An icebox cake is a classic confection that comes together with just a few simple ingredients and then sets in the refrigerator (aka ice box). Since icebox cakes don’t involve baking, they’re the perfect sweet summer treat.
This light, creamy, lemony layered dessert uses fresh lemon juice, whipped topping and crunchy graham crackers. It sets as it chills in the fridge overnight, resulting in a refreshingly cool treat with a bright and tangy lemon flavor. It’s definitely one of our favorite no-bake lemon desserts.
Lemon Icebox Cake Ingredients
- Graham crackers: Graham crackers are the perfect base for an icebox cake. They’ll soften up a bit as the filling sets to give this dessert a cakelike texture. If you don’t have any graham crackers on hand, you can also use shortbread cookies or Nilla Wafers.
- Cream cheese: To make this filling super smooth and decadent (and easier to mix), the cream cheese should be softened.
- Instant lemon pudding mix: An instant pudding mix is the secret ingredient for providing both flavor and the right consistency for an icebox cake recipe. You’ll need only the powdered mix; no need to pick up the extra ingredients called for on the side of the box.
- Milk: Feel free to use 2% or whole milk for this lemon icebox cake recipe.
- Whipped topping: A frozen whipped topping like Cool Whip is a key part of many icebox desserts. Make sure it’s thawed before folding it into this recipe. And don’t substitute homemade whipped cream for the Cool Whip!
- Lemon: Fresh lemon is really what gives this dessert (and all our favorite lemon desserts) the signature tangy flavor. Before you get started, learn how to zest a lemon (even if you don’t have a zester).
Directions
Step 1: Arrange the graham crackers
Start this lemon icebox cake recipe by arranging the first layer of graham crackers in an ungreased 13×9-inch dish, breaking the crackers as needed to fit.
Step 2: Make the lemon filling
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, pudding mix and 1 tablespoon lemon zest until blended.
Editor’s Tip: A good hand mixer will make this job easy.
Gradually beat in the milk until smooth.
Step 3: Fold in the whipped topping
Fold the thawed whipped topping into the lemon mixture.
Editor’s Tip: Folding is a gentle mixing method that will ensure the filling is light and airy. Always work slowly and carefully when folding. Here’s more on how to fold in ingredients.
Step 4: Assemble the lemon icebox cake
Spread a third of the lemon mixture over the graham crackers.
Repeat the graham cracker and lemon filling layers two more times.
Step 5: Sprinkle on the zest and chill the cake
Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon lemon zest over the cake. Refrigerate the cake, covered, for 8 hours or overnight. When you’re ready to serve, just slice and wait for the compliments!
Editor’s Tip: To get the prettiest zest, choose a lemon that’s bright yellow with as few blemishes as possible.
Recipe Variations
- Increase the lemon flavor: Add a layer of homemade lemon curd, or mix in some lemon juice or lemon zest with the whipped cream.
- Add more fruits: Bring more fruit into your cake with a layer of fresh raspberries or blueberries. Either of these two berries pairs exquisitely with lemon.
- Use a different citrus fruit: Instead of fresh lemon zest for the garnish, try a lemon zest substitute such as orange or lime. Or, fully swap in lime for the lemon if you want a Key lime pie-inspired dessert.
- Get creative with cookies: Replace the graham crackers with lemon Oreos, vanilla wafers, shortbread, ladyfingers or even gingersnaps. (Extra Oreos can be used in our favorite Oreo desserts.)
How to Store Lemon Icebox Cake
Cover the pan with storage wrap or aluminum foil. If there’s only a little bit of icebox cake left over, transfer the cake to an airtight container to save space in your fridge. Store lemon icebox cake in the ice box for up to four days.
Can you freeze lemon icebox cake?
Yes, you can freeze lemon icebox cake for up to one month. Just be sure to cover the pan in a layer of storage wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the cake in the fridge.
Lemon Icebox Cake Tips
How can you decorate a lemon icebox cake?
To give your icebox cake a flavorful final touch, try topping it with slices of citrus like lemons, blood oranges or limes. For a pop of color, garnish it with an array of fresh berries, or add a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of chopped almonds, pistachios or macadamia nuts for a bit of sweetness and crunch.
Can you use other kinds of pudding to make lemon icebox cake?
The instant pudding mix is a key ingredient in this lemon icebox cake recipe, but feel free to swap in other instant pudding flavors like vanilla, white chocolate or coconut cream. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s the instant pudding mix, not the “cook and serve” kind.
