Lemon Icebox Cake – Light, Tangy, and Refreshingly Cool

This Lemon Icebox Cake is a no-bake, easy-to-make dessert that layers crisp cookies with luscious lemon-flavored cream. It’s a wonderfully light and tangy treat perfect for warm days or anytime you want a refreshing sweet finish. With its creamy texture and bright citrus flavor, this cake is sure to become a favorite for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright & Tangy – Fresh lemon juice and zest give a vibrant citrus punch.
No-Bake & Simple – Quick layering with no oven required.
Chilled & Refreshing – Perfectly cool and creamy after refrigeration.
Crunchy & Creamy – Crisp cookies soften just enough for a tender bite.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 packs (about 14 oz) graham crackers or vanilla wafer cookies

Instructions

  1. Whip the Cream
    In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  2. Prepare the Lemon Cream
    Gently fold lemon curd and lemon zest into the whipped cream until well combined.
  3. Layer the Cake
    In a 9×13-inch dish, spread a thin layer of lemon cream. Add a single layer of graham crackers or cookies to cover the bottom. Repeat layering lemon cream and cookies until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cream on top.
  4. Chill
    Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the cookies to soften and flavors to meld.
  5. Serve
    Slice and serve chilled for a light, tangy dessert experience.

Nutritional Information

Calories: ~250
Protein: 3g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Sugar: 16g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

  • Use Fresh Lemon Zest – It brightens the flavor beautifully.
  • Chill Long Enough – Refrigerate overnight for best texture.
  • Cookie Choice Matters – Graham crackers or vanilla wafers work best for layering.

Why This Recipe Works

The lemon curd mixed with whipped cream creates a creamy, tangy filling that perfectly balances the sweet crunch of the cookies. Chilling allows the cookies to soften slightly, resulting in a cake that’s luscious, yet light and refreshing.

This Lemon Icebox Cake is a simple, no-bake dessert bursting with bright citrus flavor and creamy texture. Ready in minutes and best served chilled, it’s an ideal sweet treat for warm weather or any time you crave a fresh, delightful dessert.

Lemon Icebox Cake – Light, Tangy, and Refreshingly Cool

Servings

8

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time
Calories

250

kcal

A no-bake, chilled dessert featuring layers of lemon-flavored cream and crisp cookies for a light, tangy, and creamy treat perfect for warm days and gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 cup lemon curd (store-bought or homemade)

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • 2 packs (about 14 oz) graham crackers or vanilla wafer cookies

Instructions

  • Whip the Cream
    In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  • Prepare the Lemon Cream
    Gently fold lemon curd and lemon zest into the whipped cream until well combined.
  • Layer the Cake
    In a 9×13-inch dish, spread a thin layer of lemon cream. Add a single layer of graham crackers or cookies to cover the bottom. Repeat layering lemon cream and cookies until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cream on top.
  • Chill
    Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the cookies to soften and flavors to meld.
  • Serve
    Slice and serve chilled for a light, tangy dessert experience.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Lemon Zest – It brightens the flavor beautifully.
    Chill Long Enough – Refrigerate overnight for best texture.
    Cookie Choice Matters – Graham crackers or vanilla wafers work best for layering.

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