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Chocolate Pumpkin Lasagna Recipe

If you’re anything like me and love desserts that are both festive and downright delicious, this Chocolate Pumpkin Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new go-to! It’s creamy, rich, with layers that bring together the best of chocolate and pumpkin flavors—perfect for cozy fall evenings or impressing guests at holiday get-togethers. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it all season long.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No-Bake Convenience: You won’t have to heat up your kitchen or fuss with baking—the layers come together easily and chill to set.
  • Delicious Layered Flavor: The blend of chocolate, pumpkin, and whipped cream creates a perfectly balanced, luscious dessert.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this, especially during fall celebrations, and I bet your guests will too.
  • Customizable Toppings: Add spooky Halloween touches or keep it classic with chocolate curls—either way it looks and tastes amazing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in a way that makes the dessert both decadent and light. The chocolate sandwich cookies provide a firm, flavorful crust, while the whipped cream and cream cheese layers give it a smooth texture—plus, I always recommend fresh pumpkin puree for authentic flavor.

  • Chocolate cream filled sandwich cookies: Using cookies with cream inside adds richness and helps bind the crust.
  • Unsalted butter: Melted butter helps press the crust together and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
  • Heavy whipping cream: Chilled cream whips up best and creates that light, fluffy texture we want.
  • Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness without graininess; perfect for whipped cream and cheesecake layers.
  • Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is key for a smooth, creamy cheesecake layer—room temperature works best.
  • Dark cocoa powder: This gives the chocolate layer a deep, rich flavor without any extra sweetness.
  • Vanilla extract: A little vanilla enhances all the dessert layers and balances the pumpkin spice.
  • Pumpkin puree: Look for pure pumpkin, not pie filling, to get the best natural taste.
  • Pumpkin pie spice: The perfect blend to evoke all those fall vibes in the pumpkin layer.
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.

Variations

I love that the Chocolate Pumpkin Lasagna Recipe is super flexible. I often switch things up based on what I have in my pantry or to suit the occasion, and I encourage you to do the same—it’s one of those desserts that handles tweaks really well!

  • Spice it up: Once, I added a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chocolate layer—it added such a fun, unexpected warmth that my friends raved about.
  • Texture tweak: Try folding in some finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the pumpkin layer for a bit of crunch.
  • Dairy-free swap: Use coconut whipped cream and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives—I’ve done this with great results for vegan friends.
  • Seasonal flair: Around Halloween, I like decorating with cute marshmallow ghosts or writing “RIP” on cookies for a spooky touch.

How to Make Chocolate Pumpkin Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Create the Chocolate Cookie Crust

Start by pulsing your chocolate sandwich cookies—including the cream—right in a food processor until they’re crumbly but not powdery. This keeps a bit of texture that I love in the crust. Mix those crumbs with the melted butter until everything looks like damp sand, then press evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to get it nice and compact. Pop it into the fridge to chill while you prepare the layers—that way it firms up and holds together perfectly.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream

Put your mixer bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for about 10 minutes to chill—it really helps the cream whip up faster and fluffier. Then beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar until you get stiff peaks. This means when you lift the whisk, the cream holds its shape—no drooping! Keep this bowl in the fridge while you mix the cheesecake layers to keep it stable.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Cheesecake Layer

Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until super creamy—scrape the bowl well to avoid lumps. Mix in the dark cocoa powder and vanilla, beating again until smooth. Now, fold in about half of the whipped cream carefully so you keep it light and airy—use a spatula and gently fold from underneath rather than stirring vigorously. Spread this rich chocolate mixture evenly over the chilled crust. This layer is where the magic starts happening!

Step 4: Prepare the Pumpkin Cheesecake Layer

Beat your cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth, then add pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Beat until combined and creamy. Just like before, gently fold in the remaining whipped cream to keep the light texture. Spread this pumpkin layer carefully over the chocolate layer, trying not to mix the two—layers look so pretty when they’re distinct!

Step 5: Top with Whipped Cream and Chill

Spread the remaining whipped cream evenly on top of the pumpkin layer for that beautiful, fluffy finish. Then refrigerate your lasagna for at least 2 hours so all the layers set nicely and the flavors meld. Just before serving, sprinkle with chocolate curls or get creative with festive Halloween toppings if you’re feeling fun—this part always gets me excited!

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Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Pumpkin Lasagna Recipe

  • Keep Everything Chilled: Cold bowls and ingredients make whipping cream easier and help your layers set better.
  • Gentle Folding: Folding in whipped cream delicately keeps layers light—don’t rush or your lasagna can get dense.
  • Perfect Crust Packing: Use a flat-bottomed cup to press the crust firmly and evenly so it holds together when slicing.
  • Use Pure Pumpkin: I learned that pure pumpkin puree gives the best flavor and texture—you won’t want to substitute pumpkin pie filling here.

