Description
No-Bake Lemon Vanilla Dessert is the perfect refreshing treat for warm days, combining bright citrus flavor with creamy vanilla goodness in every irresistible bite. This easy layered dessert features a buttery vanilla cookie crust, a rich cream cheese filling, silky vanilla pudding, fresh lemon flavor, and a fluffy whipped topping. Best of all, there’s no oven required, making it an ideal dessert for spring, summer, holidays, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
🍪 For the Cookie Crust
- 2½ cups crushed vanilla wafers or Golden Oreo cookies
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
🧀 For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed
🍮 For the Lemon Vanilla Layer
- 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold whole milk
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
🍋 For the Topping
- 2 cups whipped topping
- Fresh lemon zest
- Lemon slices
- Crushed vanilla cookies
✨ Optional Garnishes
- Fresh blueberries
- Fresh raspberries
- White chocolate curls
- Mint leaves
- Toasted coconut
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Mix together:
- Crushed vanilla cookies
- Melted butter
- Sugar
Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
Beat together:
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla
until smooth.
Fold in the whipped topping.
Spread evenly over the chilled crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Vanilla Pudding
Whisk together:
- Vanilla pudding mix
- Cold milk
for about 2 minutes until thick.
Stir in:
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
Let stand for 5 minutes.
Spread evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Step 4: Add the Topping
Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer.
Step 5: Decorate
Sprinkle with:
- Lemon zest
- Crushed vanilla cookies
Arrange lemon slices and fresh berries on top if desired.
Step 6: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 7: Slice
Cut into squares using a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.
Step 8: Serve
Serve well chilled and enjoy.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Allow the cream cheese to soften before mixing.
- Chill the dessert overnight for the best texture.
- Fold the whipped topping gently to keep the filling light and fluffy.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 6 hours
Nutrition
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sodium: 270mg
- Protein: 5g