If you’re looking for a dessert that bursts with bright citrus flavors and creamy layers, you’re going to adore this Lemon Lasagna Recipe. It’s a lovely no-bake treat combining a crunchy golden Oreo crust, tangy lemon cream cheese filling, and smooth lemon pudding, all topped with fluffy whipped topping that makes every bite feel like a little slice of sunshine. This dessert not only looks stunning but also plays a perfect balance between sweet and tart, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the key to nailing this Lemon Lasagna Recipe. Each item adds its own magic—from the buttery crust to the creamy lemon layers—creating a dish that is undeniably refreshing and perfectly textured.
- Golden Oreo cookies (36, crushed): Provides a sweet, crunchy base with a beautiful golden color.
- Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons, melted): Binds the crust together and adds richness without overpowering.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Gives the dessert its creamy, tangy layer with a luscious texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart lemon.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Delivers bright, fresh lemon flavor essential to this recipe.
- Lemon zest (2 tablespoons): Enhances the citrus punch with aromatic oils from the lemon peel.
- Whipped topping (1 8-oz container, plus extra): Lightens the creamy layers and adds a fluffy texture.
- Instant lemon pudding mix (2 boxes, 3.4 oz each): Creates a smooth, tangy pudding layer that’s quick and easy.
- Cold milk (3 cups): Helps thicken the pudding perfectly without lumps.
- Optional garnish: Additional crushed cookies or lemon zest to decorate the top for an eye-catching finish.
How to Make Lemon Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Begin by combining the crushed golden Oreos with the melted butter in a medium bowl. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened and press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. This crust sets in the fridge and forms a sturdy, flavorful base for your lemon layers.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until it’s beautifully smooth and creamy. Gently fold in one cup of the whipped topping to lighten this layer, then spread it evenly over the chilled crust for that perfect tangy layer that melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Whisk the Lemon Pudding
Next, whisk the instant lemon pudding mix with cold milk vigorously for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens wonderfully. This easy step creates that luscious, zesty pudding layer that complements the cream cheese so well. Spread the pudding evenly on top of the cream cheese layer to keep the dessert beautifully layered.
Step 4: Top with Whipped Topping
Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer, smoothing out the surface for a flawless finish. This fluffy top layer seals in all the flavors and gives the dessert that dreamy, cloud-like texture.
Step 5: Chill and Garnish
Place your assembled lemon lasagna in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until it’s fully set and ready to serve. Before enjoying, sprinkle extra crushed cookies or a little more lemon zest on top for a lovely garnish that adds a pop of texture and color.
How to Serve Lemon Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like extra lemon zest brighten up the look and add a fresh aroma right before serving. Crushed golden Oreo pieces are perfect if you want extra crunch and flavor contrast. Fresh mint leaves are another beautiful addition for a burst of color and subtle herbal undertone.
Side Dishes
This Lemon Lasagna Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, summery sides such as a fresh berry salad or a crisp green salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette. These sides complement the dessert’s brightness without overwhelming your palate, making the whole meal feel balanced and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, consider serving this lemon lasagna in individual clear glasses or mason jars layered carefully to showcase those vibrant lemon colors. You can also cut it into squares and place small dollops of whipped topping on top, piped with a star tip for an elegant, fancy touch everyone will admire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover lemon lasagna keeps wonderfully covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed well to maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors. The flavors even deepen a little overnight, so you might find it tastes better the next day!
Freezing
While not ideal to freeze whole lemon lasagna due to the whipped topping texture, you can freeze individual portions without the whipped topping layered on top. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in airtight containers. When thawing, refrigerate overnight and add fresh whipped topping before serving.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed cold, so reheating is not recommended. Just allow refrigerated slices to sit out for about 10 minutes before serving if you want the flavors to be more pronounced. It’s a perfect cool, refreshing dessert with no need for warmth.
FAQs
Can I use a different cookie for the crust?
Absolutely! While golden Oreos give a great color and flavor, you can substitute with regular Oreos, graham crackers, or any vanilla cookies you prefer. Just crush them finely and mix with melted butter to form the crust.
Is this Lemon Lasagna Recipe gluten-free?
Since Golden Oreos and most instant pudding mixes contain gluten, this recipe is not gluten-free as written. However, you can try gluten-free cookies and gluten-free pudding mixes to make it safe for those avoiding gluten.
Can I make this dessert vegan or dairy-free?
Making this recipe vegan or dairy-free is tricky because of the cream cheese, pudding mix, and whipped topping ingredients. You can try vegan cream cheese and dairy-free pudding mixes, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly. Experimenting with dairy-free whipped toppings will also help keep it vegan-friendly.
How tart is the lemon flavor in this dessert?
This Lemon Lasagna Recipe strikes a lovely balance of tangy and sweet. The fresh lemon juice and zest give a refreshing tartness without overpowering the dessert’s creaminess. You can tweak the lemon zest to make it brighter if you prefer a punchier lemon flavor.
Can this dessert be made ahead for a party?
Yes, it’s perfect for making ahead! Prepare it a day in advance to allow all the layers to meld together beautifully. Just keep it covered in the fridge and garnish right before serving to impress your guests effortlessly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Lemon Lasagna Recipe that makes it a must-try for anyone who loves light, bright, and creamy desserts. It’s easy to make, no baking required, and offers layers of irresistible flavor that you and your friends will keep coming back to. Trust me, once you try this cheerful lemon treat, it might just become your new favorite dessert to share and celebrate with.
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Lemon Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Lasagna is a refreshing no-bake dessert featuring layers of tangy lemon cream cheese, instant lemon pudding, and whipped topping over a buttery golden Oreo crust. Perfectly chilled, it offers a bright citrus flavor and a creamy, indulgent texture that’s ideal for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a light yet satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Crust
- 36 golden Oreo cookies (crushed)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Lemon Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Lemon Pudding Layer
- 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant lemon pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
Topping and Garnish
- Remaining whipped topping for layering and topping
- Crushed cookies or lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed golden Oreos with melted butter and mix until evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to form an even crust layer. Place the dish in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the next layer.
- Make the Lemon Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping to lighten the mixture. Spread this lemon cream cheese layer evenly over the chilled Oreo crust.
- Prepare the Lemon Pudding Layer: In another bowl, whisk together the instant lemon pudding mix and cold milk for 2 to 3 minutes until the pudding thickens. Spread this pudding layer evenly over the lemon cream cheese layer in the dish.
- Add the Final Topping: Top the pudding layer with the remaining whipped topping, smoothing the surface for a neat finish.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours, allowing all layers to set properly. Before serving, garnish with additional crushed cookies or lemon zest if desired to enhance the presentation and flavor.
Notes
- For a brighter lemon flavor, add an extra tablespoon of lemon zest or a drop of lemon extract to the cream cheese mixture.
- This dessert is best served cold and can be prepared a day ahead, making it convenient for entertaining.
- Press the crust firmly to ensure it holds together when slicing.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best citrus flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
