Name: Christmas Red Velvet Lasagna Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 4 h 33 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box red velvet cake mix; 1/2 cup butter melted; 1 egg; 16 ounces cream cheese softened; 1/2 cup confectioners sugar; 1/4 cup crushed candy canes; 1/4 cup milk; 16 ounces Cool Whip (divided); 2 3/4 cups milk divided; 2 3.4 ounce packages vanilla instant pudding; Green gel food coloring; Christmas sprinkles; Crushed candy canes

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 33 reviews

If you’re looking for a festive dessert that really wows at your holiday gathering, you’ve got to try my Christmas Red Velvet Lasagna Dessert Recipe. This layered treat is not only stunning with that vibrant red and green contrast, but it also combines creamy, fluffy, and crunchy textures in every bite. Honestly, it’s become a Christmas tradition in my family because it’s easy to make ahead, utterly delicious, and just screams holiday cheer. Stick around—I’ll walk you through everything so you nail it the first time!

💚

Why This Recipe Works

Perfect balance of flavors: The red velvet cake’s mild cocoa pairs beautifully with sweet cream cheese and cool minty candy canes.
Easy layering technique: No fancy baking skills needed—layering this dessert is straightforward and forgiving.
Make-ahead friendly: The lasagna chills wonderfully, so you can prep early and enjoy stress-free holiday hosting.
Visual wow factor: Those festive reds and greens make it a centerpiece-worthy dish that guests will remember.

Christmas Red Velvet Lasagna Dessert, festive red velvet layered dessert, holiday red velvet lasagna, Christmas dessert ideas, easy holiday layered dessert - A square piece of cake with two layers is lifted by a spatula above a white marbled surface. The cake’s bottom layer is chocolate brown, and the top is a thick white frosting spread evenly. The frosting is decorated with various colorful sprinkles, including green thin rods, small round pearls in pastel colors, yellow star shapes, and green Christmas tree shapes with red round sprinkles. The cake is in a silver baking pan with one piece missing from it. Nearby, there is a white bowl filled with green, red, and white holiday sprinkles. Two candy canes lie on the white marbled surface below the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Christmas Red Velvet Lasagna Dessert Recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture that complement each other perfectly. Plus, shopping for them is simple—most are pantry staples or easy to find in stores around the holidays.

Red velvet cake mix: The base of the dessert, it provides that festive red color and tender crumb without fussing over from-scratch baking.
Butter: Adds moisture and richness to the cake layer, ensuring a tender texture that won’t crumble apart when layered.
Egg: Helps bind the cake layer together and gives it a nice structure during baking.
Cream cheese: Essential for that tangy, creamy layer which balances sweetness and adds velvety depth.
Confectioners sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer smoothly without graininess.
Crushed candy canes: Breathe in that peppermint magic—they add festive crunch and cooling flavor.
Milk: Used in various layers for moisture and to achieve the perfect pudding consistency.
Cool Whip: Lightens up the cream cheese and pudding layers, adding fluffy texture and creaminess.
Vanilla instant pudding mix: Creates a luscious, firm but creamy green layer that holds the dessert together.
Green gel food coloring: Turns the pudding into that signature bright green, perfect for Christmas vibes.
Christmas sprinkles: Adds a fun, colorful crunch on top, making the dessert feel truly festive and special.

📝

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.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Christmas Red Velvet Lasagna Dessert Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you’re adapting it for dietary needs or just experimenting with flavors and presentation, you can really make it your own.

Variation: I’ve swapped the candy canes for crushed peppermint bark before—it adds a chocolaty peppermint twist that my family adored!
Dairy-free option: Try using dairy-free cream cheese and a coconut milk-based whipped topping for a version that friends with allergies can enjoy.
Make it a trifle: My personal favorite twist is cutting the cake into cubes and layering everything in a glass trifle bowl for a fun, show-stopping presentation.
Sweetness level: If you prefer it a little less sweet, reduce the confectioners sugar slightly in the cream cheese layer—still delicious but balanced.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Red Velvet Lasagna Dessert Recipe

Step 1: Make the Red Velvet Cake Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 13×9-inch pan thoroughly—this helps the cake layer come out cleanly for layering. In a large bowl, mix the red velvet cake mix with melted butter and egg until fully combined. Pour this into the pan and spread evenly. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, but start checking around 14 minutes—once a toothpick inserted comes out clean, it’s done! Let it cool completely before moving on; this keeps the layers neat and prevents melting.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

While your cake cools, whip up the cream cheese mixture. Beat softened cream cheese with confectioners sugar until smooth and creamy. Add 1/4 cup of milk and keep beating until well incorporated—this makes spreading easier. Next, gently fold in a container of Cool Whip for lightness, then stir in crushed candy canes to sprinkle that peppermint surprise throughout. Spread this layer evenly over your cooled cake and pop it in the fridge to chill.

