This no-bake Lemon Oreo dessert is a delightful treat that combines the zesty, refreshing flavor of lemon with the creamy sweetness of Cool Whip and cream cheese, all layered on a buttery Golden Oreo crust. It’s a dessert that's perfect for spring and summer gatherings, offering the right balance of tangy and sweet in every bite. Whether you're hosting a barbecue, family gathering, or just looking for a simple, indulgent dessert, this treat is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you're a fan of creamy, indulgent desserts with a burst of refreshing citrus flavor, this Heavenly Lemon Oreo Dessert is sure to be a hit. The rich, buttery Golden Oreo crust provides a crunchy contrast to the smooth, tangy lemon pudding and creamy Cool Whip layers. The no-bake method makes it incredibly easy to whip up, and it’s perfect for those warmer months when you don’t want to turn on the oven. Plus, the combination of cool, creamy textures and the tart lemon flavor creates a dessert that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying.

Ingredients

1 package (14.3 oz) Golden Oreo cookies
½ cup salted butter, melted
2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant lemon pudding mix
3 ¼ cups milk
2 containers (8 oz each) Cool Whip, thawed
1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Crust:
- Crush all Oreo cookies in a food processor or by placing them in a zip-lock bag and using a rolling pin. Reserve ¾ cup of crushed Oreos for the topping.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Spread the remaining crumbs in the dish, pour melted butter over the crumbs, and mix. Press the mixture gently into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
Make the Lemon Pudding:
- In a medium bowl, mix the lemon pudding mixes and milk, whisking well. Cover and refrigerate for 5 minutes to thicken.
Cream Cheese Layer:
- In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and blend until combined, then fold in one container of Cool Whip.
- Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the Oreo crust.
Assemble the Layers:
- Spread the chilled lemon pudding over the cream cheese layer. Then top with the remaining container of Cool Whip, spreading evenly.
- Sprinkle the reserved crushed Oreos on top.
Chill and Serve:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Storage/Reheating

This Lemon Oreo dessert can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from absorbing any odors in the fridge. Since this is a no-bake dessert, there's no need for reheating—serve it chilled for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! This dessert is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it the day before your event, letting it chill in the fridge overnight for extra convenience.

Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

While Golden Oreos provide the perfect balance of flavor, you can certainly substitute them with regular Oreos or any other sandwich cookie of your choice. Just keep in mind that it will slightly alter the flavor.

Is there a substitute for Cool Whip?

If you prefer a homemade option, you can make your own whipped cream with heavy cream and powdered sugar. Alternatively, store-bought whipped topping or whipped cream can be used.

Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

To make this dessert gluten-free, you can use gluten-free sandwich cookies for the crust. Be sure to check that the other ingredients, like the pudding mix, are also gluten-free.

Can I use sugar-free pudding mix?

Yes! If you’re looking to reduce sugar, you can use sugar-free lemon pudding mix for this recipe. However, keep in mind that the taste and texture may slightly differ from the original.

How do I make sure the cream cheese mixture is smooth?

Ensure that the cream cheese is softened before blending it. You can leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften or microwave it in 10-second intervals until soft.

Can I use fresh lemon juice instead of lemon pudding mix?

While fresh lemon juice will give a tangy flavor, it may alter the texture of the dessert. The instant lemon pudding mix helps thicken the layers, making the dessert creamy and stable.

Can I freeze this dessert?

Yes, this dessert can be frozen for up to 2 months. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

What can I serve this dessert with?

This dessert is perfect on its own, but you can also pair it with fresh fruit, like berries, for an extra burst of freshness. A drizzle of lemon glaze or zest on top can also elevate the flavors.

Can I make individual servings instead of a large dish?

Absolutely! You can prepare this dessert in individual cups or small dishes. Just layer the ingredients as you would in the 9x13-inch baking dish and refrigerate.

Conclusion

This Heavenly Lemon Oreo Dessert is the perfect combination of sweet, creamy, and tangy, with the added bonus of being incredibly easy to make. Its no-bake nature makes it a great choice for busy days when you need to prepare something delicious without the hassle. Whether you're hosting a spring or summer gathering or simply craving a refreshing treat, this dessert will surely impress your guests and leave everyone asking for the recipe.

Heavenly Lemon Oreo Dessert

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Author: Emmily
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Heavenly Lemon Oreo Dessert is a refreshing no-bake treat that combines tangy lemon pudding, creamy Cool Whip, and a buttery Golden Oreo crust. It’s a perfect dessert for spring and summer gatherings, offering a delicious balance of sweet and tart flavors in every bite. Easy to prepare and made with simple ingredients like cream cheese, Cool Whip, and Golden Oreos, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

1 package (14.3 oz) Golden Oreo cookies
½ cup salted butter, melted
2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant lemon pudding mix
3 ¼ cups milk
2 containers (8 oz each) Cool Whip, thawed
1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

Instructions:

Prepare the Crust:
- Crush all Oreo cookies in a food processor or by placing them in a zip-lock bag and using a rolling pin. Reserve ¾ cup of crushed Oreos for topping.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Spread the remaining crumbs in the dish, pour melted butter over them, and mix. Press the mixture into the pan to form the crust.
Make the Lemon Pudding:
- In a medium bowl, mix the lemon pudding mixes with milk, whisking well. Cover and refrigerate for 5 minutes to thicken.
Cream Cheese Layer:
- Blend the softened cream cheese in a separate bowl until smooth. Add powdered sugar and mix until combined. Fold in one container of Cool Whip.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the Oreo crust.
Assemble the Layers:
- Spread the chilled lemon pudding over the cream cheese layer. Top with the remaining Cool Whip and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the reserved crushed Oreos on top.
Chill and Serve:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Notes

The dessert can be made a day in advance for added convenience.
Substitute Golden Oreos with regular Oreos or another type of sandwich cookie if desired.
For a homemade version, substitute Cool Whip with freshly whipped cream.
Gluten-free options are available by using gluten-free sandwich cookies and ensuring the pudding mix is gluten-free.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Category: Dessert
Method: No-bake
Cuisine: American