Lemon Icebox Cake

This Lemon Icebox Cake is the perfect summer dessert when you need a cooling and refreshing sweet treat. It’s a no-bake effort full of bright flavors and layered sumptuousness. You’ll taste a punch of lemony tartness mingling with a sweet and creamy pudding sandwiched between layers of softened cookies. It’s an irresistible combination that’s always a crowd-pleaser!

With minimal ingredients and prep time, you can assemble this Lemon Icebox Cake in just 15 minutes. It’s easy to mix the cream cheese and boxed pudding ingredients and layer them on top of lemon sandwich cookies.

Still, you’ll need to practice patience while waiting for this extravaganza of a dessert to chill in the refrigerator thoroughly! I like to let it chill in the fridge overnight since it will need at least 8 hours to let the pudding and cream cheese layers help soften the sandwich cookies for a delectable hint of a crunch.

Ingredients Needed

Lemon Sandwich Cookies – these will act as layers between the pudding mixture.
Instant Lemon Pudding Mix – combined with the cream cheese for the filling layer.
Milk – to help make the pudding mixture.
Cream Cheese – mix softened cream cheese with the pudding mixture to create the filling.
Whipped Topping – for the top layer of the icebox cake.
Lemon Slices and Fresh Mint – garnishes.

How To Make Lemon Icebox Cake

Note: This is a summary of the steps. For complete instructions, see the recipe card down below.

STEP 1: Layer half of the lemon sandwich cookies in the bottom of a 9 x13 baking dish.
STEP 2: Make the lemon filling by combining the whipped cream cheese with the prepared lemon pudding,
STEP 3: Spoon half of the lemon mixture over the cookie layer.
STEP 4: Use the remaining cookies to make a layer on the lemon pudding mixture layer.
STEP 5: Spread the remaining lemon pudding mixture over the second cookie layer and spread the top with the thawed whipped topping.
STEP 6: Cover and place in the refrigerator for 8 hours or overnight so the cookies can soften.
STEP 7: Garnish with lemon slices and mint before serving.

What Is An Icebox Cake?

An icebox cake is a chilled dessert that requires no baking. Instead, it needs refrigeration time to become cold, and the ingredients must be set before slicing and serving. The cake is typically a layered effort consisting of cookies for a “crust” layer topped with pudding, cream cheese, fruit, jello, whipped topping, and more.

Can I Use A Different Cookie?

Sure! You can easily swap the lemon sandwich cookies for vanilla sandwich cookies. You could also use shortbread cookies, graham crackers, or vanilla wafer cookies.

Can I Make This With A Different Flavor Pudding?

Absolutely, but you’ll want to use a neutral-flavored cookie, such as a vanilla sandwich cookie or graham crackers, as a layer between the pudding mixture. You can also use this same recipe and swap out the instant lemon pudding for flavors like coconut, vanilla, chocolate, banana cream, butterscotch, and more.

Topping Ideas

Here, I’ve used lemon slices and sprigs of fresh mint to garnish the top of the icebox cake, but a smattering of lemon zest would be pretty and tasty, too.

Any fruit complementary to lemon, such as fresh blueberries, raspberries, or crumbled lemon sandwich cookies, would be delicious.

How Do I Assemble The Icebox Cake?

You will assemble two layers. Here’s how:

1. Layer half the lemon sandwich cookies in the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan and spread half the lemon pudding and cream cheese mixture over the top.
2. Add another layer of lemon sandwich cookies and spread them with the remaining lemon filling mixture.
3. Top with the whipped cream.
4. Refrigerate the cake until firm, at least 8 hours or overnight. The moisture from the pudding mixture will help soften the cookies so they are easy to slice and serve.
5. Once chilled, remove the icebox cake from the refrigerator and garnish with lemon slices. Cut and serve.

Storage

Store, covered, in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To freeze, cover tightly in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

More Delicious Lemon Desserts

Lemon Tiramisu
Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Parfait
Lemon Cream Cheese Bundt Cake
Pink Lemonade Ice Cream Pie
Lemon Sweet Rolls
Best Lemon Meringue Pie
Easy Lemon Cookies

Nettie is a wife and mother who is passionate about cooking and baking. With five children, Nettie insists that all meals, snacks, and desserts come together quickly! You will find many easy yet delicious recipes on her viral website, Moore or Less Cooking.

Follow me on Instagram and tag #mooreorlesscooking so I can see all the wonderful recipes that YOU make from this site!

Check out my YOUTUBE with a free email subscription HERE, and please share on FACEBOOK and PINTEREST.