Festive Red Velvet Christmas Lasagna Recipe

Let me share a dessert that’s become an absolute holiday showstopper in my kitchen! The Festive Red Velvet Christmas Lasagna Recipe is this dreamy, layered treat that’s as fun to make as it is to devour. Picture rich red velvet cake, tangy cream cheese, cool minty candy canes, and a bright green pudding layer — all coming together with fluffy whipped topping. It’s colorful, festive, and the perfect sweet finish for your Christmas gathering. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so you nail it on your first try!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe balances the richness of red velvet cake with the cool creaminess of cream cheese and whipped topping, plus a lively mint twist from candy canes. When shopping, I like to pick a good-quality red velvet cake mix for the best flavor and texture, and don’t skimp on fresh cream cheese — it really makes a difference here.

• Red velvet cake mix: Choose one you love or one with a hint of cocoa for that traditional flavor.
• Butter: Provides moisture and richness for the cake layer, melted for easy mixing.
• Egg: Helps bind the cake batter together perfectly.
• Cream cheese: Softened is key — it creates that luscious tangy layer.
• Confectioners sugar: Adds gentle sweetness without grittiness in the cream cheese layer.
• Crushed candy canes: For that minty pop and holiday sparkle; crush them fresh for best crunch.
• Milk: Divided use to make cake batter and pudding layers smooth and creamy.
• Cool Whip: I like the fluffy no-fuss topping that blends beautifully into the layers.
• Vanilla instant pudding mix: Creates a silky, set pudding layer — a big part of the festive green magic.
• Green gel food coloring: Feel free to adjust until you get that perfect Christmas green shade.
• Christmas sprinkles and crushed candy canes: For the ultimate festive finishing touch.

Variations

I like to keep this lasagna recipe flexible — it’s great fun to play around with. Maybe you want to amp up the peppermint or try a different color theme for other holidays. Make this recipe truly yours and don’t worry about sticking to the exact colors or candy types.

• Chocolate Mint Twist: Swap candy canes with Andes mints chopped finely — my family goes crazy for that combo!
• Non-Dairy Options: Use coconut cream and non-dairy pudding mixes if you’re serving vegan guests.
• Trifle Style: I discovered this trick when I cut the cake into chunks and layered in tall glasses — so pretty and perfect for individual servings.
• Extra Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts between layers for a pleasing texture contrast.

How to Make Festive Red Velvet Christmas Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Bake Your Red Velvet Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 13×9 inch pan well — you don’t want your first cake layer sticking! In a large mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, melted butter, and egg until smooth. Spread this batter evenly into the pan and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Trust me, that thin layer sets the whole stage — make it nice and even for best layering later. Once baked, set it aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Candy Cane Layer

While the cake cools, grab a medium bowl to make your creamy layer. Beat the softened cream cheese with confectioners sugar until silky smooth — no lumps, please! Then pour in 1/4 cup of milk, mixing well again. Fold in one container of Cool Whip along with the crushed candy canes. I love how those little peppermint bits surprise you as you bite; they’re festive and fresh. Gently spread this mixture evenly over the cooled cake base and pop it in the fridge while you prep the next layer.

Step 3: Make the Magical Green Pudding Layer

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the vanilla instant pudding mixes with 2 3/4 cups cold milk until thickened — about two minutes. Now here comes the fun part: add green gel food coloring a little at a time, stirring until you hit that perfect ‘Grinch green’ shade. When your pudding is ready, pour it carefully over the cream cheese layer and smooth it out. This color really brings the Christmas vibe alive, and your guests will be wowed!

Step 4: Chill and Top with Whipped Topping

Refrigerate your layers for at least 4 hours — this is key for the pudding to set and flavors to meld beautifully. Once firm, spread the second container of Cool Whip evenly over the top, then decorate with Christmas sprinkles and more crushed candy canes for that extra festive sparkle. I find this step really ups the wow factor, especially for holiday guests. Serve chilled and prepare to watch your family and friends’ faces light up!

How to Serve Festive Red Velvet Christmas Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

I always top mine with extra crushed candy canes and sprinkle a handful of Christmas-themed sprinkles or edible glitter. It gives a little crunch and brings such a joyful, festive look right to the plate. If you want to get fancy, fresh mint leaves or small red berries also make beautiful garnishes.

Side Dishes

This dessert needs little accompaniment, but I find it pairs nicely with a simple cup of peppermint tea or a lightly spiced mulled wine during holiday dinners. It’s also great alongside a fresh fruit platter to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I put together individual parfait glasses by layering cut cake chunks, cream cheese mixture, pudding, and toppings in clear glasses — it made for a stunning table display and was super easy to serve. If you’re having a party, consider setting up a ‘build-your-own’ station using components of this lasagna for guests to customize their own parfaits.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After serving, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container to keep the lasagna fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. I’ve noticed it even tastes better the next day, once all the layers have had extra time to settle together.

Freezing

Freezing this dessert isn’t my first choice because of the whipped topping and pudding layers, which can lose their texture. But if you want to freeze, I suggest slicing into individual portions, wrapping tightly, and thawing overnight in the fridge before serving. It won’t be quite as fluffy but still delicious.

Reheating

This dessert is best enjoyed cold, so I don’t recommend reheating. If it’s gotten too firm from the fridge, just let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for the creamiest bite.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Festive Red Velvet Christmas Lasagna Recipe turns out — not just because it looks like a holiday dream come true, but because it’s become a tradition my family truly looks forward to. When I first made it, I was amazed at how easy it was, yet how much it felt like a fancy dessert. If you’re looking for a show-stopping sweet to bring to your celebration or just want to treat yourself to something special this season, give this one a try. I promise, you’ll enjoy every festive bite as much as I do!

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