{"id":2042360,"date":"2024-09-11T01:38:24","date_gmt":"2024-09-12T05:39:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?post_type=recipe&p=2042360"},"modified":"2024-09-19T15:33:55","modified_gmt":"2024-09-19T20:33:55","slug":"lemon-icebox-cake","status":"publish","type":"recipe","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/lemon-icebox-cake\/","title":{"rendered":"Lemon Icebox Cake"},"content":{"rendered":"
An icebox cake is a classic confection that comes together with just a few simple ingredients and then sets in the refrigerator (aka ice box). Since icebox cakes don\u2019t involve baking, they\u2019re the perfect sweet summer treat.<\/p>\n
This light, creamy, lemony layered dessert uses fresh lemon juice, whipped topping and crunchy graham crackers. It sets as it chills in the fridge overnight, resulting in a refreshingly cool treat with a bright and tangy lemon flavor. It\u2019s definitely one of our favorite no-bake lemon desserts<\/a>.<\/p>\n Start this lemon icebox cake recipe by arranging the first layer of graham crackers in an ungreased 13×9-inch dish, breaking the crackers as needed to fit.<\/p>\n In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, pudding mix and 1 tablespoon lemon zest until blended.<\/p>\n Editor’s Tip:<\/em>\u00a0A good hand mixer will make this job easy.<\/p>\n Gradually beat in the milk until smooth.<\/p>\n Fold the thawed whipped topping into the lemon mixture.<\/p>\n Editor’s Tip:<\/em> Folding is a gentle mixing method that will ensure the filling is light and airy. Always work slowly and carefully when folding. Here\u2019s more on how to fold in ingredients<\/a>.<\/p>\n Spread a third of the lemon mixture over the graham crackers.<\/p>\n Repeat the graham cracker and lemon filling layers two more times.<\/p>\n Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon lemon zest over the cake. Refrigerate the cake, covered, for 8 hours or overnight. When you\u2019re ready to serve, just slice and wait for the compliments!<\/p>\n Editor\u2019s Tip:<\/em> To get the prettiest zest, choose a lemon that\u2019s bright yellow with as few blemishes as possible.<\/p>\n Cover the pan with storage wrap or aluminum foil. If there\u2019s only a little bit of icebox cake left over, transfer the cake to an airtight container to save space in your fridge. Store lemon icebox cake in the ice box for up to four days.<\/p>\n Yes, you can freeze lemon icebox cake for up to one month. Just be sure to cover the pan in a layer of storage wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. When you\u2019re ready to eat it, thaw the cake in the fridge.<\/p>\n To give your icebox cake a flavorful final touch, try topping it with slices of citrus like lemons, blood oranges or limes. For a pop of color, garnish it with an array of fresh berries, or add a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of chopped almonds, pistachios or macadamia nuts for a bit of sweetness and crunch.<\/p>\n The instant pudding mix is a key ingredient in this lemon icebox cake recipe, but feel free to swap in other instant pudding flavors like vanilla, white chocolate or coconut cream. Whatever you choose, make sure it\u2019s the instant<\/em> pudding mix, not the \u201ccook and serve\u201d kind.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This bright and summery lemon icebox cake will quickly become a family favorite. The recipe is as sweet as it is easy to make.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7061,"featured_media":2042362,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[303972,303971,306849,306910,304173,304328,306859,306936,304288,305487,304430,304338,304515,307104,303966,304408,304368,303887,306848,307199,304348,304268,304558,306446,324623,304388,304395,304150,303883],"categories-v2":[308503,308500,309605,309906,309455,308984,308481,309616,309934,259620,310796,308830,308992,308880,310155,308495,308813,308745,308478,309603,310245,309000,259483,308910,312423,309177,308752,308782,309434,308476],"coauthors":[341309],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Icebox Cake","post_link":"\/recipes\/icebox-cake\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Icebox-Cake_EXPS_FT24_8761_JR_1016_7.jpg"},{"post_title":"Strawberry Icebox Cake","post_link":"\/recipes\/strawberry-icebox-cake\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Strawberry-Icebox-Cake_EXPS_TOHVP24_276168_MF_03_28_2.jpg"},{"post_title":"Lemon Blueberry Cake","post_link":"\/recipes\/lemon-blueberry-cake\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Lemon-Blueberry-Cake_EXPS_TOHVP25_278557_MF_02_20_2.jpg"},{"post_title":"No-Bake Blueberry Pie","post_link":"\/recipes\/five-minute-blueberry-pie\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/EXPS_TOHD24_8277_KristinaVanni_7.jpg"},{"post_title":"Lemon Sheet Cake","post_link":"\/recipes\/lemon-sheet-cake\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Lemon-Sheet-Cake_EXPS_TOHJJ23_20980_P2_MD_01_11_3b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Lemon