This delightful Shamrock Lasagna became a family favorite during St. Patrick's Day. The first time I made it, the kids loved the green color and fun flavors. Now, it’s something we whip up for holidays and sunny weekends, bringing smiles to our faces with every layer!
This delicious dessert looks stunning, tastes marvelous, and is perfect for special celebrations or casual family gatherings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Scrumptious taste with a fun twist
- Eye-catching green layers for celebrations
- Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any festive occasion
- A hit with kids and adults alike
This dessert is fun, colorful, and perfect for any occasion, bringing joy and a hint of whimsy to your table.
How To Make Shamrock Lasagna
Making this dessert is an enjoyable experience for the whole family. It requires simple steps, and the result is totally worth it! You will love how easy it is to create something that looks as good as it tastes.
Star Ingredients
- 36 Oreos (finely crushed): These make the delicious crust that adds a rich chocolaty flavor.
- 1 stick unsalted butter (melted): This binds the crushed Oreos together to form a firm crust.
- 8 oz block of cream cheese (softened at room temperature): This adds richness and creaminess to the dessert.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer, making it delightful and fluffy.
- 2 8 oz tubs frozen whipped topping, thawed at room temperature, divided: This lightens up the layers and adds a lovely texture.
- 3 3.4 oz boxes of cheesecake instant pudding mix: Provides a delicious, creamy flavor that complements the dessert.
- 3 cups cold milk: Activates the pudding mix for a smooth and creamy layer.
- 1 teaspoon mint extract: Adds a refreshing minty taste that’s perfect for St. Patrick's Day.
- Green gel food coloring (not drops): A few drops give the pudding its vibrant green color.
- Oreo crumbs: For garnishing and adding extra crunch on top.
- Whipped topping: For decorating individual servings to make them more appealing.
- Maraschino cherries: A delightful touch that adds sweetness and color to each slice.
- Green sprinkles: Fun and festive decoration perfect for the occasion.
Simple Assembly
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix together crushed Oreos and melted butter until it resembles wet sand.
- Pour the Oreo mixture into a 9×13 baking dish and press it firmly into the bottom and sides evenly.
- Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes and let it cool to room temperature.
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and one tub of whipped topping until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the cooled crust, leveling it out nicely.
- In a separate bowl, mix the pudding packets with cold milk until fully combined and thick.
- Blend in the remaining whipped topping until smooth.
- Add mint extract and gel food coloring, mixing until you reach your desired shade of green.
- Pour the green pudding layer over the cream cheese layer and smooth it out evenly.
- Refrigerate for about 4-6 hours or overnight for best results.
- Once set, top with Oreo crumbs, and garnish each piece with whipped topping, cherries, and green sprinkles.
You Must Know
Be sure to let your layers cool completely before adding the next, as this keeps layers from mixing. Also, using gel food coloring gives a deeper green color, which looks stunning.
This dessert needs time to set, so plan to make it a day ahead if possible.
How To Serve Shamrock Lasagna
Slice into squares and serve chilled. You can offer more whipped topping or cherries on the side for a personal touch! The colors and layers make it a delightful presentation for guests of all ages.
How To Store Shamrock Lasagna
Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to keep it chilled to maintain its freshness and texture.
Tips To Make Shamrock Lasagna
Feel free to adjust the amount of mint extract based on your taste preferences. You can even swap out the pudding flavors for a different twist! For extra fun, try adding a layer of chocolate pudding.
Playful Variations
You can experiment with different colors and flavors! For a berry twist, use raspberry pudding and pink coloring. It’s also easy to make this dessert gluten-free by using gluten-free Oreos.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Shamrock Lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dessert is perfect for making ahead. Refrigerate it overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Can I use different flavors of pudding?
Yes, feel free to experiment! Try using vanilla or chocolate pudding for a fun twist on this classic dessert.
How long does Shamrock Lasagna last in the fridge?
This dessert can last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Just ensure it is well-covered to maintain freshness.
Is there a way to make this dessert healthier?
You can reduce sugar in the cream cheese layer or use a lighter whipped topping version. Opt for low-fat cream cheese as well.
Can I freeze Shamrock Lasagna?
While you can freeze it, the texture might change. It’s best enjoyed fresh or chilled instead of frozen.
Print
Shamrock Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake + Baking (for crust)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Get ready to impress your family with this fun Shamrock Lasagna! It’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any weekend treat. Quick to make and oh so delicious! You’ll love every bite!
Ingredients
36 Oreos finely crushed
1 stick unsalted butter melted
8 oz block of cream cheese softened at room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar
2 8 oz tubs frozen whipped topping thawed at room temperature divided
3 3.4 oz boxes of cheesecake instant pudding mix
3 cups cold milk
1 teaspoon mint extract
Green gel food coloring not drops
Oreo crumbs
Whipped topping
Maraschino cherries
Green sprinkles
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix together crushed Oreos and butter. Mix well using a fork until the mixture is like wet sand.
3. Pour Oreo mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Firmly press the crust into all corners and sides of the dish using the palm of your hand. Do this until the crust is flat, even and flush against the dish.
4. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes. When done, set aside and allow to cool to room temperature.
5. When the crust is at room temperature, begin to prepare your layers. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the block of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 tub of frozen whipped topping using an electric hand or stand mixer. Mix until smooth and fully blended.
6. Using a rubber spatula, add the cream cheese layer on top of the crust. Smooth and level as flat as possible.
7. In a separate mixing bowl, blend the pudding packages with the milk on low-medium speed until fully combined.
8. Add in the remaining tub of whipped topping and blend again until smooth.
9. Add the mint extract and about 2-3 inches of the gel food coloring. Blend until smooth and the shade of green desired.
10. Add the green pudding layer to the cake and smooth flat on top.
11. Place cake inside of the refrigerator for 4-6 hours or overnight.
12. When done, garnish with Oreo crumbs. Cut carefully with a knife and garnish individual pieces with whipped topping, cherries and green sprinkles.
Notes
Use Gel Food Coloring for Vibrancy: Gel food coloring is highly concentrated and perfect for achieving the rich green color without thinning out the pudding layer—avoid using liquid food coloring which can affect the texture.
Cool Crust Completely: It’s important to let the Oreo crust cool completely after baking to avoid melting the cream cheese layer, which can cause the dessert to become runny and unstable.
Chill for Clean Layers: For the cleanest, most defined layers when slicing, refrigerate the lasagna overnight. This ensures everything is set firmly and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Customize the Toppings: For extra festive flair, try swapping in mint chocolate chips, chopped Andes mints, or even green-colored chocolate shavings along with the cherries and sprinkles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (1/15 of pan)
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: Shamrock Lasagna, mint dessert, St. Patrick’s Day treat, layered dessert, Oreo crust dessert, no-bake mint lasagna, green dessert, cheesecake pudding recipe, festive holiday dessert, easy layered sweets