Copycat Olive Garden Chocolate Lasagna
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My version of the Olive Garden Chocolate Lasagna is incredibly rich, decadent, and well… chocolatey!! This is the ultimate dessert for the chocoholics in your life — try it once and you’ll know what I mean! Featuring layers of brownie, cream cheese frosting, and even more chocolate on top, it’s sure to impress!
Table of Contents
Olive Garden Chocolate Lasagna
Alright chocolate lovers, this one goes out to you!
Were you lucky enough to try chocolate brownie lasagna from Olive Garden?!
It featured a stack of brownies, frosting, grated chocolate, and chocolate sauce, all piled together to create one of the most impressive desserts I’ve seen in a while!!
This rich and decadent dessert is my latest obsession. I first tried it at the restaurant and was instantly hooked.
I’m so happy I learned how to make it when I did because they actually don’t carry this version anymore.
Sad, but hey… that just means I can make an Olive Garden chocolate lasagna exactly how I like it at home!
Along with my other chocolate-centric dishes like this Hershey’s double chocolate cake, Better Than Sex Cake, homemade chocolate fudge, and triple chocolate chip cookies…
I think you can tell that I have quite a sweet tooth.
You will too once you try this decadent chocolate lasagna Olive Garden recipe!
Plus, the good news is, although it looks complicated to make, it’s actually very straightforward. Woohoo!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Cocoa Powder – Make sure to use unsweetened cocoa powder in this recipe for Olive Garden chocolate lasagna.
Sweetened varieties will be way too overpowering. I like Dutch processed best. - Butter – Opt for unsalted butter. You’ll add a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness later.
- Eggs – 3 large eggs (yolks and all) are required for chocolate lasagna like Olive Garden!
- Flour – I almost always use all-purpose flour for baking projects like this one.
- Sugar – You’ll need white granulated sugar for the brownie layers and the cream cheese filling.
- Baking Powder – To help the brownies rise — don’t skip it or you’ll end up with an overly dense mess.
- Cream Cheese – For that creamy filling. Make sure it’s softened before you get started.
- Vanilla – Also for the filling — vanilla extract adds warmth and extra flavor.
- Heavy Cream – The final ingredient for the cream cheese filling. I like the addition of whipped heavy cream as it makes the layer a lot fluffier.
Without it, that layer will have the same texture as cheesecake. That isn’t always a bad thing, but this isn’t really a cheesecake recipe after all is said and done. - Toppings – I add extra unsweetened cocoa powder, finely grated semi-sweet or dark chocolate, and a chocolate sauce drizzle on top of the final product!
I told you… this Olive Garden chocolate lasagna recipe is SUPER chocolatey!!
Tips and Tricks for Perfecting this Recipe for Olive Garden Chocolate Lasagna
- Use a half-sheet pan to bake the brownie layer.
It may seem weird to spread the brownie layer so thin, but trust me — it’s the perfect size to create that lasagna-like look!
As you can see in the photos, there are 4 layers of brownies in Olive Garden chocolate lasagna. If they were any thicker, the dessert would be unmanageable to eat.
- Fold gently.
Make sure to use a gentle hand when you add the homemade whipped cream to the cream cheese and sugar mixture.
This helps the filling stay fluffy without falling flat, which adds much to the overall texture of the dish.
- Refrigerate the chocolate bar before grating.
I love garnishing this chocolate lasagna Olive Garden copycat with freshly grated chocolate on top to add even more flavor and for a fun presentation!
Grating will be much easier when working with chilled chocolate, so be sure to leave it in the fridge until you’re ready to use.
A box grater is your best bet — use the smallest holes to get finely grated pieces.
- Allow ample time for chilling.
Once you’ve assembled this recipe for Olive Garden chocolate lasagna, you must allow the dessert to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours — although, even longer is better!
This will give it a chance to set and for the flavors to meld. I know it’s hard, but try to be patient!
Prep Ahead
- Line the half-sheet pan with parchment paper
- Soften cream cheese
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Mixing Bowls – I like to have a variety of sizes on hand, and this set has them all.
- Small Baking Sheet lined with Parchment Paper – Used for anything from brownies to roasting, a good baking pan will last for years.
- Wire Rack – Great for cooling all kinds of baked goods.
- Electric Hand Mixer – I’ve had this one in my kitchen forever, and it still works beautifully.
- Box Grater – For the chocolate!
Serving Suggestions
To create a full restaurant-inspired feast, serve your Olive Garden chocolate lasagna recipe with some zuppa toscana soup, chicken alfredo, lasagna fritta, or some giant cheese stuffed shells!
Or, if you want to serve it alongside some other Olive Garden desserts, why not try this tiramisu? It’s a great option if you love chocolate and coffee!
Storing and Freezing Leftovers
Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they will keep for 3-5 days.
Keep in mind that the cream cheese layer may cause the brownies to go a bit mushy, so it’s best to enjoy it sooner rather than later!
You can also freeze this Olive Garden chocolate lasagna. After it’s chilled and set, wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and foil.
It will keep in the freezer for 2-3 months when properly stored. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Olive Garden Chocolate Lasagna Recipe FAQ
Yes! If you plan to make this for a party and want to get ahead, you can make this dessert up to 24 hours in advance. Leave it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Use your microwave and heat in 10-second increments until the butter is melted through — keep an eye on it, as it will melt very quickly!
Otherwise, place it over a double boiler and let it cool a bit before adding it to the brownie batter.
As mentioned above, I recommend using Dutch-processed unsweetened cocoa powder. It’s ideal for balancing out the other very sweet ingredients and getting the same flavor as the chocolate lasagna at Olive Garden.
This dessert is rich enough as it is… don’t overdo it!
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Copycat Olive Garden Chocolate Lasagna
Ingredients
Brownie Layers:
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/8 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Creamy Filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
Topping:
- Unsweetened cocoa powder or finely grated chocolate for dusting and chocolate sauce drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C): Line your 18×13 inch half sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Make the Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar, whisking until smooth. Beat in the eggs, then gently mix in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until just combined.
- Bake the Brownie Layers: Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Creamy Filling: With an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until creamy and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks.
- Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well blended.
- Assemble the Dessert: Cut the cooled brownie into rectangles to create four layers. Spread a portion of the cream filling over the first layer. Continue layering brownie and cream filling, finishing with a cream layer on top.
- Chill: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours to firm up the layers.
- Finish with Topping: Dust the top layer of cream with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings. Use a sharp knife to cut the dessert into squares, cleaning the knife between cuts for neat edges. Drizzle with chocolate syrup and serve.
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published February 2024, updated and republished March 2025
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We’re Donna and Chad, the dream team behind The Slow Roasted Italian. Our focus is on taking complicated OUT of the kitchen. Life is busy enough, making meals should be fast and easy, to help make your life as simple as possible. Read More >>
It looked tricky, but it came together beautifully! It was so good!! Thank you
wow, this Olive Garden-inspired brownie lasagna is an absolute game-changer! So easy to make and unbelievably delicious. Thanks to Donna and Chad’s incredible recipe!
Hi Blake!
We’re so glad you enjoyed!!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn
i tried this brownie lasagna recipe from donna’s site and it was amazing! i swapped the heavy cream for coconut cream and it turned out just as creamy and delicious.
Hi Grace!
We’re so glad you enjoyed the recipe!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn
This was amazing to say the least! Made it for dessert for my family and friends and we all loved it! I’ll definitely make it again!