Description
A creamy, no-bake lemon delight recipe layered with buttery vanilla wafer crust, tangy lemon pudding, and fluffy whipped cream. Perfect for summer or any time you crave a refreshing dessert.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 (3.4-ounce) boxes instant lemon pudding mix
- 3 cups cold whole milk
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest (from 1 medium lemon), plus more for garnish
- 1 (11-ounce) box vanilla wafer cookies, divided
- 1/4 plus 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 1/2 cups cold heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, divided
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1 medium lemon)
- 1 teaspoon lemon or vanilla extract
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy lifting.
- Whisk lemon pudding mix and cold milk together until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Rub sugar and lemon zest together until fragrant; add to food processor.
- Add remaining cookies and salt, then process until fine crumbs form. Add melted butter and pulse to combine.
- Press mixture into the prepared pan for the crust and refrigerate.
- Whip heavy cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Transfer to another bowl.
- Beat cream cheese, remaining powdered sugar, lemon juice, extract, and salt until fluffy.
- Fold 1 cup whipped cream into cream cheese mixture and spread over crust.
- Spread lemon pudding over cream cheese layer, then top with remaining whipped cream.
- Cover and chill for 4 hours or overnight. Garnish with crushed cookies and lemon zest before serving.
Notes
- Best served chilled for at least 4 hours.
- Make ahead the night before for firmer, cleaner slices.
- Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days.
- Do not freeze — pudding may separate.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