Layer Cake","post_link":"\/recipes\/lemon-layer-cake\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Lemon-Layer-Cake_EXPS_TOHD24_49159_AbbeyLittlejohn_9.jpg"},{"post_title":"No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake","post_link":"\/recipes\/no-bake-lemon-cheesecake\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/No-Bake-Lemon-Cheesecake_EXPS_TOHD24_277338_MollyBolton_6.jpg"},{"post_title":"Strawberry Ladyfinger Icebox Cake","post_link":"\/recipes\/strawberry-ladyfinger-icebox-cake\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Strawberry-Ladyfinger-Icebox-Cake_EXPS_HCA17_161800_B05_13_5b.jpg"},{"post_title":"24 Easy, No-Bake Lemon Desserts","post_link":"\/collection\/no-bake-lemon-desserts\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Simple-Lemon-Mousse_EXPS_FT20_259309_F_1014_1-1.jpg"},{"post_title":"No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake","post_link":"\/recipes\/no-bake-blueberry-cheesecake\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/No-Bake-Blueberry-Cheesecake_EXPS_JMZ18_23820_B03_07_2b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Coconut-Lemon Ice Cream Cake","post_link":"\/recipes\/coconut-lemon-ice-cream-cake\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Lemon-Coconut-Streusel-Ice-Cream-Cake_EXPS_TOHJJ20_242458_E02_06_8b.jpg"},{"post_title":"No-Bake Oreo Cheesecake","post_link":"\/recipes\/no-bake-oreo-cheesecake\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/recipeFallback.jpg"},{"post_title":"No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake","post_link":"\/recipes\/no-bake-chocolate-cheesecake\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/No-Bake-Chocolate-Cheesecake_EXPS_TOHcom23_274176_DR_08_23_8b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Fresh Raspberry Icebox Cake","post_link":"\/recipes\/fresh-raspberry-icebox-cake\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Fresh-Raspberry-Icebox-Cake_EXPS_THJJ17_201597_B02_01_3b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Lemon Drizzle Cake","post_link":"\/recipes\/lemon-drizzle-cake\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Lemon-Drizzle-Cake_EXPS_TOHD25_278244_JonathanMelendez_07.jpg"},{"post_title":"Lemon Cake","post_link":"\/recipes\/lemon-cake\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps24563_LT10590D27A.jpg"},{"post_title":"No-Bake Cheesecake Pie","post_link":"\/recipes\/no-bake-cheesecake-pie\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps15366_QC10187C27A.jpg"},{"post_title":"Triple-Layer Lemon Cake","post_link":"\/recipes\/triple-layer-lemon-cake\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Triple-Layer-Lemon-Cake_exps28269_BOCC1177610D98_clone_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"No-Bake Lime Cheesecake","post_link":"\/recipes\/no-bake-lime-cheesecake\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/exps32668_CW952293D39B.jpg"},{"post_title":"No-Bake Fruitcake","post_link":"\/recipes\/no-bake-fruitcake\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/recipeFallback.jpg"}],"acf":{"long_pin":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Lemon-Icebox-Cake_EXPS_FT22_269976_ST_06_22_1.jpg","long_pin_file":false,"ncv_override_generic_settings_option":false,"ncv_autoplay_option":"","ncv_stickyplay_option":"","ncv_ads_option":"","ncv_mute_option":"","ncv_comscore_option":"","ncv_autoplay_mobile_option":"","ncv_viewable_threshold_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_option":"","ncv_autopause_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_mobile_option":"","ncv_autopause_mobile_option":"","ncv_sticky_mobile_option":"","ncv_remove_player_option":false,"ncv_moat_option":""},"recipe_schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Recipe","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/lemon-icebox-cake\/","name":"Lemon Icebox Cake","datePublished":"2024-09-11","dateModified":"2024-09-19","prepTime":"PT20M","cookTime":"PT0M","totalTime":"PT20M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Lemon-Icebox-Cake_EXPS_FT22_269976_ST_06_22_1.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":["Desserts"],"description":"This bright and summery lemon icebox cake will quickly become a family favorite. The recipe is as sweet as it is easy to make.","recipeIngredient":["1 package (14.4 ounces) whole graham crackers","1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened","2 packages (3-1\/2 ounces each) instant lemon pudding mix","2-1\/2 cups 2% milk","1 carton (16 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed (6-1\/2 cups)","2 tablespoons grated lemon zest"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Arrange the graham crackers","text":"Start this lemon icebox cake recipe by arranging the first layer of graham crackers in an ungreased 13x9-inch dish, breaking the crackers as needed to fit.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Lemon-Icebox-Cake_GHT22_269976_ST_06_22_1-e1718271923952-700x467.jpg"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Make the lemon filling","text":"In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, pudding mix and 1 tablespoon lemon zest until blended. Editor's Tip: A good hand mixer will make this job easy. Gradually beat in the milk until smooth.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Lemon-Icebox-Cake_GHT22_269976_ST_06_22_3-e1718272019107-700x463.jpg"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Fold in the whipped topping","text":"Fold the thawed whipped topping into the lemon mixture. Editor's Tip: Folding is a gentle mixing method that will ensure the filling is light and airy. Always work slowly and carefully when folding. Here\u2019s more on how to fold in ingredients.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Lemon-Icebox-Cake_GHT22_269976_ST_06_22_7-e1718273016598-700x466.jpg"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Assemble the lemon icebox cake","text":"Spread a third of the lemon mixture over the graham crackers. Repeat the graham cracker and lemon filling layers two more times.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Lemon-Icebox-Cake_GHT22_269976_ST_06_22_8-e1718272158461-700x465.jpg"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Sprinkle on the zest and chill the cake","text":"Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon lemon zest over the cake. Refrigerate the cake, covered, for 8 hours or overnight. When you\u2019re ready to serve, just slice and wait for the compliments! Editor\u2019s Tip: To get the prettiest zest, choose a lemon that\u2019s bright yellow with as few blemishes as possible.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Lemon-Icebox-Cake_GHT22_269976_ST_06_22_11-e1718273349255-700x467.jpg"}],"recipeYield":"16 servings","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Lauren Paige Richeson"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 277 calories","fatContent":"13g fat (8g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"17mg cholesterol","sodiumContent":"296mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"36g carbohydrate (20g sugars","fiberContent":"1g fiber)","proteinContent":"4g protein."},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":0,"reviewCount":0,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}},"video":{"data":{"status":204},"message":"No shortcode found in recipe"},"rms_legacy_id":"269976","romance_copy_dek":"This bright and summery lemon icebox cake will quickly become a family favorite. The recipe is as sweet as it is easy to make.","enhanced_recipe_title":"No-Bake Lemon Icebox Cake","rms_legacy_data":{"RecipeCategories":null,"Ingredients":[{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 package (14.4 ounces) whole graham crackers","IngredientText":"1 package (14.4 ounces) whole graham crackers"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened","IngredientText":"1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2 packages (3-1\/2 ounces each) instant lemon pudding mix","IngredientText":"2 packages (3-1\/2 ounces each) instant lemon pudding mix"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2-1\/2 cups 2% milk","IngredientText":"2-1\/2 cups 2% milk"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 carton (16 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed (6-1\/2 cups)","IngredientText":"1 carton (16 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed (6-1\/2 cups)"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2 tablespoons grated lemon zest","IngredientText":"2 tablespoons grated lemon zest"}],"FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/Lemon-Icebox-Cake_EXPS_FT22_269976_ST_06_22_1.jpg","RecipeId":269976,"AttachmentSourceId":null,"AttachmentSource":"Taste Recipes","PhotoCredit":"No-Bake Lemon Icebox Cake Recipe photo by Taste Recipes","VideoCode":null,"RecipeAttachmentFileName":"Lemon-Icebox-Cake_EXPS_FT22_269976_ST_06_22_1.jpg","ContributorId":null,"Firstname":"Taste Recipes","Lastname":"Test Kitchen","City":"Milwaukee","StateDescription":"Wisconsin","IsCommunityCook":false,"ContributorAttachmentFileName":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/Recipe\/testkitchenapproved.png","TimeCallout":"Prep: 20 min. + chilling","MinimumServingQuantity":16,"MaximumServingQuantity":16,"Yield":"16 servings.","DigitalTitle":"No-Bake Lemon Icebox Cake","SubmittedTitle":"Lemon Icebox Cake","RecipeTypeId":1,"AverageRating":0,"WebPublishedDate":"9\/11\/2024 1:38:24 AM","ContestPlacementId":null,"FbImage":"FB_FT22_269976_ST_06_22_1.jpg","PreparationTimeInMinutes":20,"CookTimeInMinutes":0,"TotalTimeInMinutes":20,"ServingDescription":null,"IsTestKitchenCertified":true,"IsContestWinner":false,"IsFieldEditorRecipe":false,"IsCommunityRecipe":false,"PublishedProjectTitle":"Lemon Icebox Cake","OriginalSourceProject":"Lemon Icebox Cake","ContestPlacement":"","Trailer":null,"Metadescription":null,"AboutRecipeTitle":null,"AboutRecipe":null,"DigitalHeadnotes":"As refreshing as it is easy to make, this lemon icebox cake will become a family favorite. Using grated lemon zest in addition to lemon pudding mix gives it a bright lemon flavor. \u2014Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin","FreezerDirections":"","FreezerDirectionsTitle":"","HTMLTitle":null,"RecipeVersionNumber":null,"WorkflowStatusId":9,"Directions":[{"Direction":"Arrange x crackers in an ungreased 13x9x2-in. dish (breaking crackers to fit). In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, pudding mix and 1 tablespoon lemon zest until blended. Gradually beat in milk until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.","SequenceNo":1},{"Direction":" Spread one-third of the lemon mixture over the crackers. Repeat layers twice. