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Lemon Layer Dessert Recipe
This layered lemon dessert combines a crushed vanilla sandwich cookie crust with rich cream cheese, tangy lemon pudding, and fluffy whipped cream. It is a nostalgic, no-bake treat that comes together quickly in a single baking dish. Serve this bright, creamy dessert at your next spring gathering or weekend potluck. The contrast between the buttery cookie base and the smooth, citrusy layers makes it incredibly refreshing.
Ingredients
- 1 (19.1-oz.) pkg. cream-filled vanilla sandwich cookies, crushed (about 4 ½ cups)
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 (8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
- 2 tsp. lemon zest plus 3 Tbsp. fresh juice
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, divided
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 (3.4-oz.) pkg. lemon instant pudding mix and pie filling
- 1. Coat a 13- x 9-inch freezer-safe baking dish with cooking spray, and line the dish with parchment paper.
Instructions
- 1Coat a 13 by 9-inch freezer-safe baking dish with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper. Mix the crushed vanilla sandwich cookies and melted butter in a large bowl. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the dish, then freeze for about 10 minutes until firm.
- 2Beat the softened cream cheese, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and 1 1/4 cups of powdered sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer on high speed. Continue beating for about 3 minutes until the mixture becomes fluffy.
- 3Whip the heavy cream and the remaining 1/4 cup of powdered sugar in a separate large bowl. Beat on high speed for about 2 minutes until stiff peaks form.
- 4Gently fold 1 cup of the whipped cream into the fluffy cream cheese mixture. Spread this layer evenly over the chilled cookie crust and return the dish to the freezer for about 10 minutes to set.
- 5Whisk the whole milk and lemon instant pudding mix together in a large bowl for 2 to 4 minutes until smooth and thick. Pour the pudding over the cream cheese layer and chill for about 15 minutes until the pudding sets slightly.
- 6Spread the rest of the whipped cream gently over the pudding layer. Cover the dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours until completely firm.