St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Lasagna Dessert is a fun and festive treat that’s perfect for celebrating the holiday with a little sweet twist. This dessert layers creamy mascarpone, fluffy whipped cream, and green-tinted pudding or mint flavor, all stacked together with crushed cookies or cake pieces to mimic lasagna noodles. The shamrock shape on top adds a charming touch that anyone would love to see on the dessert table.
I love making this dessert because it’s easy to put together and doesn’t require baking, which means less time in the kitchen and more time relaxing. Plus, the mix of creamy layers and crunchy cookie bits gives it a great texture that makes each bite interesting. I like to use a little extra mint extract to really bring out that cool, fresh flavor that reminds me of green fields and good luck.
For serving, it’s best when chilled so the layers can set nicely and the flavors have time to blend. I like to make it the night before a St. Patrick’s Day gathering and watch it disappear quickly! It’s always a conversation starter, especially when you tell friends it’s a “lasagna” dessert—they never expect something this sweet and fun.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oreos: These crushed cookies create a crunchy base. If you’re not a fan of Oreos, you can use any chocolate sandwich cookie or even chocolate graham crackers for a different twist.
Cream Cheese: Provides richness and creaminess. For a lighter version, try using mascarpone or a mix of cream cheese and Greek yogurt.
Pistachio Pudding Mix: This gives the dessert its green color and subtle flavor. If you can’t find it, green-tinted vanilla pudding works well. A little mint extract can boost the flavor too.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped cream layers make the dessert light and fluffy. You can use store-bought whipped cream in a pinch, but fresh whipped cream tastes best.
How Do You Get Perfect Layers Without Them Mixing Together?
The key to neat layers is chilling and gentle folding. Here’s what I do:
- Press the cookie crust firmly to avoid crumbling.
- Whip the cream to stiff peaks; this helps it hold shape when folded into mixtures.
- Fold ingredients slowly and carefully to keep air in and prevent blending too much.
- After adding each layer, smooth it out evenly with a spatula.
- Chill the whole dessert for several hours or overnight to let layers set well and make slicing easier.
Taking your time with each step pays off with those clean, pretty layers and a dessert that looks just as good as it tastes!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – I like this size because it’s perfect for layering and serving easily.
- Mixing bowls – great for preparing each layer without mess and to keep ingredients separate.
- Electric mixer or whisk – makes whipping cream and mixing cream cheese quick and smooth.
- Spatula – helpful for spreading layers evenly and smoothing the top.
- Measuring cups and spoons – ensure your ingredients are accurate for best results.
- Grater or food processor (optional) – if you want to crush cookies finely or make extra topping garnishes.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use lemon or orange pudding instead of pistachio for a citrus twist — it adds a fresh flavor that complements the cookies.
- Swap out the green sprinkles with mini chocolate chips or colored sugar for more visual fun.
- Add layers of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
- Mix in a splash of peppermint extract into the whipped cream for a cool, minty upgrade.
St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Lasagna Dessert
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 package (about 14 oz) Oreo cookies, crushed (reserve some whole for topping)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Pudding Layer:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant pistachio pudding mix (or green-tinted instant vanilla pudding)
- 2 cups cold milk
- Green food coloring (optional, if not using pistachio pudding)
- Mint extract (optional, about 1/2 teaspoon for flavor enhancement)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For Topping:
- Whole Oreos (reserved from cookies)
- Green shamrock-shaped sprinkles
- Chocolate shavings or small chocolate chips
- Optional: Extra whipped cream for decorating
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dessert takes about 20 minutes to prepare and assemble, plus at least 4 hours of chilling time (overnight is best) so the layers firm up nicely.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Oreo Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix about 1 1/2 cups of finely crushed Oreos with the melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to create a crust. Place it in the fridge while you prepare the other layers.
2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture and set aside.
3. Prepare the Pudding Layer:
Whisk the pudding mix with cold milk in a bowl until thickened (about 2 minutes). If you want a brighter green color, add a few drops of green food coloring. Stir in mint extract if using. Whip the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold half of it into the pudding to lighten the texture.
4. Assemble the Layers:
Spoon half of the cream cheese mixture over the Oreo crust and spread evenly. Next, spread the pudding layer over the cream cheese. Then add the remaining cream cheese mixture on top, smoothing it out evenly.
5. Chill and Decorate:
Cover the dessert and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Before serving, decorate the top with reserved whole Oreos, whipped cream (if desired), green shamrock sprinkles, and chocolate shavings or drizzle.
6. Serve:
Slice into squares and enjoy your festive, creamy St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Lasagna Dessert chilled!
Can I Use Store-Bought Whipped Cream Instead of Making My Own?
Yes, you can use store-bought whipped cream to save time. Just be sure it’s thawed if frozen and gently fold it into the cream cheese and pudding layers to keep the dessert light and fluffy.
How Long Can I Store This Dessert?
This dessert can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled to maintain the layers’ texture and freshness.
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! It’s best made a few hours or even a day in advance to allow the layers to set and flavors to blend perfectly.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Pistachio Pudding Mix?
You can substitute instant vanilla pudding mix and add a few drops of green food coloring plus about 1/2 teaspoon of mint extract to mimic the pistachio flavor and color.
