If you’ve been craving something bright, creamy, and totally snackable, Lemon Oreo Dessert is your new summer obsession — no oven drama required.
Table of Contents
Lemon Oreo Dessert — a quick intro
This no-bake treat layers buttery golden-Oreo crumbs, a dreamy cream cheese layer, tangy lemon pudding, and a cloud of whipped topping. It’s basically a little vacation in a pan: cool, zesty, and ridiculously easy to assemble. Who doesn’t want dessert that looks gourmet but takes zero heroic effort?
Ready for a riff? Think of this as a cross between an Easy Lemon Oreo Pie Recipe and a chilled pudding cake. It serves a crowd, travels well, and behaves like a superstar at potlucks.
Why you’ll fall for this recipe
Want the short version? It checks all the boxes: crunchy base, creamy middle, citrus pop, and a pillowy top. The lemon cuts the richness so each bite tastes fresh, not heavy. The golden Oreos bring a vanilla-sweet backbone that keeps the whole thing light and playful.
Need more convincing?
- It’s no-bake — perfect for sweltering days.
- It’s forgiving — mix it, layer it, chill it. No fiddly technique.
- You can scale it down for smaller pans or up for a party.
Sound good? Let’s break it down.
The Key Ingredients (and Why You Need Them)
Below I explain the main players so you know what each one does and how to tweak the recipe without wrecking the vibe.
- Golden Oreo cookies — These form your crust. They give a sweet, vanilla-cookie crunch that replaces traditional graham crackers and complements lemon like nobody’s business.
- Butter — Binds the crumbs into a sliceable crust and adds rich flavor. Use melted, press gently — not a brick.
- Cream cheese — Gives structure and tang to the cream layer. It also balances the straight-up sugar from the cookie crust. Softened cream cheese whips into smooth, luscious filling.
- Instant lemon pudding mix — That bright, citrusy layer. Instant pudding sets quickly, so your dessert firms up without fuss.
- Milk — Rehydrates the pudding mix and keeps the filling silky.
- Cool Whip (or whipped cream) — Lightens the top and adds that signature pillowy finish. Use real whipped cream if you want richer results.
- Powdered sugar — Dials sweetness and ensures the cream layer blends silky with the cream cheese.
Each ingredient plays a role: texture, balance, or stability. Swap smartly; don’t skip steps.

How to Make It
Hands-on, step-by-step. Follow this flow and the dessert will behave.
- Crush the cookies. Pulse golden Oreos in a food processor until you get fine-to-medium crumbs. No processor? Toss them in a zip-top bag and bash with a rolling pin. Reserve a small portion for topping.
- Make the crust. Mix crumbs with melted butter, stir until the mixture clumps, then press it evenly into a greased 9×13 pan. Press gently — you want it to hold, not become concrete.
- Whip the cream layer. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and blend until silky. Fold in half of the whipped topping until fluffy and spreadable. Smooth this over the crust.
- Prepare the lemon pudding. Whisk lemon pudding mix with milk until thickened. Let it chill briefly if you need it to firm up; otherwise it sets quickly.
- Layer like a pro. Spoon the lemon pudding over the cream-cheese layer and level it out. Top with the remaining whipped topping and sprinkle on the reserved crushed Oreos.
- Chill. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours so everything sets and the flavors marry. Slice into squares and serve.
Done. Minimal effort, maximum applause.
Pro tips for perfect results
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for a lump-free cream layer. Cold cream cheese = lumpy disaster.
- Press the crust gently; don’t compact it — you want clean slices, not saw-tooth edges.
- Chill at least two hours. Instant pudding sets fast, but the layers taste best after they’ve had time to relax together.
- Reserve crumbs for the top. It makes the dessert look finished and adds textural contrast.
- Substitute whipped cream for Cool Whip if you prefer fresher flavor. FYI: whipped cream yields a softer finish.
- If you halve the recipe for an 8×8 pan, reduce chilling time slightly but still aim for a proper set.
Big win: make it the day before. The flavors meld beautifully overnight.
Variations to try
You can riff on this dessert in a dozen fun ways.
- Lemon Oreo Icebox Pie — press the crust into a pie dish and chill. Same layers; different shape.
- Lemon Shortbread Dessert — swap golden Oreos for lemon shortbread cookies for an extra citrus punch.
- Lemon Oreo Crust Dessert — use the golden-Oreo crust under a blueberry or raspberry pudding layer for a fruity twist.
- Lemon Oreo Cookie Dessert (mini jars) — layer everything in small mason jars for individual servings at parties. So cute.
- Lemon Dream Dessert upgrade — fold in mascarpone with the cream cheese for a richer, silkier texture. IMO, worth it if you want to feel bougie.
Don’t be afraid to play — the base formula tolerates creativity.
Best ways to serve
Serve chilled. Cut into neat squares with a warm, dry knife for cleaner edges. Garnish ideas:
- A few extra crushed golden Oreos on top.
- Thin lemon slices or curls of lemon zest for drama.
- Fresh berries to cut the sweetness.
