An easy lemon dessert is always welcome! Sunny, tart, and lovely to see. This one is especially terrific because it's no-bake! Cool, creamy, light, and luscious, it's the perfect ending to any meal.!
This lemon dessert starts with very simple ingredients and it's easy to make! It makes 16 generous servings, and you can make it a day or two ahead and stash it in the fridge. Add these items to your grocery list, and you'll be prepared to make it at the drop of a hat!
I've always loved cheap lemon sandwich cookies from the grocery store. Most of the time, they are a house brand and come in about a 25-ounce package.
I love the tangy lemon cream filling. This recipe starts with crushing about 45 cookies in a food processor and adding a half stick of melted butter. Pulse until the butter is all incorporated into the crumbs.
Of course, if you don't have a food processor, just put the cookies in a zip-lock bag and smash away with a rolling pin. Then, dump the crumbs in a bowl and stir in the melted butter.
Save back about a cup of this crumb mixture to sprinkle artfully over the dessert for the loveliest final finishing touch!
I've discovered a slick, non-messy way of melting the butter. First, I cut a stick of butter in half with the wrapper still on it. Next, I put it in a glass measuring cup, cut side down, with a napkin laid on the top to catch any spatters.
In about 30 seconds, the butter melts in the microwave. Finally, I toss the wrapper and the napkin in the trash and pour the butter over the crumbs. Easy and fast, just the way I like it!
Press the crumb mixture into a 13" x 9" pan. A clear glass baking pan is especially nice because it really shows off all the pretty layers!
Next, mix up the lemon pudding as directed on the box. If you have trouble finding the large 5.85-ounce size pudding mix, use two small 3.9-ounce boxes. There is not much difference in the volume.
Use it all in the dessert or save some and eat it plain; it's a win either way. Finally, stick the pudding in the fridge so it can set up a bit.
I have to admit that I have a fat tooth. It's bigger than my sweet tooth by a mile, so I love this rich, creamy layer most of all! The cream cheese should be at room temperature so it's nice and soft. Beat it together with a cup of powdered sugar and a teaspoon of lemon extract until it's all blended.
The lemon extract is optional, but I love the little bit of pucker it adds to this layer. Next, fold in a whole carton of whipped topping, which you cleverly defrosted ahead of time. (You did defrost it, didn't you?) When that's all mixed up and fluffy, spread it evenly over the crust.
Spread this carefully over the crumb crust. This step is important because if you rush it, you'll end up pulling crumbs into the cream cheese mixture. It works best if you push the topping gently toward the edges to avoid pulling up the crumbs from the crust. Take your time. It's worth it.
Now, grab that lemon pudding out of the fridge and smooth it on top of the cream cheese layer. I do hope you are licking the beaters, spoons, and bowls as you go because that is the privilege bestowed on the dessert maker in every well-run kitchen! Now you know!
And here is why it's so fun to use a glass pan when you make this! Look at the gorgeous layers!! 😍
The last layer is another whole carton of (defrosted) whipped topping. Yes, it's a lot of whipped topping! However, it does make 16 generous servings! This lemon dessert is a rich, delicious dessert, and it's quite appropriate for a special occasion!
All that's left to do is sprinkle the crumbs you save back evenly over the top. So you did remember to keep them? Just kidding, I know you did. Now, stick the pan in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or a couple of days until you are ready to serve it!
Now proudly serve your beautiful, impressive lemon dessert that you made without breaking a sweat! You didn't even have to turn on the oven! Sit back and let the compliments roll in!
Do you have a favorite lemon dessert? Here's another one I know you'll love, and it is super easy! Busy Day Lemon Bars.
Are you more of a chocolate lover? Here's a chocolate version for you to try! Plate Licking 4 Layer Chocolate Dessert. How about something cool and pistachio? Here's one for you. A Light And Delicious Pistachio Dessert
An impressive-looking no-bake 4 layer lemon dessert with a crunchy crust and layers of sweetened cream cheese, pudding, and whipped topping. It's garnished with cookie crumbs. Easy to make ahead.
If you liked this recipe, you are my people! So please share this post on your social media accounts like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest if you enjoyed this recipe today. It would sure tickle me, and I’d be ever so grateful; thank you!
If you haven’t already, please check out my Facebook page and find me on Pinterest, where I’ll be posting easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes every week!
Sign up for my newsletter and receive a free gift! A printable sign that would look great in your kitchen, framed above your sink, or just placed anywhere to remind us how lucky we are to have dirty dishes!
Notifications