A visit to Olive Garden is always a hit. Who can get enough of their beloved Olive Garden breadsticks, the chain’s comforting chicken and gnocchi soup and, of course, that tangy house salad? The list of savory options is certainly long, but what about dessert?
Olive Garden offers a range of desserts to finish out your meal, including classics like cheesecake and tiramisu. Another fan favorite? The Olive Garden chocolate lasagna. We’re talking four layers of fudgy brownie paired with layers of vanilla cream cheese frosting. It’s stacked high, then drizzled with chocolate and topped with chocolate shavings to make it that much more decadent. Making a copycat version at home requires a bit of patience, but every bite makes the effort worth it.
Chocolate Lasagna Ingredients
Brownie layers:
- Brownie mix, plus ingredients on box
- Eggs
Cream cheese filling:
- Cream cheese
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
- Heavy cream
- Powdered sugar
Chocolate ganache:
- Semisweet chocolate
- Heavy cream
- Chocolate shavings, for garnish
Directions
Step 1: Make the brownie batter
Prepare the brownie mixes according to the instructions on the box. Incorporate an additional egg into each batch of batter.
Test Kitchen Tip: Line the pans with foil or parchment paper before you add the batter. That way, once the brownies are baked and cooled, you can lift them right out of the pan.
Step 2: Bake the brownies
Bake the brownies in two 8×8-inch square pans according to the instructions on the box. Set aside to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the cream cheese filling
In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and softened butter. Mix with a hand mixer until fluffy, and then add two cups of powdered sugar. Mix in the powdered sugar, and then mix in the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the remaining powdered sugar until the frosting comes together.
Step 4: Layer the brownies and filling
Once the brownie “cakes” are fully cooled, remove them from the pans. Use a large knife to cut each in half horizontally. This will create your four layers. Place the first layer on the serving platter and frost with the cream cheese filling. Top with another brownie layer and frost, then repeat with each layer. Once you’ve frosted the top layer, place the dessert in the fridge.
Step 5: Make the chocolate ganache
Chop the chocolate and put it in a heat-safe bowl. Set it aside.
Pour the heavy cream into a saucepan and heat on medium. Allow the cream to heat just until simmering (boiling will scorch it, so watch carefully). Once heated, pour the cream over the chocolate and whisk until smooth.
Step 6: Garnish
Drizzle the ganache over the chocolate lasagna and garnish with chocolate shavings.
Chocolate Lasagna Tips
Is this Olive Garden’s official chocolate lasagna recipe?
No, this is a copycat recipe. While Olive Garden has never shared its official chocolate lasagna recipe, it’s a simple enough combination of flavors to be able to mimic at home. The restaurant describes this impressive dessert as “Eight decadent layers of rich, fudgy brownie and sweet vanilla cream cheese frosting, topped with chocolate shavings and a chocolate drizzle.”
Can you use homemade brownies for chocolate lasagna?
A brownie mix serves as the ideal base for your dessert due to its convenience. You could make your own brownies from scratch, as well.
What makes chocolate lasagna so fluffy?
The key is to add an extra egg to the brownies, which delivers a fluffier result and makes it easier to cut the layers horizontally.