Pair with light coffee or a citrusy sparkling wine. Want to impress? Plate a slice with a drizzle of fresh berry coulis and call it a dessert à la mode.

Quick tips for storage and leftovers
- Store covered in the fridge up to 3 days. The crust softens over time but still tastes great.
- Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Texture shifts slightly but still yummy.
- Keep sauce and garnishes separate until serving if you plan to travel with the dessert.
These squares behave well, which makes them perfect for potlucks and beach parties.
FAQs
Can I make this in an 8×8 pan instead of 9×13?
Yes. Halve the recipe for an 8×8. Chill time might be slightly shorter, but still aim for at least an hour to set.
Do I have to use Cool Whip?
No — use fresh whipped cream if you prefer. Cool Whip gives stability and convenience; real whipped cream tastes fresher.
How long does the pudding need to set?
Instant pudding thickens in minutes. Still, give the whole dessert a minimum of 2 hours in the fridge so the layers firm and slice cleanly.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. Make it the night before for best texture and flavor. Don’t make it more than 24–48 hours ahead — freshness matters.
What if I want it keto-friendly?
You can try a low-carb pudding mix, sugar substitute, and a crust made from almond flour + butter, but results will vary. This recipe shines with its original ingredients.
Why this ranks as an Easy Lemon Oreo Pie Recipe
This dish mirrors the best attributes of classic no-bake pies: simple components, a cookie crust, a creamy middle, and quick assembly. If you search for an Easy Lemon Oreo Pie Recipe, this is it — minimal fuss, maximum flavor, and very little cleanup.
It checks the “crowd-pleaser” box every time.
Serving ideas that elevate
- Make it a bar: top each square with a dollop of lemon curd or a mint leaf for a fancy touch.
- Turn it into a parfait: layer cookie crumbs, cream layer, and pudding in a glass for an elegant presentation.
- Serve it with a side of fruit: fresh berries or citrus segments brighten each bite.
These tiny tweaks bump the dessert from casual to classy in two seconds.
A note on texture — the magic happens in the layers
The contrast between crunchy crust, velvety cream, and smooth pudding makes each spoonful interesting. If you compress the crust too much, you lose that crunch. If you over-whip the cream or over-blend the cream cheese, you lose the structure. Keep balance, and the dessert sings.
Final thoughts
If you want a showstopping, no-fail summer dessert, Lemon Oreo Dessert delivers. It behaves like a party trick — everyone thinks you worked hard, but you barely lifted a finger. The golden Oreos give a nostalgic vibe, the lemon brings brightness, and the whole thing stays refreshingly light.
Whether you call it a Layered Dessert With Yellow Topping, a Lemon Oreo Icebox Pie, a Lemon Oreo Crust Dessert, or the ultimate Lemon Dream Dessert, this recipe lives up to the hype.
Go on — make it for your next gathering. Trust me, people will ask for the recipe (and you can wink and say it was “so easy”). FYI, leftovers make an excellent midnight snack.
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No-Bake Lemon Oreo Dessert — Light and Creamy Summer Treat
Bright, creamy, and completely no-bake — this Heavenly Lemon Oreo Dessert layers a buttery golden-Oreo crust with a tangy lemon pudding middle and a cloud-like cream topping. Easy to pull together, chill, and serve — party-friendly and totally addictive.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 package (14.3 oz) golden sandwich cookies (think Golden Oreos)
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
- 2 packets (3.4 oz each) instant lemon pudding mix
- 3 ¼ cups cold milk
- 2 tubs (8 oz each) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed — or use fresh whipped cream
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup powdered (confectioners’) sugar
Instructions
Put the cookies into a food processor and blitz until they turn into crumbs. Don’t have a processor? Toss them in a heavy-duty zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin. Set aside about ¾ cup of crumbs for sprinkling on top later.
Generously spray a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray (or line with parchment). Pour the remaining crumbs into the pan and drizzle with the melted butter. Mix until the crumbs hold together, then press this mixture across the bottom of the pan to form an even, slightly compacted crust. Don’t press it rock-hard — keep it sliceable.
In a medium bowl whisk together both lemon pudding mixes and the milk until smooth. Pop the bowl in the fridge for a few minutes so the pudding firms up a bit.
In a separate large bowl beat the softened cream cheese until totally smooth. Add the powdered sugar and continue beating until combined and silky. Fold in one container of the whipped topping until the mixture becomes light and spreadable.
Spoon the cream-cheese mixture evenly over the cookie crust and smooth the surface with a spatula.
Pour the chilled lemon pudding over the cream-cheese layer and spread it out gently and evenly.
Top the pudding with the remaining whipped topping, smoothing it to cover. Finish by sprinkling the reserved cookie crumbs across the top.
Cover the pan and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours so the layers set. Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for a lump-free filling.
- Reserve crumbs for topping — it makes the dessert look finished and adds crunch.
- Don’t over-press the crust or your slices will be hard to cut.
- You can swap Cool Whip for freshly whipped cream if you want a richer, fresher finish.
- Want a smaller pan? Halve the recipe for an 8×8 dish.




