This colorful Christmas layered dessert is a festive, cold, creamy treat that looks as good as it tastes. It’s made with a chocolate cookie crust, a smooth cream cheese layer, a light pudding filling, and a fluffy whipped topping sprinkled with bright red, green, and gold candies. Each slice reveals beautiful layers, making it a stunning centerpiece for any holiday gathering. Despite its impressive appearance, the dessert is surprisingly easy to prepare—no baking required.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 3 cups crushed chocolate cookies
- ½ cup melted butter
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups whipped topping
For the Pudding Layer
- 2 boxes instant vanilla pudding
- 3 cups cold milk
For the Topping
- 2 cups whipped topping
- Christmas sprinkles
- Red, green, and gold chocolate candies
Instructions
1. Make the Crust
Crush the chocolate cookies into fine crumbs. Add melted butter and mix until fully combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a baking dish. Smooth the crust using the back of a spoon, ensuring it’s tightly packed. Place the dish in the refrigerator while preparing the next layer.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is fluffy and well combined. Spread this layer gently over the chilled crust, making sure not to disturb the crumbs. Return to the refrigerator.
3. Mix the Pudding Layer
In a mixing bowl, whisk instant vanilla pudding with cold milk until thickened. This takes about two minutes. Once set, carefully spoon the pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer. Smooth it evenly with a spatula.
4. Add the Whipped Topping
Spread the remaining whipped topping generously over the pudding layer. Make soft peaks or smooth it out—whatever look you prefer. This fluffy layer will hold the festive decorations beautifully.
Decorate the Dessert
To finish the dessert with a classic Christmas touch, sprinkle red, green, and gold chocolate candies across the top. Add holiday sprinkles for extra color and texture. These toppings create a cheerful look and make the dessert perfect for parties and gatherings.
Texture and Flavor
Each layer brings a unique texture and flavor:
- Crust: crispy, chocolatey, and slightly buttery
- Cream cheese layer: rich, smooth, and lightly sweet
- Pudding layer: soft, creamy, and custard-like
- Whipped topping: airy and refreshing
- Toppings: crunchy, festive, and colorful
Together, they create a creamy, cold dessert that melts in your mouth with each bite.
Tips for Best Results
- Chill each layer before adding the next to keep the dessert clean and defined.
- Use gel coloring in the toppings if you want even brighter colors.
- For a firmer dessert, use a little less milk in the pudding mixture.
- Keep the dessert refrigerated until serving time so it stays perfectly layered.
- Make the dessert the night before for best flavor and texture.
Variations
You can easily customize this recipe:
- Peppermint version: Add crushed candy canes on top.
- Chocolate version: Use chocolate pudding for a deeper flavor.
- Caramel version: Drizzle caramel sauce between layers.
- Cookie swaps: Use gingerbread cookies or holiday shortbread for the crust.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled with a sharp knife for clean slices. This dessert pairs well with:
- Hot chocolate
- Coffee
- Warm holiday drinks
- Fruit platters
- Vanilla ice cream for an extra creamy touch
It’s perfect for Christmas Eve, holiday parties, family dinners, or dessert buffets.
Storage
- Keep refrigerated and covered for up to four days.
- Freeze for up to two months (thaw in the fridge before serving).
- Avoid leaving it at room temperature for long periods, as the layers may soften too much.
Why This Dessert Is a Holiday Favorite
This recipe is loved for many reasons:
- Beautiful layers
- No baking required
- Easy for beginners
- Customizable toppings
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
- Festive presentation
It combines creamy textures and rich flavors with bright, cheerful colors. Every bite feels cold, smooth, and balanced with a crunchy touch from the toppings.