Lemon Cream Icebox Cake
Bright, tangy lemon meets cool, creamy goodness in this no-bake lemon icebox cake with cream cheese, graham crackers, lemon pudding, and whipped topping. It’s sunshine on a fork—ridiculously easy, dreamy and perfect for a crowd.
12
servings
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 packages (450 g) cream cheese 8 oz each, softened
- 2 packages (192 g) instant lemon pudding mix 3.4 oz each
- 2.5 cups (590 ml) cold milk preferably whole or 2%
- 1 container (225 g) whipped topping (like Cool Whip) 8 oz, thawed
- 1 box (225 g) graham crackers about 14-16 full sheets
For Garnish (optional)
- lemon zest
- lemon slices
Equipment
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
Instructions
- Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, scraping the sides as needed to avoid lumps.
- Add instant lemon pudding mixes and cold milk. Beat for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens and forms a smooth, scoopable filling.
- Gently fold in the whipped topping using a spatula, just until blended and creamy. Don't overmix.
- Arrange a single layer of graham crackers in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Break crackers as needed to fit.
- Spread about one third of the lemon-cream mixture over the crackers. Repeat the layers two more times, ending with the lemon mixture on top (for three total layers of each).
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better) to soften the graham crackers and set the cake.
- Before serving, garnish with fresh lemon zest and thin lemon slices if desired. Slice and serve cold.
Notes
This cake can be made 1-2 days ahead and gets creamier as it sits. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freezing is not recommended as it changes the texture. To substitute Cool Whip, use 3 cups stiffly whipped cream. Try a swirl of lemon curd between layers, or add fresh berries for variety.
Nutrition
Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 480mg | Potassium: 190mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 600IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 170mg | Iron: 1.2mg