Lemon Delight No Bake Dessert

This Lemon Delight layers tangy pudding and cream atop a buttery cookie crust for a no bake treat perfect for any lemon lover craving something cool and citrusy without heating up the kitchen. It comes together quickly with simple steps and always disappears fast at parties or summer gatherings.

I first made this Lemon Delight for a backyard barbecue and everyone asked for the recipe because of that bright lemon punch and the cloud like texture you get from using plenty of cream cheese and Cool Whip. Since then it has become my go to dish whenever I am asked to bring dessert.

Ingredients

• Lemon Oreos: These give the crust its sweet citrus base and provide extra lemon flavor If you want the boldest citrus pop check for the freshest package with intact cookies
• Unsalted butter: Binds the Oreo crumbs and keeps the crust tender and extra buttery Use fresh good quality butter for best results You can swap with salted butter if needed
• Instant lemon pudding mix: Creates the thick creamy lemon layer Always use instant only since cook and serve will not set up without heat
• Cold whole milk: Helps the pudding set properly Whole milk adds creaminess but two percent works in a pinch just avoid skim
• Cream cheese: Softened to room temp for smooth blending and tang in the filling Full fat gives the richest flavor
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and softens the cream cheese layer Always sift for smoother results
• Fresh squeezed lemon juice: Brings real lemon zing Avoid bottled lemon juice as it tastes harsher and less vibrant
• Lemon zest: Adds pure aromatic lemon oil for fragrance and deeper flavor Only use zest from fresh unwaxed lemons
• Cool Whip: The whipped topping makes the layers ultra fluffy Any store brand works as long as you use enough for generous layers

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Crust:

Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish lightly with nonstick spray For the crust crush lemon Oreo cookies in a food processor or by hand in a sealed bag until you have fine crumbs Reserve about three quarters of a cup for topping the dessert later Mix in melted butter with the remaining crumbs in a bowl making sure every crumb is well coated The mixture should resemble wet sand Press this evenly and firmly into the bottom of your prepared dish then pop the crust in the freezer to set while you work on the next layers

Make the Lemon Pudding:

Zest your lemon and squeeze out fresh juice to have both ready In a separate bowl use a whisk to combine instant lemon pudding mixes with cold whole milk Whisk for about two minutes until thick Pour the pudding into the fridge to chill while you make the cream cheese filling

Cream Cheese Layer:

In a mixing bowl blend softened cream cheese until very smooth Scrape the bowl then beat in powdered sugar lemon juice and lemon zest Blend until the mixture is creamy with no lumps Gently fold in one container of thawed Cool Whip with a spatula so the mixture stays light and fluffy

Layer and Assemble:

Carefully spread the cream cheese and Cool Whip mixture over the cold Oreo crust using an offset spatula for even coverage Spoon the chilled lemon pudding on top of the cream cheese layer and gently smooth it out so the layers stay intact

Topping and Chill:

Spread the rest of the Cool Whip evenly over the pudding layer For the final touch sprinkle the reserved Oreo crumbs across the top for a pretty finish Place the dish in the fridge for at least three hours or for quicker chilling use the freezer for the first hour before transferring to the fridge

Serve:

When ready to serve slice into squares with a sharp knife for clean edges Serve straight from the fridge and enjoy every creamy citrusy bite

My favorite part is grating fresh zest directly into the cream cheese layer The fragrance wakes up your senses and reminds me of weekends at my grandmother’s house making lemon treats together She always said fresh citrus transforms a dessert into something special

Storage Tips

For keeping leftovers scoop into a lidded container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil Store in the fridge for up to five days If you want to hold on to some longer Lemon Delight also freezes well Slice into bars and freeze individually then let thaw in the fridge before serving The creamy layers stay smooth even after freezing but the cookie crust softens slightly

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find lemon Oreos Golden Oreos work well or try a simple graham cracker crust for a milder taste Swap in vanilla pudding mix and add extra zest for a still citrusy but less tart version You can use mascarpone in place of cream cheese for a lightly richer filling if desired Fresh strawberries or blueberries make a fun topping for a flavor twist

Serving Suggestions

Bring Lemon Delight to a potluck cut into tidy squares and serve with fresh berries or a dusting of extra zest For fancier occasions pipe little rosettes of whipped cream and garnish each serving with a lemon twist It pairs wonderfully with iced tea or lemonade on a hot day

A Little History

Layered desserts like Lemon Delight have roots in Southern and Midwestern American kitchens Often called lush desserts or delight bars these no bake sweets became popular in the 1970s when boxed pudding and cream cheese hit grocery shelves This recipe is a family tradition for many during spring and summer celebrations

Common Recipe Questions

→ What can I use if Lemon Oreos aren't available?

Golden Oreos work as a great substitute, still giving a flavorful crumb base with plenty of lemon taste from the filling.

→ Why might the dessert not set properly?

Instant pudding mix is required for this dessert. Cook and serve pudding won't set as needed without heat.

→ Can I use a graham cracker crust?

Yes. Combine 3 cups graham cracker crumbs with 1 stick of melted butter for an easy alternative crust.

→ Is a stand mixer necessary for this dessert?

No, hand-electric mixers or even a sturdy whisk will work. Cream cheese should be softened before mixing for best results.

→ How do I keep the cookie crust from falling apart?

Process cookies into fine crumbs so they bind well with melted butter and set firmly in the pan.

→ What other toppings can I use?

Try Golden Oreo crumbs, crushed nuts, or diced strawberries for a fresh flavor variation.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Cover the dessert or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Freezing is also an option for up to three months.