Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lemon Lasagna is a light, creamy, and refreshing layered dessert that perfectly balances tangy lemon flavor with sweet, velvety textures. With a buttery cookie crust, smooth cream cheese layer, bright lemon pudding, and fluffy whipped topping, this no-bake dessert is ideal for spring and summer gatherings or anytime you crave a cool, citrusy treat.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
golden Oreos or vanilla sandwich cookiesunsalted buttercream cheeseconfectioners’ sugarmilkinstant lemon pudding mixwhipped topping (like Cool Whip)lemon zest (optional for garnish)
directions
Crush the golden Oreos into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.
Melt the butter and mix it with the cookie crumbs until fully coated. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to form the crust. Chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes.
In a bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add confectioners’ sugar and mix until creamy. Fold in a portion of the whipped topping. Spread this over the chilled crust.
In another bowl, whisk together the instant lemon pudding mix and milk until thickened. Spread over the cream cheese layer.
Top with the remaining whipped topping, spreading it evenly.
Garnish with lemon zest or thin lemon slices if desired.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 12-15 servings.Preparation time: 20 minutesChilling time: 4 hoursTotal time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Variations
Use shortbread cookies or graham crackers instead of golden Oreos for a different crust flavor.
Add a layer of fresh blueberries or raspberries between the pudding and whipped topping for a fruity twist.
Mix a bit of lemon extract into the cream cheese layer for extra zing.
Swap lemon pudding for lime or orange pudding for a citrus variation.
Top with crushed lemon candies or white chocolate curls for added texture.
storage/reheating
Store Lemon Lasagna covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.Not suitable for freezing, as the texture may become watery once thawed.Serve chilled directly from the fridge—no reheating required.
FAQs
What is Lemon Lasagna?
It’s a layered no-bake dessert made with a cookie crust, cream cheese filling, lemon pudding, and whipped topping.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, it’s ideal to make it the day before so it has time to chill and set.
Do I have to use Cool Whip?
You can substitute homemade whipped cream, but make sure it’s stabilized to hold up in layers.
Is this dessert very sweet?
It has a balance of sweetness and tartness, making it refreshing rather than overly sugary.
Can I use sugar-free pudding?
Yes, sugar-free instant lemon pudding works just as well for a lighter version.
What can I use instead of golden Oreos?
Vanilla wafers, shortbread, or graham crackers are all good alternatives.
Can I add fresh fruit?
Absolutely—berries pair wonderfully with the lemon flavor and add a colorful touch.
Do I need to bake anything?
Nope! This is a completely no-bake recipe.
Can I use lemon curd instead of pudding?
Yes, but it will result in a tangier and more intense lemon flavor.
Can kids enjoy this dessert?
Yes, it’s kid-friendly and doesn’t contain any alcohol or caffeine.
Conclusion
Lemon Lasagna is a bright, cool dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. With its creamy layers and zesty lemon flavor, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite for family dinners, potlucks, or summer barbecues. Make it once, and it just might earn a permanent spot in your dessert rotation.
PrintLemon Lasagna
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon Lasagna is a refreshing no-bake dessert made with layers of golden Oreo crust, lemon pudding, sweetened cream cheese, and whipped topping. It’s light, creamy, and bursting with zesty lemon flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 package (14.3 oz) golden Oreo cookies, crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 16 oz whipped topping (Cool Whip), divided
- 2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant lemon pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Lemon slices or zest, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine crushed golden Oreos and melted butter. Press the mixture into a 9×13 inch dish to form a crust. Refrigerate to set.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and beat until combined. Fold in 8 oz of whipped topping and spread over the crust layer.
- In another bowl, whisk together the lemon pudding mixes and cold milk for about 2 minutes until thickened. Spread the pudding over the cream cheese layer.
- Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the lemon layer.
- Garnish with lemon zest or slices if desired. Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- Make sure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon extract to the pudding mix.
- This dessert needs time to set properly, so prepare in advance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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