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Lemon Icebox Cake for Cool Citrus Slices

This Lemon Icebox Cake layers graham crackers with a creamy lemon filling made from cream cheese, lemon pudding mix, fresh lemon juice, milk, vanilla, and Cool Whip.
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Ingredients
  

Lemon Filling

  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 6.8 ounces instant lemon pudding mix two 3.4-ounce boxes
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 3 large lemons or 4 medium lemons
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups milk
  • 8 ounces Cool Whip 1 container

Layers

  • 1 box graham crackers 14.4 ounces

Optional Toppings

  • Lemon zest
  • Raspberries
  • Sliced lemons wedged or curled
  • Blueberries
  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • A dollop of whipped cream

Instructions
 

  1. Add the softened cream cheese to a large mixing bowl and beat with a hand mixer until smooth, fluffy, and light.
  2. Add the lemon pudding powder, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon juice. Mix again until the filling becomes smooth and evenly yellow.
  3. Slowly pour in the milk while mixing. Continue until the mixture is mostly smooth with very few lumps.
  4. Fold in the Cool Whip gently with a spatula until the filling is combined.
  5. Spread about 1/2 cup of the lemon pudding mixture across the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish.
  6. Add one even layer of graham crackers over the pudding layer. Break crackers as needed so they fit the dish.
  7. Spread one-third of the remaining lemon pudding mixture over the graham crackers.
  8. Repeat the layers: graham crackers, pudding mixture, graham crackers, then pudding mixture again.
  9. Chill the cake by freezing it for 4 hours or refrigerating it overnight.
  10. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes if frozen, then top with lemon zest, raspberries, sliced lemons, blueberries, graham cracker crumbs, or whipped cream if desired.
CHEF’S TIP
Use softened cream cheese for the smoothest filling.
Refrigerate overnight for a softer texture.
Freeze for a firmer slice.
Add fresh toppings just before serving.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword lemon icebox cake, no bake lemon cake, lemon pudding dessert, graham cracker icebox cake, chilled lemon dessert, cakes and cupcakes
CALORIES PER SERVING