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Lemon Icebox Cake is a deliciously sweet, refreshing, creamy no-bake summer dessert option that everyone will love. This will be your new go-to dessert when you’re in a pinch! If you’ve followed me for a while now, you probably already know how much I love lemony things, especially lemon desserts…with the occasional lemon-inspired dinner thrown into the mix.Â
Why You’ll Love This No Bake Lemon Icebox Cake Recipe
Last week I went through a phase of sorts and made lots and lots of different kinds of icebox cakes. I had my friends try a few kinds, but the one that seemed to be everyone’s favorite was this lemon one. It’s so sweet and creamy, plus really light and refreshing, which in my opinion, every lemon dessert should be.
If you’ve never made an icebox before, you are in for a real treat. So so so so so ridiculously easy and they always turn out wonderfully, with zero baking! It’s the perfect dessert.
Main Ingredients Needed
You don’t need much to make this delicious lemon icebox cake–just simple ingredients here! Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Cream Cheese– softened. Lots of tangy creaminess here.
- Sugar- used to sweeten.
- Lemon Zest- for extra lemony flavor.
- Heavy Whipping Cream- used to thicken and add structure.
- Lemon Shortbread Cookies- You can use 1 1/2 bags Pepperidge Farms (6 oz) bags or 2 boxes lemon Girl Scout Cookies. OR, make your own Shortbread Cookies and replace the vanilla for lemon extract.
- Milk- used to dip the cookies in for layering.
- Whipped Cream– for garnish, optional. See my whipped cream tutorial.
- Fresh berries or other fresh fruit- Â for garnish, optional but highly recommended.
Variations:
- Substitute vanilla wafers for shortbread cookies
- Use graham crackers for a different texture
- Use Cool Whip instead of making your own whipped cream
How To Make Lemon Icebox Cake
For full recipe details, including ingredient measurements, see the printable recipe card down below. Here are the step by step directions to make this easy lemon no bake dessert recipe!
Step 1: Prep Baking Dish
Line the bottom of the pan (8×8 casserole dish) with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling Mixture
In a large bowl, whip softened cream cheese, sugar, and lemon zest until smooth. Then add in some heavy cream and whip until the mixture is light, fluffy, and thickens back up again. You’re essentially whipping air into the mixture.
Step 3: Assemble Cake
To assemble the cake, all you do is layer the creamy filling mixture you just made with some lemon shortbread cookies that were quickly dipped in milk, 3 layers of each. So, your layers will go:
- cookie layer #1
- cream mixture #1
- cookie layer #2
- cream mixture #2
- cookie layer #3
- cream mixture #3
Dip each cookie one by one into the milk and line the bottom of dish with cookies to cover. If needed, cut cookies in half to fit in properly.
Pour 1/3 of the cream cheese mixture over cookies and smooth the top. Repeat layering cookies and cream until you have 3 layers of each.
Step 4: Cover + Refrigerate
Cover the top with plastic wrap and refrigerate 12 hours or longer. You just want everything good and cold before you cut into it.
I love seeing the yellow speckles of lemon zest in the top of the cake, and the design of the cookies!
Step 5: Cut + Serve
When completely chilled, you’ll see it cuts just like a regular cake would. And you can even see all those yummy layers in there too! Just cut into squares and serve! Feel free to add remaining whipped topping and garnish with lemon slices or fresh berries. This part is optional, but delicious!
Storage + Make Ahead Directions Lemon Icebox Cake
Lemon Icebox Cake will store well covered in the fridge for 1-2 days. Which means this a great make ahead cake! Just store in the fridge until ready to serve.
To Freeze: This cake is a great one to freeze for later. Wrap well in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Allow to thaw overnight in the fridge before cutting and serving.
More Icebox Recipes to Try!
More Lemon Cake Recipes to Try!
This Lemon Icebox Cake is a simple and delicious no-bake dessert perfect for hot summer days or special occasions. Enjoy the tangy lemon flavor and creamy filling with each bite. Add your own twist with different cookie variations or garnishes. Give it a try for a refreshing treat that’s sure to be a hit! The printable recipe card is below. Enjoy, friends! 🙂
If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.
Lemon Icebox Cake Recipe
A deliciously sweet, refreshing, and creamy no-bake lemon icebox cake that everyone will love. This will be your new go-to dessert!
Nutrition
Calories: 383kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 227mg | Potassium: 104mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 767IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 1mg
