulse until you have fine crumbs.
- Add dark chocolate cocoa powder to the crumbs and mix well.
- Pour in the melted butter and pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Place in refrigerator to chill while preparing the next layer.
- Create the Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Add milk and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until well combined.
- Gently fold in half of the whipped topping until no streaks remain.
- Carefully fold in the melted white chocolate, being careful not to overmix.
- Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled cookie crust.
- Return to refrigerator while preparing the next layer.
- Prepare the Raspberry Layer:
- In a medium saucepan, combine fresh raspberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once simmering, mash the berries slightly with a wooden spoon or potato masher.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the raspberry gelatin powder until completely dissolved.
- Allow mixture to cool to room temperature (but not set).
- Pour evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Return to refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow this layer to set partially.
- Create the Chocolate Pudding Layer:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dark chocolate pudding mix, cold milk, and espresso powder (if using).
- Whisk vigorously for 2 minutes until the pudding begins to thicken.
- Let stand for 5 minutes to thicken further.
- Carefully spread the chocolate pudding over the partially set raspberry layer.
- Return to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes.
- Add the Final Touches:
- Spread the remaining whipped topping over the set chocolate pudding layer.
- Sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings or curls.
- Arrange fresh raspberries on top in a decorative pattern.
- Drizzle with dark chocolate sauce just before serving.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow all layers to set completely.
Notes
For best results, make this dessert a day ahead to allow the flavors to meld and layers to set properly. For a smoother raspberry layer, strain the raspberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds. When cutting, dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between cuts for picture-perfect servings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: raspberry dark chocolate lasagna recipe, chocolate dessert, no-bake dessert, layer dessert, raspberry chocolate, make-ahead dessert