No Bake Lemon Cheese Squares
No Bake Lemon Cheese Squares are refreshing layered dessert squares featuring creamy cheese, cool whipped topping, and crisp graham crackers, perfect for gatherings and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Arrange half of the graham crackers in the bottom of a 13 x 9 inch pan.
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually beat in 1 cup of cold milk.
- Add the remaining milk and pudding mix; beat for 2 minutes.
- Stir in 2 cups of Cool Whip and spread half of the mixture over the crackers.
- Add a second layer of graham crackers on top of the first layer.
- Top with the remaining pudding mixture.
- Freeze the assembled dessert for 2 hours.
- Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with blueberry pie filling if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother filling, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before beating. You can substitute half of the Cool Whip with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. If you prefer a different flavor, consider using lemon or lime pudding mix instead. To enhance the tanginess, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These lemon cheese squares are delightful on their own but can be served with fresh berries for added flavor and color. Pair them with a light tea or lemonade for a refreshing dessert experience. For a unique twist, try serving them alongside a slice of Milnot Cheese Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. If you wish to enjoy them later, allow the squares to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Do not refreeze after thawing to maintain the texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of No Bake Lemon Cheese Squares contains roughly 330 calories, with 6g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (16% of the Daily Value), calcium (15% of the Daily Value), and protein (12% of the Daily Value).
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 a different type of cracker?
Yes, you can substitute graham crackers with vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits for a different flavor profile. Just ensure they are crushed into fine crumbs for layering.
How can I make this dessert more festive?
To give your lemon cheese squares a festive touch, consider adding colorful sprinkles on top before serving or incorporating seasonal fruits such as strawberries or raspberries.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for this recipe?
Absolutely! Use a non-dairy cream cheese alternative and coconut whipped cream instead of Cool Whip. For the pudding, look for a dairy-free version to keep the dessert entirely plant-based.
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).