Step 3: Mix and Color the Pudding Layer

Grab a large bowl and whisk together the vanilla instant pudding mixes with the remaining milk. Add green gel food coloring a little at a time until you hit that playful “Grinch green” that reminds us of the holidays. Pour this green pudding over the chilled cream cheese layer, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate again for at least 4 hours so the pudding sets properly—patience really pays off here!

Step 4: Final Cool Whip Topping and Garnish

When the pudding layer is firm, spread the second container of Cool Whip on top to add that fluffy finishing touch. Now comes the fun part—sprinkle on your Christmas sprinkles and a few extra crushed candy canes for a festive crunch and sparkle. This dessert looks as good as it tastes and your guests will be wowed!

💡

Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t skip chilling: The pudding needs at least 4 hours to set; otherwise, the layers won’t hold and it’ll be messy to serve.
Use softened cream cheese: I learned the hard way that cold cream cheese makes mixing lumpy, so leave it out for at least 30 minutes before using.
Gently fold Cool Whip: Folding instead of stirring keeps the creaminess light and fluffy instead of dense.
Watch the coloring: Add gel food coloring slowly—it’s easy to overshoot and get a shade too bright for your taste.

How to Serve Christmas Red Velvet Lasagna Dessert Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dessert with festive garnishes like crushed candy canes and colorful Christmas sprinkles—they add texture and a burst of holiday spirit. Sometimes, I even add edible red and green glitter or little fondant holly leaves for extra pizzazz when I’m serving guests. It’s those finishing touches that make this dessert feel truly special.

Side Dishes

This Christmas Red Velvet Lasagna Dessert pairs beautifully with lighter, fresh side dishes. Think peppermint tea, a refreshing citrus salad, or simple roasted nuts. These balance sweetness and keep the meal from feeling too heavy, especially after hearty holiday mains.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I love turning the recipe into a beautiful trifle in a glass bowl—cut the cake into cubes, then layer cream cheese, pudding, and Cool Whip. Seeing the layers through the glass is festive and fun for guests. You can also use mini mason jars for individual portions, which are perfect for gifting or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge. Because of the pudding and cream cheese layers, this dessert stays fresh for up to 4 days. Just make sure it’s chilled well—warm room temps can make the layers soften too much.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but with a slight texture change—the pudding may become a bit watery when thawed. I recommend freezing before adding the final Cool Whip layer, wrapped well, and thawing overnight in the fridge. Add the Cool Whip topping fresh before serving for the best results.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled so reheating isn’t recommended. If you want to soften it slightly before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. That way, the layers aren’t ice-cold but still hold their shape beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of the cake mix?

Absolutely! If you prefer baking your own red velvet cake from scratch, just make sure it’s not too dense. A tender, moist cake that cuts easily works best to keep the layers light and balanced. Just follow the rest of the recipe the same way and enjoy your homemade twist!
What if I don’t have green gel food coloring—can I skip it?

If you don’t have green gel food coloring, you can skip it, but the pudding won’t have that festive green pop. Alternatively, a small amount of natural colorants like spinach powder or matcha can tint the pudding green subtly—but test first to avoid strange flavors.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix or bake a gluten-free red velvet cake layer from scratch. The other ingredients are typically gluten-free, but always double-check your pudding mix and sprinkles to be sure.
How long does the Christmas Red Velvet Lasagna Dessert Recipe take to set?

The pudding layer requires at least 4 hours of refrigeration to set properly. I usually make it the night before serving to ensure everything is firm and flavors have melded beautifully.
Can I prepare this dessert in individual cups?

Yes! It’s perfect for individual servings. Just layer the ingredients in clear cups or mason jars for a charming presentation that’s easy to serve at parties or gifts.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, the Christmas Red Velvet Lasagna Dessert Recipe has quickly become one of my most requested holiday desserts because it’s festive, delicious, and so approachable. Every year, as I layer those vibrant colors and feel the excitement build, I know I’m making more than just a dessert—I’m making memories. You’ll love how easy it is to put together and the joy it brings to your celebrations. Give it a try—you’ll be glad you did, and so will everyone at your holiday table!