A ridiculously easy no-bake lemon icebox cake recipe, made using just 4 simple ingredients: lemon pudding mix, milk, Cool Whip, and graham crackers.
While some people (like me) no-bake desserts like these icebox cakes, I have seen them also referred to as a lemon lush or lemon dream dessert.
But, typically a lush has a cream cheese layer, which this particular recipe does not. (I do also have a lemon lush recipe if you would like something with a cream cheese layer.)
So, I think lemon icebox cake or no-bake lemon pudding cake would be better-suited names for this delicious treat.
Looking for a no-bake cheesecake? Check out this amazing no-bake cherry cheesecake.
Lemon Icebox Cake
I know, I know, who really cares what you call it? What matters is how it tastes, right?
Well, I can assure you that this lemon cake tastes incredible. Cool, light, and creamy lemon goodness. I love how it has just the right amount of lemon flavor so that it isn’t too lemony.
Related: 3-Ingredient Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
If you love lemon desserts, you won’t be able to resist this lemon pudding icebox cake.
And just like our no-bake eclair cake and strawberry icebox cake, you won’t believe how easy it is to make.
The cake is made by simply alternating layers of graham crackers, lemon pudding, and Cool Whip.
That. Is. It!
A Word of Warning
Be careful when covering your cake.
I used the lid that came with my 9 x 13 glass baking dish, and I guess it just wasn’t high enough.
When I removed the lid the following day, there was a large hole in the top layer of my cake. Ugh.
Luckily, I was able to salvage my lemon cake by patching the hole with the whipped topping from the lid and then camouflage my patchwork with graham cracker crumbs.
You can hardly tell, right?
But, you can be smarter than I was and use more care when covering your cake. Toothpicks are great for helping to ensure plastic wrap doesn’t stick to your cake.
Or, use one of these. I am going to order one for next time I make a no-bake cake (which will probably be next week, knowing me).
Speaking of other no-bake desserts, have you tried this pistachio icebox cake or this strawberry Jello pie? Both are incredible and super easy just like this recipe.
Lemon Icebox Cake
The absolute BEST lemon icebox cake recipe! All you need are 4-ingredients to make this easy and delicious no-bake lemon dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 (3.4 oz) packages lemon instant pudding mix
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 1 tub (16 oz) whipped topping, thawed and divided
- 1 (16 oz) box graham crackers
- graham cracker crumbles and/or fresh berries, for garnish (if desired)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk instant pudding mix and milk together for 2 minutes. Fold in 1/2 of the whipped topping.
- Cover the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish with a single layer of graham crackers. Add 1/2 the pudding mixture, spread into an even layer. Repeat with another layer of graham crackers and then the rest of the pudding. Top with a 3rd layer of graham crackers and then the remaining whipped topping.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours.
- Garnish with fresh berries and/or graham cracker crumbles, if desired. Slice and serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 15 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 389
I love how light and summer this lemon icebox cake recipe is! I am going to have to grab a lemon off our tree for a garnish.
I love that I can use sugarfree ingredients for a diabetic-friendly treat.
Recipe does not specify if graham crackers are whole or crumble.
whole graham crackers 🙂
Love this recipe! Going to make this soon. Yum!
I followed your instructions and I have to say that the cake was very good and so easy to make. I used blackberries and they worked perfectly as well…next time I’ll try with raspberries
Lemon is the perfect summer dessert flavor! I love that I can make this without having to turn on the oven or stand over the stove, thank you!
The flavor of lemon in this cake is superb. And I loved how simple it was to make. The perfect cake for summer!
Looks absolutely amazing and would be perfect for summer parties or even a weekend brunch. Love how easy to follow your recipe is.
Do you think it would make any difference if cooked lemon pudding (cooled) was used in place of instant?
While I haven’t tried it myself, I think that homemade pudding would work fine as well! If you do decide to give it a try, I would love to hear how it comes out 🙂
Made for Thanksgiving. Yum