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Lemonade Icebox Cake - A Bright, Creamy No-Bake Dessert

Prep Time20 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

  • Graham crackers: About 2 sleeves (roughly 18–20 full crackers), for layering.
  • Cream cheese: 8 ounces, softened to room temperature.
  • Sweetened condensed milk: 14-ounce can.
  • Frozen lemonade concentrate: 6 ounces, thawed (half of a standard 12-ounce can).
  • Lemon juice: 2–3 tablespoons, freshly squeezed for brightness.
  • Lemon zest: From 1 lemon, optional but recommended for extra flavor.
  • Whipped topping: 8 ounces, thawed (or 3 cups freshly whipped cream, lightly sweetened).
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon.
  • Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness.
  • Optional garnishes: Thin lemon slices, extra zest, crushed graham crackers, or fresh berries.

Instructions

  • Prep your pan: Line an 8x8 or 9x9-inch square pan with parchment, leaving a slight overhang for easy lifting. This helps when slicing and serving.
  • Beat the cream cheese: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes. No lumps means a silkier filling.
  • Mix in the liquids: Add sweetened condensed milk, lemonade concentrate, lemon juice, vanilla, salt, and lemon zest. Beat on medium speed until fully combined and silky.
  • Fold in the whipped topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping with a spatula until no streaks remain. Don’t overmix—keep it airy.
  • Layer 1: Arrange a single layer of graham crackers on the bottom of the pan, breaking pieces to fit as needed. Aim for full coverage.
  • Add filling: Spread about one-third of the lemon mixture over the grahams. Smooth the top with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.
  • Repeat layers: Add another layer of graham crackers, then another third of the filling. Repeat once more for a total of three layers of filling and three layers of grahams, ending with the filling on top.
  • Chill: Cover the pan tightly and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. The longer it chills, the better the texture.
  • Garnish: Just before serving, add extra whipped topping if desired, and garnish with lemon zest, crushed grahams, thin lemon slices, or berries.
  • Slice and serve: Lift the cake out using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean slices.