Fresh Ina Garten Lemon Icebox Cake Recipe for Zesty Delights

Summer’s most enchanting lemon icebox cake bursts with citrusy charm and irresistible allure.

Silky smooth layers dance between crisp graham crackers, creating a symphony of flavors that sing of sunny days.

Tangy lemon weaves its magic through velvety cream cheese, transforming simple ingredients into a luxurious dessert masterpiece.

No oven required means cool comfort awaits with every spoonful.

Creamy textures melt delicately on your tongue, delivering a refreshing explosion of brightness.

This no-bake wonder promises to be the star of any gathering, turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

Get ready to fall in love with the most effortless and delectable summer treat that will leave everyone craving more.

How to Serve Lemon Icebox Cake Beautifully

• Chill Before Serving: Let the cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to slice and enjoy.
• Zesty Lemon Garnish: Sprinkle fresh lemon zest on top to enhance the citrusy flavor and add a bright, aromatic touch.
• Berry Beautiful Finish: Scatter fresh raspberries around the cake for a pop of color and a tangy complement to the creamy dessert.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert the night before a gathering, allowing it to set overnight for maximum flavor and convenience.

Storing and Freezing Lemon Icebox Cake

• Maximize Freshness: Store the dessert in an airtight container to prevent moisture and flavor absorption from other foods.
• Optimal Refrigeration: Keep the cake chilled at 40°F or below, maintaining its creamy texture and preventing bacterial growth.
• Smart Portioning: Cut individual servings before storing to make grab-and-go slices easier and reduce repeated exposure to air.
• Extended Enjoyment: Consume within 3-4 days for peak flavor and texture, though the cake can be safely stored up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 8

Ina Garten Lemon Icebox Cake: All Ingredients

• Cream Cheese: Select full-fat, softened at room temperature for ultra-smooth texture.
• Milk: Choose whole milk for richer, creamier consistency.
• Lemon Pudding Powder: Look for high-quality brand with vibrant citrus profile.
• Cool Whip: Opt for fresh, well-chilled topping for perfect folding.

• Vanilla Extract: Use pure, high-grade extract for deeper aromatic notes.
• Lemon Juice: Select fresh, ripe lemons for bright, zesty flavor.

• Graham Crackers: Pick crisp, golden crackers with uniform texture.
• Fresh Lemon Zest: Grate from organic lemons for intense citrus aroma.
• Raspberries: Select plump, deeply colored berries for garnish.

Baking Tools You Need for Lemon Icebox Cake

• Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for blending cream cheese and other ingredients.
• Hand mixer: Electric tool for whipping cream cheese until light and fluffy.
• Rubber spatula: Flexible utensil for gently folding whipped topping and spreading layers.
• 9×13 inch casserole dish: Rectangular baking pan for assembling and chilling the dessert.
• Grater or zester: Small tool for creating fresh lemon zest garnish.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise instruments for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Knife: Used for breaking graham crackers to fit dish layers.

Cake Prep Instructions You Can Follow Easily

Create Creamy Lemon Delight

Whip up a zesty, dreamy dessert that’ll make taste buds dance with joy! This no-bake treat combines tangy lemon and smooth cream cheese for a refreshing sweet escape.

• Mix Cream Cheese Magic

Grab your mixing bowl and transform softened cream cheese into a fluffy cloud using a hand mixer. Blend until it’s light, airy, and looks like a creamy dream.

• Build Flavor Explosion

Dive into creating a vibrant mixture by adding lemon pudding powder, vanilla extract, and a splash of lemon juice. Whirl everything together until the mixture gleams with sunshine-yellow brilliance.

• Craft Layered Wonderland

Pour in milk and gently fold in whipped topping, creating a silky smooth base. Grab a casserole dish and start building your dessert masterpiece. Layer graham crackers like a delicious puzzle, breaking them to create a perfect fit. Drizzle pudding mixture between each layer, making sure every inch gets covered in lemony goodness.

• Chill and Thrill

Slide your creation into the refrigerator and let it set overnight. The waiting is the hardest part! When ready, let it soften slightly before serving. Sprinkle with fresh lemon zest and scatter a few raspberries on top for a beautiful finish.

Pro Tip: Cold ingredients are your secret weapon for the most luxurious texture.

Brighten Up the Lemon Icebox Cake Flavor

• Boost Cream Cheese Texture: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother, lump-free mixing.
• Cracker Customization: Swap graham crackers with gingersnaps or shortbread cookies for a unique flavor twist.
• Fruity Flavor Boost: Sprinkle fresh berries between layers or add a thin layer of berry compote for extra brightness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dessert up to 3 days in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator for convenient entertaining.

Luscious Ina Garten Lemon Icebox Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s lemon icebox cake combines creamy mascarpone, zesty lemons, and graham crackers in a chilled dessert that delights taste buds. Cool layers of tangy sweetness invite refreshment on warm summer days, promising pure culinary pleasure for you.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 box graham crackers, 14.4 oz (408 g)
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• 8 oz (226 g) cool whip, 1 container
• 2 ½ cups (590 ml) milk
• 6.8 oz (193 g) instant lemon pudding mix, 2 boxes of 3.4 oz (96 g) instant pudding mix
• ½ cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice, about 3 large lemons, or 4 medium lemons
• 2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Whip Cream Cheese: Use a hand mixer to transform cream cheese into a light, fluffy texture, creating a smooth base for the dessert.
2. Blend Flavor Profile: Integrate lemon pudding powder, vanilla extract, and freshly squeezed lemon juice into the cream cheese, whisking until a bright, uniform yellow color emerges.
3. Incorporate Liquid: Introduce whole milk gradually, stirring meticulously to prevent lumps and maintain a silky consistency.
4. Fold Whipped Topping: Gently incorporate whipped topping using a rubber spatula, preserving the mixture’s delicate airiness.
5. Layer Foundation: Spread a thin pudding base in a 9 x 13 inches casserole dish, creating a smooth foundation for the dessert’s structure.
6. Construct Graham Cracker Grid: Arrange graham crackers in a complete layer, strategically breaking pieces to ensure full dish coverage.
7. Build Layered Texture: Alternate graham cracker and pudding layers, generously drizzling and spreading pudding mixture to create a rich, creamy composition.
8. Final Assembly: Complete the dessert with a smooth top layer of pudding mixture, ensuring an even, glossy surface.
9. Chill and Set: Refrigerate overnight or freeze for 4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and texture to stabilize.
10. Serve and Garnish: Remove from refrigerator, let soften for 15-20 minutes, then embellish with delicate lemon zest and vibrant raspberries for a stunning presentation.

Notes

• Chill for Perfect Texture: Refrigerate overnight or freeze for 4 hours to allow graham crackers to soften and absorb the creamy lemon mixture, creating a cake-like consistency.
• Layer with Precision: Break graham crackers carefully to create a complete, even coverage, ensuring each bite has a balanced ratio of cracker to pudding.
• Room Temperature Magic: Let the dessert sit for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly, enhancing the cake’s creamy texture and making it easier to slice.
• Zest and Berry Finale: Sprinkle fresh lemon zest and raspberries just before serving to add a bright, tangy contrast and make the dessert visually stunning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg