Name: Lasagna Dessert Recipe: Red Velvet, Cheesecake, and Pudding Layered Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box Red Velvet Cake mix; ½ cup butter, melted; 1 large egg; 16 ounces cream cheese, softened; ½ cup confectioners’ sugar; ¼ cup crushed peppermint candies; ¼ cup milk; 8 ounces whipped topping (such as Cool Whip); 2 boxes vanilla instant pudding (5.1 ounce each); 2 ½ cups milk; Green gel food coloring (5-6 drops or to desired color); 8 ounces whipped topping (such as Cool Whip); Holiday colored sprinkles

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 11 reviews

If you are looking for an extraordinary dessert that will wow your friends and family, this Lasagna Dessert Recipe: Red Velvet, Cheesecake, and Pudding Layered Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. It perfectly combines the rich flavors of a red velvet cake base, a luscious cheesecake layer, and a creamy pudding topping, all coming together in a harmonious dance of textures and tastes. Finished with fluffy whipped topping and festive sprinkles, this dessert is as delightful to look at as it is to eat, making it a show-stopping treat for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several clear glass bowls placed on a white marbled surface, each containing different baking ingredients. In the center top, there is a large bowl filled with light brown cocoa powder. To its left, a smaller bowl holds white powdered sugar, and below that, another bowl contains white cubes of butter. On the right side, two small bowls have white powdered vanilla and a beaten yellow egg mixture. At the bottom left, a large measuring cup is full of milk. Next to it, a small bowl holds a whole white egg, and near it, another small bowl has crushed red and white peppermint pieces. To the right bottom, a bowl is filled with colorful green, red, and orange sprinkles, and beside it lie four small red and white striped candy canes. There is also a small green and white bottle cap near the candy canes. The background is a clean white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that are both easy to find and essential to creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a unique role, from providing structure to adding creamy richness and vibrant color.

1 box Red Velvet Cake mix: The flavorful and moist base that gives the dessert its iconic vibrant red color.
½ cup melted butter: Adds richness and helps create that cookie-like texture for the cake layer.
1 large egg: Binds the cake ingredients together for stability.
16 ounces cream cheese: The star ingredient of the cheesecake layer, delivering tangy creaminess.
½ cup confectioners sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake layer while keeping it silky smooth.
¼ cup crushed peppermint candies: Adds a refreshing crunch and festive flavor.
2 ¾ cups milk, divided: Used for mixing the cheesecake and instant pudding layers.
16 ounces whipped topping (like Cool Whip): Provides a light and airy finishing layer and richness within the cheesecake layer.
2 boxes Vanilla Instant Pudding (5.1 oz each): Creates a creamy, slightly firm pudding layer with a subtle vanilla flavor.
Green gel food coloring: Gives the pudding a vibrant holiday-green hue, perfect for festive occasions.
Holiday colored sprinkles: Adds cheerful color and a fun crunch to the final topping.

How to Make Lasagna Dessert Recipe: Red Velvet, Cheesecake, and Pudding Layered Cake Recipe

Step 1: Create Your Red Velvet Base

Preheat your oven to 350° F and grease a 13×9 baking pan to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix with melted butter and the egg. Unlike a traditional cake batter, this mixture will have a thicker, cookie-like consistency — don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want! Spread the batter evenly in the pan and bake for 15 minutes. Once done, let it cool completely for about 30 minutes before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer

In a separate medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and confectioners sugar until smooth. Slowly add ¼ cup of milk and mix until combined and creamy. Now fold in 8 ounces of the whipped topping and the crushed peppermint candies, which add a delightful festive crunch. Spread this luscious cheesecake mixture evenly over your cooled red velvet base, then place the pan in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Pudding Layer

While the cheesecake sets, grab a large bowl and whisk together the remaining 2 ½ cups of milk with the two boxes of vanilla instant pudding until thickened. Add green gel food coloring a few drops at a time until you achieve your desired vibrant shade. Pour this creamy pudding layer gently over the chilled cheesecake layer, smoothing out the top. Return the dessert to the fridge for at least 2 hours or until it has fully set.

Step 4: Final Whipped Topping and Decoration

When the pudding is set, spread the remaining 8 ounces of whipped topping in a smooth layer over the pudding. To make this dessert truly festive, sprinkle holiday colored sprinkles on top for a burst of color and texture that will excite every guest at your table.

How to Serve Lasagna Dessert Recipe: Red Velvet, Cheesecake, and Pudding Layered Cake Recipe

A slice of a layered dessert is shown on a metal spatula above a silver baking pan. The bottom layer is a thick, dark red cake with a moist texture. Above that is a thick white creamy layer with tiny red specks inside. The next layer is a thinner, smooth light green gel-like layer. The top layer is white fluffy whipped topping with green and white sprinkles, small gold stars, white round pearls, and a few decorative candy shapes including a red ball and a green leaf. The background has a white marbled texture and blurred holiday decorations. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra-special presentation, add a few whole peppermint candies or crushed candy canes on top in addition to the sprinkles. Fresh mint leaves or edible glitter also make excellent garnishes that complement the holiday vibe and enhance the vibrant look of the dessert.

Side Dishes

This layered cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream to amp up the indulgence. Serving with a cup of hot coffee or spiced winter tea creates a warm and cozy dessert experience, especially in colder months.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving this layered cake in clear glass trifle bowls or individual dessert cups to showcase the beautiful layers. You can also cut it into squares and serve on holiday-themed plates for a charming party presentation that’s easy for guests to grab and enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dessert stays fresh when covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to blend even more over time.

Freezing

You can freeze this dessert if needed. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. For the best quality, consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain texture.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled dessert, reheating is not recommended as it will affect the texture and layers. Instead, serve straight from the fridge or allow it to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving if you prefer it slightly less chilled.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dessert actually benefits from some time resting in the fridge to allow the layers to set perfectly. Making it a day ahead is a great strategy for hassle-free entertaining.

Do I have to use red velvet cake mix?

Red velvet adds a unique flavor and festive color, which is central to this dessert’s charm. However, if you want to experiment, a chocolate cake mix could also work, just know it will change the overall flavor profile.

Can I substitute homemade pudding?

While instant pudding is convenient and sets nicely, you can use homemade pudding if preferred. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold the layers without running.

Is this dessert gluten-free?

This recipe typically includes red velvet cake mix which usually contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, you would need to find a gluten-free red velvet mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

How do I get the pudding layer so green and vibrant?

Using gel food coloring instead of liquid is key to achieving a bright, rich green without thinning out the pudding. Start with a few drops and gradually add until the color is perfect.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that combines festive colors, rich textures, and layers of incredible flavor, this Lasagna Dessert Recipe: Red Velvet, Cheesecake, and Pudding Layered Cake Recipe is just what you need. It’s surprisingly easy to make yet impressively beautiful and delicious. I promise your guests will ask for the recipe again and again, so don’t hesitate to treat yourself and try this layered masterpiece soon!