Lemon Icebox Dessert

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A light, refreshing lemon icebox dessert with creamy Cool Whip and tangy lemonade flavor, perfect for summer gatherings or a cool, sweet treat anytime.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. skim milk
  • 1/2 tub Crystal Light lemonade mix (dry)
  • 1 large box vanilla sugar-free instant pudding (dry)
  • 1 (8 oz.) pkg. fat-free Cool Whip

Instructions

  1. Layer graham crackers in the bottom of an 8 x 8 baking dish.
  2. In a mixing bowl, stir together the pudding mix and lemonade powder.
  3. Add the milk and mix on low speed with a hand mixer until well combined.
  4. Fold in three-fourths of the fat-free Cool Whip.
  5. Pour the mixture over the graham crackers in the baking dish.
  6. Top with the remaining Cool Whip.
  7. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips & Substitutions

For a twist, you can substitute the skim milk with almond milk for a dairy-free version. If you're looking for a sweeter dessert, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or agave syrup to the pudding mix. Ensure the Cool Whip is fully defrosted before folding it into the mixture for the best texture. This Lemon Icebox Dessert pairs wonderfully with a slice of Pumpkin Cheesecake(Good Without Graham Cracker Crust, Too).

Serving Suggestions

This dessert is delightful on its own, but you can serve it alongside fresh berries or a fruit salad for a refreshing touch. Consider pairing it with Cheese And Italian Sausage Pie for a delightful contrast between savory and sweet. Garnish with lemon zest or mint leaves for a pop of color when serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, avoid freezing this dessert, as the Cool Whip may separate upon thawing. Serve chilled directly from the refrigerator for the best experience.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lemon Icebox Dessert contains roughly 284 calories, with 5g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A.

284 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.1g 10% DV
Total Fat 6.9g 9% DV
Carbs 51.6g 19% DV
Fiber 2g 7% DV
Sugar 27.7g 55% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 222mg 10% DV
Potassium 154.3mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 8.7mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 138.9mcg 15% DV
Vitamin C 8.7mg 10% DV
Vitamin D 1mcg 5% DV
Calcium 254.4mg 20% DV
Iron 3.4mg 19% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular pudding mix instead of sugar-free?

Yes, you can use regular vanilla pudding mix if you prefer a sweeter flavor. However, keep in mind that it will increase the overall sugar content of the dessert.

How long does this dessert need to chill?

It’s best to chill the Lemon Icebox Dessert for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up properly before serving.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dessert is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. Just be sure to keep it covered to prevent it from absorbing any odors.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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