Lemon Delight Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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