Homemade Olive Garden Chocolate Lasagna – So Easy!

If you’re a fan of Olive Garden’s famous desserts, you’ve probably heard of their Chocolate Lasagna—a heavenly layered treat that combines rich chocolate cake, velvety cream cheese frosting, and a glossy chocolate ganache topping.

This indulgent dessert is perfect for any chocolate lover, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors in every bite.

Recreating this dessert at home is easier than you think!

With simple ingredients and step-by-step guidance, you can make a stunning homemade version that rivals the original.

Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this Olive Garden Chocolate Lasagna copycat recipe is guaranteed to impress.

So, let’s dive into the ingredients and get started!

Health Benefits of Chocolate Lasagna

Although this dessert is indulgent, it offers some potential health benefits when consumed in moderation:

1. Rich in Antioxidants – Cocoa powder and dark chocolate contain flavonoids, which help reduce inflammation, support heart health, and improve blood circulation.
2. Mood Booster – Chocolate contains serotonin and theobromine, both of which can enhance mood, reduce stress, and even improve cognitive function.
3. Good Source of Calcium – The cream cheese, butter, and milk provide calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
4. Heart Health Benefits – Dark chocolate has been linked to lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol levels when eaten in small amounts.
5. Energy Boost – The combination of fats and carbohydrates provides a quick and satisfying energy source, making this dessert a great treat for special occasions.

While this chocolate lasagna is undeniably a decadent dessert, using high-quality ingredients and consuming it in moderation allows you to enjoy its delicious flavors while still benefiting from some of its nutritional properties.

Ingredients Needed

To achieve the perfect layers of this chocolate lasagna, you’ll need three main components: a moist chocolate cake, a creamy frosting, and a rich chocolate ganache.

Below is everything you’ll need to bring this masterpiece to life.

For the Chocolate Cake Layers:

• All-purpose flour – The foundation for a soft and fluffy cake.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – Use high-quality cocoa for deep chocolate flavor.
• Baking powder & baking soda – Help the cake rise perfectly.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and keeps the cake moist.
• Eggs – Provide structure and richness.
• Milk – Keeps the cake soft and tender.
• Vegetable oil – Ensures a moist texture.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
• Hot water or brewed coffee – Intensifies the chocolate flavor and keeps the cake extra moist.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream cheese (softened) – Creates a rich and tangy contrast to the chocolate layers.
• Unsalted butter – Adds smoothness and richness.
• Powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting while keeping it light.
• Vanilla extract – Adds depth to the frosting’s flavor.

For the Chocolate Ganache Topping:

• Heavy cream – Creates a silky-smooth ganache.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Melt into a luscious, glossy topping.

For Garnishing:

• Chocolate shavings – A beautiful and tasty final touch.
• Mini chocolate chips – Add extra crunch and flavor.

Now that we have everything ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of making this decadent dessert!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s start assembling this decadent Olive Garden Chocolate Lasagna.

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create perfectly layered goodness!

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Pour in the hot water or coffee, mixing until smooth. The batter will be thin, but that’s normal!
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool completely before slicing it into four equal layers.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and creamy.
3. Cover and chill the frosting in the refrigerator while preparing the other components.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache

1. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer—do not let it boil.
2. Pour the hot cream over semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
3. Let sit for 2–3 minutes, then whisk until smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Assemble the Chocolate Lasagna

1. Place the first cake layer on a serving platter or baking dish.
2. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake.
3. Repeat the process, layering cake and frosting until all four layers are stacked.
4. Pour the chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides beautifully.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

1. Sprinkle chocolate shavings and mini chocolate chips over the ganache.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the layers set properly.
3. Slice, serve, and enjoy this chocolate masterpiece!

Expert Tips for the Best Chocolate Lasagna

Want to take your homemade Olive Garden Chocolate Lasagna to the next level?

Follow these expert tips for the best results!

1. Use High-Quality Cocoa and Chocolate

The richness of this dessert depends on the chocolate you use.

Opt for high-quality cocoa powder for the cake and premium semi-sweet chocolate for the ganache.

2. Chill Before Assembling

• A warm cake can cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
• For clean layers, refrigerate the cake before cutting and assembling.

