Description
This no-bake citrus pudding lasagna is a refreshing, layered summer dessert featuring a buttery cookie crust, creamy lemony filling, and vibrant orange and lemon pudding. It’s easy to assemble, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for hot days when you want a cool, zesty treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups vanilla wafer cookies, crushed (or graham crackers)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup whipped topping (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 (3.4oz) package instant lemon pudding mix
- 1 (3.4oz) package instant orange pudding mix (or vanilla pudding with orange zest and juice)
- 4 cups whole milk, cold (or non-dairy milk)
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 2 cups whipped topping (for topping)
- Fresh citrus slices (orange, lemon, lime) for garnish (optional)
- Extra zest for garnish (optional)
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine crushed vanilla wafer cookies, melted butter, and granulated sugar (if using). Mix until evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Chill in the fridge for at least 10 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Gently fold in 1 cup whipped topping until just combined. Spread evenly over the chilled crust.
- In a clean bowl, whisk together lemon pudding mix with 2 cups cold milk and zest of 1 lemon. Whisk for 2 minutes until thickened.
- In another bowl, whisk together orange pudding mix (or vanilla with orange zest and juice) with 2 cups cold milk, zest of 1 orange, and orange juice. Whisk until thick.
- Spread the lemon pudding over the cream cheese layer, smoothing gently.
- Spread the orange pudding evenly over the lemon layer.
- Spread 2 cups whipped topping over the orange pudding layer. Create peaks or swoops if desired.
- Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and chill for at least 3 hours (overnight preferred).
- Before serving, garnish with fresh citrus slices, extra zest, and mint leaves if desired.
- Slice with a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for clean squares.
Notes
For gluten-free, use gluten-free cookies. For dairy-free, use plant-based cream cheese, milk, and whipped topping. Chill each layer before adding the next for clean lines. Garnish just before serving for the freshest look. Can be made a day ahead for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (about 1/12 of the pan)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 320
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
Keywords: citrus pudding lasagna, no-bake dessert, summer dessert, lemon lasagna, orange pudding, layered dessert, easy dessert, potluck dessert, citrus dessert, creamy dessert