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You are here: Home » Recipes » Dessert » Lemon Icebox Cake

Lemon Icebox Cake

Dessert

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Lemon Icebox Cake; no bake dessert
4 Ingredient Lemon Dessert
No-Bake Lemon Pudding Cake Pin

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.

Slice of lemon pudding cake on a plate next to cake dish.

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 or these no-bake strawberry cheesecake bars.

Lemon Icebox Cake

I know, I know, who really cares what you call it? What matters is how it tastes, right?

Lemon Pudding Cake with layers of graham crackers, lemon pudding, and Cool Whip. Topped with a raspberry.

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.

No Bake Lemon Pudding Cake with a few slices removed to show layers

The cake is made by simply alternating layers of graham crackers, lemon pudding, and Cool Whip.

That. Is. It!

Slice of lemon pudding cake on a plate next to cake dish.

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.

9 x 13 glass baking dish with lemon cake topped with raspberries

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 Pudding Cake with layers of graham crackers, lemon pudding, and Cool Whip. Topped with a raspberry.

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.
4.51 from 89 votes

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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours hours
Total Time: 4 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 15 servings
Calories: 389kcal
Author: Jaclyn Shimmel
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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

Serving: 1g | Calories: 389kcal

The nutritional information provided is automatically calculated by a third party and intended to serve as an estimate only. The accuracy of nutritional information is not guaranteed.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Please rate the recipe and leave a comment on the blog or share on social media and tag @crayonsandcravings!
No-Bake Lemon Pudding Cake Pin
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By Jaclyn Shimmel | 06/17/2019
Filed Under: Dessert, Recipes Tagged With: Cake, No Bake, Summer

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Comments

  1. Debra May says

    02/11/2023 at 3:06 am

    can you use heavy whipping cream

    Reply
    • Jaclyn Shimmel says

      02/11/2023 at 2:14 pm

      I haven’t tried the recipe with homemade whipped cream myself but it shouldn’t be an issue. I would suggest adding confectioner’s sugar and vanilla to the whipped cream to give it more sweetness and flavor. If you decide to give the recipe a try with homemade whipped cream please come back to let us know how it comes out 🙂

      Reply
  2. Lymm says

    02/23/2023 at 8:39 am

    Do you use graham crackers crumbs or a whole graham cracker

    Reply
    • Jaclyn Shimmel says

      02/23/2023 at 9:25 am

      Whole graham crackers. They will soften up as the icebox cake chills 🙂

      Reply
  3. Janet (Jilly) Weigel says

    04/05/2023 at 8:02 pm

    Since there are only two of us, I’m tempted to make a half recipe and use a large loaf pan instead.

    Reply
    • Jaclyn Shimmel says

      04/09/2023 at 10:21 am

      An 8- or 9-inch square pan would be better for halving the recipe.

      Reply
  4. Tina Moulder says

    04/21/2023 at 1:40 pm

    i haven’t tried this yet but it looks wonderful, that and I love anything lemony… I’m gonna give it a try. I know as a child my mom made a ice box lemon pie although I’m not sure how she made it. do you have a recipe for that?

    Reply
    • Jaclyn Shimmel says

      04/22/2023 at 9:05 am

      I am a big lemon-lover as well. I can’t get enough lemon desserts, especially in Spring and Summer months. Do you think this lemon icebox pie recipe is similar to what she made?

      Reply
  5. Anonymous says

    05/26/2023 at 5:27 pm

    5 stars
    My husband loves this dessert. it is requested often.

    Reply
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