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When life gives you lemons, make this Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Pudding Dessert! This no-bake treat combines zesty lemon, creamy cheesecake, and a buttery crust for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Light yet indulgent, it’s ideal for summer potlucks, Easter brunch, or anytime you need a refreshing dessert that comes together in minutes.

I created this recipe when I needed a last-minute dessert for a baby shower. The combination of bright lemon and rich cream cheese was such a hit that guests thought I’d spent hours baking! Now it’s my secret weapon for warm-weather gatherings.

Remember It Later

This recipe! Pin it to your favorite board NOW!

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What makes this dessert special is its versatility. Serve it in individual cups for elegant portions, or make it in a 9×13 pan for crowd-friendly squares. You can adjust the lemon intensity to your taste or even swap in lime or orange for different citrus flavors. Plus, it chills in just 2 hours—perfect for when you need something impressive fast!

Why You’ll Love This Dessert

Selling Points:

No oven needed – Ready in 20 minutes active time
Bright, refreshing flavor – Perfect balance of sweet and tart
Make-ahead magic – Tastes even better after chilling
3 texture heaven – Buttery crust, creamy filling, fluffy topping
Endless variations – Try key lime, orange, or berry swirls

Ingredients

For the Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 14 sheets)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup melted butter

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip)

For the Lemon Pudding Layer:

2 (3.4 oz) packages instant lemon pudding
3 cups cold milk

For Topping:

2 cups whipped topping
Lemon zest or slices for garnish

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the crust:
- Mix graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter
- Press firmly into 9×13 pan
- Chill 10 minutes
Prepare cream cheese layer:
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth
- Fold in 1 cup whipped topping
- Spread over chilled crust
Create pudding layer:
- Whisk pudding mixes with cold milk for 2 minutes
- Let thicken 5 minutes, then spread over cream cheese layer
Finish & chill:
- Top with remaining whipped topping
- Garnish with lemon zest
- Refrigerate 2+ hours

Pro Tips for Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Pudding Dessert

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✔ Room temp cream cheese prevents lumps
✔ Chill crust first for cleaner slices
✔ Use whole milk for creamiest pudding
✔ Layer gently to keep defined stripes
✔ Zest lemons first before juicing

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Substitutions and Variations

Berry Swirl: Fold raspberry jam into cream cheese layer
Key Lime: Substitute lime pudding and juice
Lemon Blueberry: Add blueberry pie filling between layers
Individual Cups: Layer in mason jars for portable portions

Make It Healthier

Best made: 4-24 hours ahead
Fridge life: 3-4 days covered
Freezing: Not recommended (texture changes)

Closing for Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Pudding Dessert

This Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Pudding Dessert is the ultimate no-fuss, crowd-pleasing treat—creamy, zesty, and irresistibly refreshing. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, craving a light yet indulgent dessert, or simply want to brighten up your week, this recipe delivers every time. The best part? It requires minimal effort but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

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Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Pudding Dessert

Can I use homemade whipped cream?
Yes! Whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp sugar.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Let melted butter cool slightly before mixing.
Can I use sugar-free pudding?
Absolutely—just adjust sweetness to taste.
What if my layers mix?
Chill each layer 10 minutes before adding next.
Can I use lemon curd instead?
Yes, swirl 1/2 cup into cream cheese layer.
How to cut clean slices?
Dip knife in hot water between cuts.

This Easy Lemon Cream Cheese Pudding Dessert is sunshine on a spoon! With its vibrant lemon flavor, luscious creamy layers, and satisfying crunch, it checks all the boxes for a perfect no-bake treat. Simple enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions, it’s guaranteed to become your new warm-weather staple. The hardest part? Waiting for it to chill!