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Lemon Delight Recipe

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.

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