Description
This Cream Cheese Lemon Dessert is a light, refreshing no-bake treat featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust topped with a creamy, tangy lemon-flavored filling. Perfect for summer gatherings or a simple, elegant dessert, it combines the smooth richness of cream cheese with the bright zest and juice of fresh lemons for a delightfully balanced flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping or 1 cup homemade whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well blended. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish to form the crust. Place the dish in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice, blending well until fully combined. Gently fold in the whipped topping or homemade whipped cream, being careful to keep the mixture light and fluffy.
- Assemble and Chill: Spread the lemon cream cheese filling evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until the filling is set and firm.
- Serve: Once chilled and set, serve the dessert squares cold. Optionally, garnish each serving with additional lemon zest or a dollop of whipped cream for extra flair and flavor.
Notes
- For a more intense lemon flavor, increase the lemon juice by an additional tablespoon or add a few drops of lemon extract.
- This dessert can be prepared a day ahead and kept refrigerated, making it ideal for easy entertaining.
- Use homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste and to control sweetness.
- The dessert is best served well chilled for optimal texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approximately 3x3 inch piece)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
