Lemon Delight Recipe

ByElena Hart
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Introduction

Lemon Delight is a refreshing no-bake dessert that combines a crisp Oreo crust with a creamy lemon cheesecake layer and a tangy lemon Jell-O topping. It’s perfect for warm days when you want a bright, zesty treat that’s easy to prepare.

A close-up of a lemon dessert in a clear glass baking dish with three visible layers: the bottom layer is a golden crumbly crust, the middle layer is a bright yellow smooth lemon filling, and the top layer is thick white whipped cream with swirls and small pieces of lemon zest scattered on top. A slice is cut out showing the even layers, placed on a white marbled surface with a lemon half partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 20 Lemon Oreos
  • 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (28 g) plus 2 tbsp. confectioners’ sugar, divided
  • 1 1/4 cups plus 1 tbsp. heavy cream, divided
  • 1 large lemon
  • 1 (3-oz.) package lemon Jell-O
  • 3/4 cup boiling water
  • 2 ice cubes
  • 2 to 4 drops yellow food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a food processor, pulse the Lemon Oreos until fine crumbs form. Add the melted butter and kosher salt, then pulse just until combined. Pour the mixture into an 8″ x 8″ glass baking dish. Using the back of a measuring cup, press it into an even layer. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, 1 tablespoon heavy cream, and zest of half the lemon on medium-high speed with a handheld mixer until light and fluffy. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust using an offset spatula. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. Step 3: In a heatproof bowl, dissolve the lemon Jell-O in 3/4 cup boiling water. Place 2 ice cubes in a measuring cup and add cold water to make a total of 3/4 cup liquid. Stir the ice water (with ice cubes), 3 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1/4 cup heavy cream into the Jell-O mixture. Add yellow food coloring if desired, stirring until the color is even. Let the mixture thicken slightly for 1 to 2 minutes, then gently pour it over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate until set, about 2 to 4 hours.
  4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, beat the remaining 1 cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
  5. Step 5: Spread the whipped cream over the set Jell-O layer. Sprinkle the zest of the remaining half lemon over the top. Serve chilled.

Tips & Variations

  • For a stronger lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture.
  • Use regular Oreos instead of Lemon Oreos for a chocolate twist.
  • If you don’t have an offset spatula, a butter knife or the back of a spoon works well to spread layers evenly.
  • Try garnishing with fresh lemon slices or mint leaves for added freshness and presentation.

Storage

Store Lemon Delight covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh. Reheat is not recommended since it is a chilled dessert. For best texture and flavor, serve cold straight from the fridge.

How to Serve

A slice of lemon cheesecake is shown with four clear layers: a thick crumbly golden brown base at the bottom, a creamy white cheesecake layer above it, a bright yellow lemon gelatin layer next, and a fluffy white topping with lemon zest sprinkled on top. A silver fork is cutting into the slice from the top right, pressing softly into the creamy and gelatin layers. The slice sits on a white marbled surface with a soft grey background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Lemon Delight ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated. Just add the whipped cream topping shortly before serving to keep it fresh.

What can I use instead of lemon Jell-O?

If lemon Jell-O is unavailable, you can substitute with another citrus-flavored gelatin or make a homemade lemon gelatin using gelatin powder and fresh lemon juice with sugar.

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Lemon Delight Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 120 reviews

Lemon Delight is a refreshing no-bake dessert featuring a crunchy Lemon Oreo crust, a smooth and tangy cream cheese layer, and a bright lemon Jell-O topping finished with fluffy whipped cream and zesty lemon garnish. This vibrant and easy-to-make treat is perfect for spring and summer gatherings.

  • Author: Elena
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 20 Lemon Oreos
  • 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (28 g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 tbsp. heavy cream
  • Zest of 1/2 lemon

Lemon Jell-O Layer

  • 1 (3-oz.) package lemon Jell-O
  • 3/4 cup boiling water
  • 2 ice cubes plus cold water to total 3/4 cup liquid
  • 3 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 to 4 drops yellow food coloring (optional)

Whipped Topping

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp. confectioners’ sugar
  • Zest of remaining 1/2 lemon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: In a food processor, pulse Lemon Oreos until fine crumbs form. Add melted butter and kosher salt, then pulse just until combined. Pour the crumb mixture into an 8″ x 8″ glass baking dish and press firmly and evenly using the back of a measuring cup. Refrigerate until ready to use to help set the crust.
  2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, 1 tablespoon heavy cream, and lemon zest (from half a lemon) with a handheld mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust using an offset spatula. Refrigerate until ready for the next step.
  3. Prepare the Lemon Jell-O Layer: In a medium heatproof bowl, dissolve the lemon Jell-O powder in 3/4 cup boiling water. In a separate measuring cup, combine 2 ice cubes with cold water to make 3/4 cup total liquid. Add this ice water mixture, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1/4 cup heavy cream to the dissolved Jell-O. Stir in the yellow food coloring if using until the desired shade is reached. Let this mixture sit for 1 to 2 minutes until it slightly thickens. Gently pour the slightly thickened Jell-O mixture over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours or until set.
  4. Make the Whipped Topping: Using a handheld mixer, beat the remaining 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This creates a rich and fluffy whipped topping.
  5. Assemble and Garnish: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the set Jell-O layer. Sprinkle the zest of the remaining half lemon on top for a fresh, tangy garnish. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth and fluffy cream cheese layer.
  • Use an offset spatula for even spreading to achieve clean layers.
  • If you don’t have a food processor, place Oreos in a sealed plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.
  • Adjust the amount of food coloring to achieve your preferred shade of yellow or omit for a natural look.
  • Refrigerate adequately between steps to ensure layers set properly for clean slices.

Keywords: Lemon Delight, no-bake dessert, lemon Jell-O dessert, cream cheese dessert, Oreo crust, easy lemon dessert

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