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon lemon zest. Refrigerate, covered, 8 hours or overnight.","SequenceNo":2}],"RecipeTaxonomies":{"Budget":[],"CookingStyle":[],"Course":[],"Cuisine":[],"HealthyEating":[],"HolidaysAndCelebrations":[],"Ingredients":[{"Name":"Ingredients","ID":0},{"Name":"Cheese Recipes","ID":100417},{"Name":"Cream Cheese Recipes","ID":100429},{"Name":"Milk","ID":102025}],"Kids":[],"PartnerRecipes":[],"Publications":[],"WinningRecipes":[],"Tags":[{"Name":"Cooking Style","ID":304328},{"Name":"Easy","ID":304338},{"Name":"Make-Ahead","ID":304348},{"Name":"Dishes & Beverages","ID":305487},{"Name":"Puddings","ID":306446},{"Name":"Gear","ID":303966},{"Name":"13 x 9","ID":303972},{"Name":"Bakeware","ID":303971},{"Name":"Holidays & Events","ID":304368},{"Name":"Easter","ID":304430},{"Name":"Events & Gatherings","ID":304515},{"Name":"Holidays","ID":304408},{"Name":"Potluck","ID":304558},{"Name":"Seasons","ID":304388},{"Name":"Spring","ID":304395},{"Name":"Ingredients","ID":306848},{"Name":"Breads Rolls & Crackers","ID":306849},{"Name":"Cheese","ID":306910},{"Name":"Crackers","ID":306859},{"Name":"Cream Cheese","ID":306936},{"Name":"Fruits","ID":307104},{"Name":"Lemons","ID":307199},{"Name":"Meal Types","ID":304268},{"Name":"Desserts","ID":304288},{"Name":"Techniques","ID":304150},{"Name":"Chilling","ID":304173},{"Name":"Recipes","ID":324623}]},"ContributorTypeId":1,"NutritionalAnalyisParagraph":"1 piece: 277 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 296mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (20g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.","NoOfRatings":0,"GoogleImage16x9":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImages\/Lemon-Icebox-Cake_EXPS_FT22_269976_ST_06_22_1.jpg","GoogleImage4x3":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImagesPostCard\/Lemon-Icebox-Cake_EXPS_FT22_269976_ST_06_22_1.jpg","DefaultImageYn":false,"NativeRecipeTemplate":false,"IsMsn":true,"PinterestImage":"","CarouselImages":[],"SponsorLogoImage":"","SponsorID":"","GlobalCookingTips":[],"RecipeSpecificCookingTips":[]},"breadcrumb":[{"term_id":309177,"name":"Recipes","slug":"recipes","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":309112,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Browse Taste Recipes recipes by course, cooking style, cuisine, ingredient, holiday and more categories to find a new family-favorite recipe.","parent":0,"count":51678,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/"},{"term_id":310796,"name":"Dishes & Beverages","slug":"dishes-beverages","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":310731,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Wondering what to make? We've got recipes for any dish and beverage you're craving, from easy dinners to rich chocolate cakes and everything in between.","parent":309177,"count":44029,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/"},{"term_id":312423,"name":"Puddings","slug":"puddings","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":312358,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"A spoonful of one of these pudding recipes is a silky delight.","parent":310796,"count":416,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/puddings\/"}],"meta_data":{"enhanced_fields":{"enhanced_recipe_title":"No-Bake Lemon Icebox Cake"}},"analytics":[],"yoast_head":"\nLemon Icebox Cake Ingredients<\/h2>\n
Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
\n
Directions<\/h2>\n
Step 1: Arrange the graham crackers<\/h3>\n
Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 2: Make the lemon filling<\/h3>\n
Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 3: Fold in the whipped topping<\/h3>\n
Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 4: Assemble the lemon icebox cake<\/h3>\n
Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Step 5: Sprinkle on the zest and chill the cake<\/h3>\n
Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
Recipe Variations<\/h2>\n
\n
How to Store Lemon Icebox Cake<\/h2>\n
Can you freeze lemon icebox cake?<\/h3>\n
Lemon Icebox Cake Tips<\/h2>\n
Taste Recipes<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
How can you decorate a lemon icebox cake?<\/h3>\n
Can you use other kinds of pudding to make lemon icebox cake?<\/h3>\n