Go Back
Judy John

No Bake Lemon Dessert Recipe

This no bake lemon dessert layers buttery crumbs with silky citrus filling for a cool, bright treat. It tastes fresh, creamy, and wonderfully effortless.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Chill Time 4 hours
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 18 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 305
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs fine crumbs
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Lemon Filling
  • 16 oz cream cheese room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp lemon zest freshly grated
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice fresh
  • 2 cups heavy cream cold
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
  • 1 cup whipped cream optional
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest for garnish

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • 9x13 Pan
  • Hand Mixer
  • Zester
  • Juicer
  • Rubber Spatula
  • Measuring Cups
  • Refrigerator
  • Freezer
  • Knife
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Grease a 9x13-inch pan or line it with parchment.
  2. Mix crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until evenly moistened. Press firmly into the pan base.
  3. Chill crust for 15 minutes while preparing the filling.
  4. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
  5. Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks in a separate bowl.
  6. Fold whipped cream into the lemon mixture gently until silky and fully combined.
  7. Spread filling over chilled crust. Smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
  8. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or freeze 1 hour for faster setting.
  9. Top with whipped cream and lemon zest if desired. Slice into squares and serve cold.

Notes

For a softer mousse-like texture, chill 4 hours. For firmer bars, chill overnight or freeze briefly before slicing. Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator. If filling seems loose, whip cream to stiffer peaks. Add berries, coconut, ginger cookies, or white chocolate for flavor twists. Store covered in the refrigerator up to 5 days.