3. Coffee Enhances Chocolate Flavor

Even if you don’t like coffee, adding hot brewed coffee to the cake batter enhances the chocolate taste without making it taste like coffee.

4. Let the Dessert Set Overnight

For the best texture and flavor, chill the chocolate lasagna overnight. This allows the layers to firm up and blend together beautifully.

5. Slice with a Hot Knife

For clean and sharp slices, warm a knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and slice through the layers smoothly.

With these pro tips in mind, you’re ready to create a stunning chocolate lasagna that’s just as delicious—if not better—than Olive Garden’s!

Serving Suggestions

This Olive Garden Chocolate Lasagna is already a showstopper on its own, but pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience even further!

Here are some delicious ways to serve it:

1. With a Scoop of Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla, chocolate, or coffee ice cream melts beautifully over a chilled slice of chocolate lasagna, adding a creamy contrast to the rich layers.

2. Drizzle of Extra Chocolate or Caramel Sauce

For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle warm chocolate sauce or salted caramel sauce over each slice before serving.

3. Topped with Whipped Cream

A dollop of homemade whipped cream (or even store-bought) adds a light and airy texture that balances the richness of the dessert.

4. Paired with Espresso or Coffee

Enjoying this chocolate lasagna with a strong cup of espresso, cappuccino, or a latte enhances its deep cocoa flavors.

5. Fresh Berries for a Fruity Twist

Adding fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries on the side provides a slight tartness that complements the sweetness of the lasagna.

No matter how you serve it, this chocolate lasagna is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Recipe Variation

Want to put your own spin on this Chocolate Lasagna?

Try these fun variations:

1. White Chocolate Version – Swap the cocoa powder for white chocolate pudding mix and use melted white chocolate in the ganache for a creamy, vanilla-chocolate twist.
2. Peanut Butter Chocolate Lasagna – Add a layer of peanut butter between the frosting and cake layers for a Reese’s-inspired flavor.
3. Cookies and Cream – Crushed Oreos mixed into the cream cheese frosting give a cookies-and-cream vibe. You can also sprinkle Oreo crumbs on top.
4. Mint Chocolate Lasagna – Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the frosting and top with crushed mint candies for a refreshing flavor.
5. Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make this dessert gluten-friendly.
6. Nutty Delight – Sprinkle chopped hazelnuts, almonds, or pecans between the layers for added crunch and nuttiness.

Storage Instructions

To keep your Chocolate Lasagna fresh and delicious:

Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The layers stay moist, and the flavors blend beautifully over time.

Freezing – Want to save some for later? Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Serving from the fridge – Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Avoid storing at room temperature – Since the dessert contains cream cheese frosting and ganache, it’s best to keep it chilled to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.

Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden Chocolate Lasagna whenever you crave a rich, chocolatey treat!

Conclusion

This Olive Garden Chocolate Lasagna Copycat Recipe brings the beloved restaurant dessert right into your kitchen.

With its moist chocolate cake layers, creamy frosting, and rich chocolate ganache, every bite is pure bliss.

It’s the perfect dessert for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion—or simply when you’re craving an indulgent chocolate treat!

Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, and the flavors only get better as it sets in the fridge.

Now it’s your turn to try this homemade masterpiece! If you make it, share your results in the comments and let us know how it turned out.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this chocolate lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it tastes even better when made ahead.

You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator overnight.

This allows the flavors to meld and the layers to set perfectly.

• Can I use a boxed cake mix instead of making the cake from scratch?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use a high-quality boxed chocolate cake mix and follow the package instructions.

Just be sure to let the cake cool completely before slicing and assembling.

• How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover chocolate lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices for up to 3 months and thaw them in the fridge before serving.

• Can I make this dessert without cream cheese?

Yes! If you don’t like cream cheese, you can substitute it with mascarpone cheese for a milder taste or use a whipped cream frosting instead.

However, the classic cream cheese frosting adds a perfect balance to the chocolate layers.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum.

Also, double-check that your other ingredients, like cocoa powder and chocolate chips, are gluten-free.

Now you’re all set to create and enjoy this delicious homemade Chocolate Lasagna!