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Tasty Lemon No-Bake Cake

Featured in: Desserts to Satisfy Every Craving

Arrange flat cookies in your dish, then spread a mix of tangy lemon pudding and whipped cream on top. Keep adding layers - cookies then cream until you finish the pan. Pour sweet lemon glaze over everything so it drips down the edges. Refrigerate overnight to let cookies soften and filling firm up. Just mix and stack - no oven time. Makes a crowd-pleasing treat that tastes fancy but needs minimal effort.

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A woman in a kitchen with a stove and oven.
Updated on Wed, 16 Apr 2025 16:23:47 GMT
A slice of layered lemon dessert with creamy filling and a slice of lemon on top, served on a white plate. Pin it
A slice of layered lemon dessert with creamy filling and a slice of lemon on top, served on a white plate. | cookingkitchn.com

Whip up this simple Lemon Eclair Cake without any baking – it screams summer flavor. Simply stack graham crackers between layers of lemon pudding and cool whip, finish with zingy lemon frosting. It comes together in minutes, then chills until it transforms. The waiting's tough, but you'll be glad you did.

What Makes This Cake Special

Got a thing for lemon? You'll adore this treat. Assembly only takes 5 minutes and there's no oven needed. Leave it in the fridge overnight and you'll get a bright, airy dessert everyone will beg you to make again. It's perfect for get-togethers since you can fix it beforehand, and trust me – there won't be any leftovers.

Ingredients List

  • Graham Crackers: Create the foundation
  • Lemon Pudding: Go for the instant variety
  • Milk: Choose whole for extra creaminess
  • Cool Whip: Don't forget to defrost
  • Lemon Frosting: Crowns your creation

Step-by-Step Directions

Prep Your Dish:
Give a 9x13 dish a quick spray so your dessert won't stick.
Begin Stacking:
Line the bottom with graham crackers as your base.
Create Filling:
Stir pudding and milk together for 2 minutes until it's creamy. Gently mix in Cool Whip.
Assemble Layers:
Spread half your pudding mix over crackers. Add another cracker layer, then remaining pudding, followed by final crackers.
Add Finishing Touch:
Heat frosting in microwave until it's pourable. Spread across the top cracker layer.
Chill Thoroughly:
Store in your fridge overnight or at least 12 hours.

Crowd Pleaser

This cake grabs attention whenever it appears. Basic ingredients transform into something amazing. The lemon flavor sets it apart from typical desserts, and even kitchen newbies can nail this one perfectly.

Patience Pays Off

Don't skip the overnight chill – it's crucial. The crackers need time to soften from the pudding mixture. When you finally dig in, everything's melded together beautifully. The texture combo tastes like you bought it from a fancy shop.

Perfect for Gatherings

Bring it to cookouts, celebrations, or casual hangouts. It's totally portable and pleases everyone from kids to grandparents. You'll want to memorize the recipe because you'll always get asked for it.

Refreshing Twist

While chocolate eclair cake might be familiar, this lemony creation stands out. It's got a lighter feel that's ideal for hot weather. It tastes like sunshine and feels refreshing after dinner.

A slice of lemon-layered dessert topped with lemon slices, served on a turquoise plate, with whole lemons and a bowl in the background. Pin it
A slice of lemon-layered dessert topped with lemon slices, served on a turquoise plate, with whole lemons and a bowl in the background. | cookingkitchn.com

Dress It Up

Want to wow your guests? Garnish with fresh lemon slices or scatter some lemon zest on top. These small touches boost both looks and aroma. Since we eat with our eyes first, make sure it looks as amazing as it tastes.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Need to make ahead?

That's actually best! Leave it overnight. The flavors blend perfectly. It'll stay good for several days. The texture gets wonderfully soft.

→ Got different cookies?

Simple ones do great. Butter biscuits work too. They should be flat though. Make sure they aren't too sweet. You want the dry kind.

→ Rather use real cream?

It'll work if you whip it firmly. Beat until really stiff. Add a little sugar. It might soften faster though. Keep an eye on it.

→ No lemon sweet coat?

Just combine sugar with juice. Make it pretty thick. Sample as you go. It should pour slowly. You can even try honey.

→ Need it no wheat?

Find gluten-free cookies. Double-check the pudding ingredients. Watch the cream products. Rice cookies perform well. It still sets properly.

→ Getting too soft?

Use less liquid. Press layers firmly. Chill it longer. Start with cold ingredients. Fresh cookies make a difference.

→ Taking it places?

Keep it super cold. Transport it flat. Use a container with edges. Don't put anything on top. Move it quickly.

→ Need it faster?

Buy premade pudding. Use instant whipped cream. Build it quicker. Cut down chill time. Tastes good anyway.

→ Making big batch?

Doubling works great. Just use a larger dish. Extra layers are fine. Watch the sides carefully. Keep everything cold.

→ Want more zip?

Add extra lemon. Grated zest works wonders. Tangy cream tastes great. Lime can substitute. Try squeezing fresh juice.

→ Not setting up?

Let it chill more. Use fewer wet ingredients. Pack everything tighter. A cold bowl helps. Double-check your mixture.

→ Kids want different?

Go lighter on lemon. Add more sweetness. Bright colors help. Serve smaller pieces. Maybe throw on some sprinkles.

Conclusion

Want more? Try chilled lemon tart next time. Or maybe whip up some lemon cheesecake squares. They're both refreshing treats.

Lemon No-Bake Cake

Simple chilled lemon dessert.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Sweet Delights

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 (14.4-oz) package graham crackers.
02 2 (3.4-oz) packets instant lemon pudding.
03 3½ cups cold milk.
04 1 (8-oz) tub Cool Whip, defrosted.
05 1 (16-oz) can lemon frosting.

Instructions

Step 01

Lightly coat the bottom of a 9x13 dish with non-stick spray so serving is a breeze.

Step 02

Lay down a foundation using a third of the graham crackers across the bottom of the dish.

Step 03

Grab a bowl and dump in the lemon pudding mix with the milk. Beat with your hand mixer for about 2 minutes till it's nice and smooth. Then gently mix in the soft Cool Whip using a spatula, making sure it's all blended without squashing the fluffiness.

Step 04

Dump half the fluffy pudding mix onto your graham cracker base and smooth it out flat with a spatula.

Step 05

Put another layer of whole graham crackers on top of your pudding to add some crunch and support.

Step 06

Dump the rest of your pudding mix on those graham crackers and smooth it all the way to the edges.

Step 07

Add one last layer of graham crackers on top to seal everything together.

Step 08

Take the lid off your lemon frosting and pop it in the microwave for about 30-40 seconds until it's runny but not hot.

Step 09

Pour the warm frosting all over the top graham crackers and spread it around to cover everything.

Step 10

Stick the whole thing in your fridge for at least 12 hours or overnight so all the flavors can mingle.

Notes

  1. You'll get the yummiest results if you make this treat the day before and let it sit in the fridge overnight.
  2. Any extras can go back in the fridge to stay fresh, though they probably won't last long!

Tools You'll Need

  • Hand Mixer.
  • Mixing Bowls.
  • 9x13-inch Baking Dish.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~