Chocolate Lasagna with Passion Fruit

1Preparing the Crust In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter (2 tbsp). Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter (2 tbsp).

2Assembling the Crust Press the crust mixture into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Make sure the crust is evenly distributed and firmly pressed.

3Preparing the Cream Cheese (8 oz) Layer In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, (8 oz) powdered sugar (½ cup), heavy cream (¼ cup), and vanilla extract (1 tsp) until smooth and creamy.

4Assembling the Cream Cheese (8 oz) Layer Spread the cream cheese (8 oz) mixture over the crust in an even layer.

5Preparing the Chocolate Pudding Layer In a medium saucepan, whisk together the whole milk (2 cups), granulated sugar (¼ cup), cocoa powder (¼ cup), cornstarch (2 tbsp), and salt (¼ tsp).

6Cooking the Chocolate Pudding Layer Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil.

7Adding the Chocolate and Butter (2 tbsp) Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the chopped dark chocolate, (4 oz) butter (2 tbsp), and vanilla extract (½ tsp). Stir until the chocolate and butter (2 tbsp) melt and the mixture is smooth.

8Assembling the Chocolate Pudding Layer Pour the chocolate pudding over the cream cheese (8 oz) layer. Smooth the top with a spatula.

9Preparing the Passion Fruit (½ cup) Layer In a small saucepan, combine the passion fruit puree (½ cup), granulated sugar (¼ cup), and lemon juice (2 tbsp). Heat over low heat until the sugar is dissolved.

10Bloom the Gelatin In a separate small bowl, bloom the powdered gelatin (2 tsp) in water (¼ cup). Let it sit for a minute until it becomes jelly-like.

11Adding the Gelatin to the Passion Fruit (½ cup) Mixture Add the bloomed gelatin to the passion fruit (½ cup) mixture and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved.

12Assembling the Passion Fruit (½ cup) Layer Pour the passion fruit (½ cup) mixture over the chocolate pudding layer. Smooth the top with a spatula.

13Preparing the Whipped Cream In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream (1 cup), powdered sugar (2 tbsp), and vanilla extract (1 tsp) until stiff peaks form.

14Assembling the Whipped Cream Layer Spread the whipped cream over the passion fruit (½ cup) layer.

15Chilling the Chocolate Lasagna Refrigerate the chocolate lasagna for at least 4 hours, or until set.

16Garnishing the Chocolate Lasagna Before serving, garnish the chocolate lasagna with dark chocolate (4 oz) shavings and fresh mint leaves.

17Serving the Chocolate Lasagna Slice and serve the chocolate lasagna chilled. Enjoy!