How to Serve Chocolate Pumpkin Lasagna Recipe

A dessert slice with four visible layers sits on a white plate over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is dark, crumbly, and looks like crushed cookies. Above it is a thick, rich, smooth brown layer. Next is a thinner, bright orange layer which appears creamy. The top layer is thick, white, and fluffy, covered with dark chocolate curls on the surface. On top are two decorations: a cookie shaped like a tombstone with

Garnishes

I always top this with chocolate curls for that elegant touch—it adds a little texture and makes it look like a dessert you’d order at a fancy restaurant! If it’s Halloween, I love decorating with marshmallow ghosts or candy corn pumpkins. Adding a few festive cookie tombstones can really wow your guests and make serving extra fun.

Side Dishes

While this dessert is a star on its own, I like pairing it with a light, spiced apple cider or a robust cup of coffee. A plate of fresh seasonal fruit—think crisp pears or tart green apples—balances the richness beautifully and adds freshness to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try making this lasagna in individual mason jars or small parfait glasses—layering the flavors looks stunning and individual portions make serving a breeze. Another idea is to add a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted pecans on top before serving to boost the texture and flavor contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chocolate pumpkin lasagna covered tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid in the fridge. It stays fresh and creamy for up to 3 days, which is perfect because usually it doesn’t last longer than that in my house!

Freezing

Freezing this can be a bit tricky because of the whipped cream layers, but I’ve found that freezing individual portions wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil works best. Let them thaw gently in the fridge overnight before serving to preserve texture as much as possible.

Reheating

This lasagna is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so I don’t recommend reheating it. Let it sit out for 10–15 minutes for the flavors to shine if it’s come straight from the fridge.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the Chocolate Pumpkin Lasagna Recipe ahead of time?

    Absolutely! This dessert actually benefits from some resting time. I usually assemble it the day before, let it chill overnight, and the flavors meld even better by the time I serve it.

  2. Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

    It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, because the filling is already sweetened and spiced. Using pure pumpkin lets you control the spice and sweetness perfectly for this recipe.

  3. How do I make chocolate curls for garnish?

    Chocolate curls are easier than you think! Just run a vegetable peeler along the edge of a slightly softened chocolate bar. It’s a little trick I learned that instantly elevates presentation.

  4. Can I substitute the cream cheese?

    You can try alternatives like Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option, but cream cheese gives the best texture and tang. For dairy-free, use a plant-based cream cheese, although the texture may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

I can’t tell you how many times this Chocolate Pumpkin Lasagna Recipe has saved me during the fall—whether it’s a last-minute dessert for a dinner party or a special treat to enjoy after a chilly day. The layers bring together creamy, rich textures with classic fall flavors, and making it is so rewarding because the results look and taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. Honestly, if you’re a pumpkin and chocolate fan, you need to try this—once you do, I guarantee it’ll become a beloved tradition in your home, just like it is in mine.

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Chocolate Pumpkin Lasagna Recipe

4.7 from 339 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A festive and indulgent no-bake dessert perfect for Halloween, featuring layers of chocolate and pumpkin cheesecake on a chocolate cookie crust, topped with whipped cream and optional spooky decorations.


Ingredients

For the Crust

  • 30 chocolate cream filled sandwich cookies
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Whipped Cream

  • 3 cups heavy whipping cream
  • ¾ cup powdered sugar

For the Chocolate Cheesecake Layer

  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ cup dark cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pumpkin Cheesecake Layer

  • 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • ¾ cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Pulse the chocolate cream filled sandwich cookies, including the cream, in a food processor until they become crumbly. Mix the cookie crumbs with the melted butter until combined, then press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan. Refrigerate the crust until ready to assemble the layers.
  2. Make the Whipped Cream: Place the mixer bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for 10 minutes to chill. Add the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar to the chilled bowl and beat until stiff peaks form. Set the whipped cream aside in the refrigerator.
  3. Prepare the Chocolate Cheesecake Layer: Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy. Add the dark cocoa powder and vanilla extract and beat again until smooth. Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of the whipped cream. Spread this chocolate cheesecake mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
  4. Prepare the Pumpkin Cheesecake Layer: Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until creamy. Add the pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract, and beat again until combined. Gently fold in the remaining 1 ½ cups of whipped cream. Spread this pumpkin cheesecake layer evenly over the chocolate layer.
  5. Top with Remaining Whipped Cream: Spread the remaining whipped cream evenly over the pumpkin layer, smoothing the surface well. Refrigerate the assembled lasagna for at least 2 hours or until it is fully set.
  6. Add Optional Halloween Toppings: Before serving, sprinkle chocolate curls over the top. For festive Halloween decoration, write ‘RIP’ on cookies with black gel frosting, attach candy eyes to marshmallow ghosts using small dots of black gel, and decorate the top with tombstone cookies, marshmallow ghosts, and candy corn pumpkins.

Notes

  • Optional toppings include chocolate curls, Pepperidge Farm Milano® cookies, black gel frosting, marshmallow ghosts, candy eyes, and candy corn pumpkins to create a spooky Halloween theme.
  • Ensure all cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and smoother texture.
  • Chill time is crucial for the layers to set properly and for the lasagna to slice neatly.
  • This dessert is best served chilled and consumed within 2-3 days for freshness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/24 of recipe)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 23g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

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