St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Lasagna Dessert is a fun and festive twist on the classic layered treat. It has layers of creamy, fluffy cheesecake filling, green-tinted whipped topping, and crushed cookies all stacked up like a lasagna. The star of the show is the shamrock shapes sprinkled on top, making it perfect for celebrating the holiday with a sweet touch.
I love making this dessert because it’s so easy to put together, and it always brings smiles at our gatherings. I usually make it the day before, so the layers get nice and set, making it even better the next day. Plus, the green color makes it feel extra special around St. Patrick’s Day, which is always a nice surprise for guests.
When I serve this dessert, I like to keep things simple with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s light enough that you don’t feel too full after a big meal but still hits the spot when you want something sweet. This Shamrock Lasagna Dessert has become a favorite in my house for celebrating the holiday, and I’m pretty sure it’ll be a hit in yours too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chocolate sandwich cookies: These create a crunchy, chocolaty crust. If you can’t find the classic cookies, try chocolate graham crackers or crushed chocolate wafers as a good substitute.
Cream cheese: It adds creaminess and richness. For a lighter option, you could use mascarpone or ricotta cheese, but the texture may be slightly different.
Instant pistachio pudding mix: This gives the green layer its flavor and color. If you want to avoid artificial colors, try natural pistachio paste mixed into plain pudding. Or, swap for vanilla pudding and add green food coloring.
Heavy whipping cream: Whipping this creates fluffy layers. Use full-fat coconut cream if you want a dairy-free version, though texture will be a bit different.
Mini chocolate chips: They add little bursts of chocolate in the creamy layers. You can also try finely chopped chocolate or omit if preferred.
How Do You Get Light and Fluffy Layers That Hold Their Shape?
Whipping the cream properly is key. Here’s how to nail it:
- Make sure your heavy cream is cold. Chill the bowl and beaters too if you can.
- Beat on medium-high speed until you see soft peaks, then slowly move to stiff peaks. The cream should hold its shape without being grainy.
- Fold the whipped cream gently into the pudding and cream cheese mixtures with a spatula. Too much stirring can deflate the air you’ve whipped in.
- Refrigerate the assembled dessert for several hours or overnight. This helps the layers set nicely and slice cleanly.
Following these tips will give you that beautiful, airy texture that makes this shamrock lasagna so tasty and visually appealing!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Perfect size for layering and serving this dessert.
- Food processor or resealable plastic bag and rolling pin – To crush the cookies into fine crumbs.
- Mixing bowls – For mixing the crust, fillings, and pudding layers.
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer – Makes whipping the cream easy and quick.
- Spatula and spoon – For spreading and folding layers smoothly.
- Piping bag with a star tip (optional) – To pipe whipped cream decoration on top.
- Refrigerator – Essential for chilling and letting the layers set firm.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Different flavor pudding: Use vanilla or coconut pudding for a milder taste, or lemon for a citrus twist.
- Chocolate layer: Mix cocoa powder into the cream cheese or pudding for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Crunchy toppings: Add chopped nuts, toffee bits, or crushed peppermint candies for extra texture and flavor.
- Alternative cookies: Swap chocolate cookies for graham crackers or vanilla wafers if you prefer a lighter crust.
How to Make St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Lasagna Dessert
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 package (15.25 oz) chocolate sandwich cookies, finely crushed
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For the Pistachio Layer:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- Green food coloring (optional)
Other:
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- Whipped cream for topping
- Mini chocolate sandwich cookies for garnish
- Green shamrock sprinkles or candy decorations
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing the layers takes about 25 minutes. You’ll need an additional 4 hours (or overnight) of chilling time so the dessert can set firmly before serving. It’s best to prepare this treat ahead, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
Mix the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with the melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan to form the crust layer. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the fillings.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, then continue beating until fully combined. In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until creamy and smooth.
3. Prepare the Pistachio Layer:
In another bowl, whisk the instant pistachio pudding mix with 2 cups cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes. In a separate bowl, whip the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream with 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract and a few drops of green food coloring (if using) until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the pudding mixture into the green whipped cream to create the pistachio layer.
4. Assemble the Dessert:
Spread half of the pistachio mixture evenly over the chilled crust. Next, spread the cream cheese layer on top of that. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips evenly across the cream cheese layer. Then, carefully spread the remaining pistachio mixture over the chocolate chips.
5. Chill and Decorate:
Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow it to set firmly. Before serving, pipe whipped cream across the top and garnish with mini chocolate sandwich cookies along with green shamrock sprinkles or candy decorations to add that festive St. Patrick’s Day touch.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Cut the dessert into squares and serve chilled. This creamy, colorful shamrock lasagna dessert is perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a sweet and festive treat!
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Yes! In fact, it’s best to prepare this dessert at least 4 hours ahead or overnight. This allows the layers to set properly and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I Use a Different Pudding Flavor?
Absolutely! While pistachio pudding gives the festive green color and flavor, you can substitute vanilla or coconut pudding. Just add green food coloring if you want to keep the green look.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain the texture and freshness.
Can I Substitute the Crust Cookies?
Yes, feel free to swap chocolate sandwich cookies with chocolate graham crackers or crushed chocolate wafers if you prefer. Just make sure they’re finely crushed for the best crust texture.
