Heavenly Lemon Oreo is a delightful no-bake dessert that combines the tangy zest of lemon with the smooth creaminess of a layered Oreo crust. This dessert is perfect for lemon lovers who crave something sweet, yet refreshing. With its easy-to-make recipe and no-bake simplicity, this treat is an ideal addition to any gathering, especially in the warmer months when you want a cool, refreshing dessert.

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What Makes Heavenly Lemon Oreo So Irresistible?
The Heavenly Lemon Oreo dessert is a great combination of texture and flavor. The crisp, buttery golden Oreo crust gives a satisfying crunch, while the cream cheese layer adds a rich and smooth texture. The lemon pudding layer adds a tangy, citrusy burst that refreshes your taste buds, while the whipped topping and extra crushed Oreos on top complete the perfect dessert. The dessert’s no-bake nature ensures it’s easy to prepare, making it the perfect choice for busy days or when you need to prepare something in advance.
Ingredients
- Golden Oreo Cookies: These cookies form the base of the dessert crust, adding a sweet and slightly vanilla flavor.
- Salted Butter: The melted butter helps bind the crushed Oreos together and gives the crust a rich, buttery flavor.
- Instant Lemon Pudding Mix: Provides the tangy lemon flavor in the dessert, offering both texture and refreshing citrus taste.
- Milk: Used to make the pudding, helping to create the smooth, creamy consistency.
- Cool Whip: This light and fluffy topping adds an airy layer on top of the lemon pudding, giving the dessert a visually appealing finish.
- Cream Cheese: A key ingredient in the middle layer, cream cheese offers a smooth texture and slightly tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the dessert.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer without altering its texture, making it the perfect filling base.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
- Crushed Graham Crackers: If you don’t have golden Oreos, you can swap them for graham crackers to create a more traditional crust.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: For those who don’t like Cool Whip, you can use homemade whipped cream as a topping. Just whip heavy cream with some powdered sugar to create a thick, fluffy topping.
- Lemon Zest: For an even more intense lemon flavor, add some freshly grated lemon zest to the pudding mix.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Start by crushing the golden Oreos in a food processor or by placing them in a ziplock bag and using a rolling pin. Once crushed, mix the Oreos with melted butter and press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. This will form the base of your dessert.
- Make the Lemon Pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant lemon pudding mix and milk. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to set. The pudding will thicken into a smooth consistency.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and mix well. Fold in one container of Cool Whip to create a fluffy cream cheese layer. Spread this mixture evenly over the Oreo crust.
- Add the Lemon Pudding: Carefully spread the lemon pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Finish with Cool Whip: Spread the remaining Cool Whip on top of the pudding layer. Sprinkle the remaining crushed Oreos over the top to give the dessert an extra crunch.
- Chill: Cover the dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the dessert set. Once ready, cut into squares and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks
- Ensure a Crispy Crust: When pressing the Oreo crust into the pan, don’t compact it too tightly. This will make it easier to cut the dessert later on.
- Flavor Balance: If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, feel free to add more lemon zest or even a little lemon juice to the pudding mix.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover the dessert tightly to maintain its freshness.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Heavenly Lemon Oreo dessert pairs wonderfully with a light fruit salad or fresh berries. You could also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of raspberry coulis for an extra touch of flavor. For a different twist, try adding a handful of fresh mint leaves on top for added color and freshness.
If you want to make this dessert even more indulgent, consider adding a layer of lemon curd between the cream cheese and lemon pudding layers. Alternatively, you can make a spicier version by incorporating some finely grated ginger into the crust for a zesty, warm twist on this citrusy favorite.
Why This Dessert is a Must-Try
Heavenly Lemon Oreo is a treat that effortlessly combines refreshing citrus and creamy richness, making it the perfect summer dessert. With its ease of preparation and no-bake feature, it’s ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers alike. The layers of golden Oreos, cream cheese, lemon pudding, and Cool Whip create a balanced and decadent dessert experience that’s sure to impress at any gathering or family meal.
Conclusion
Heavenly Lemon Oreo is the perfect balance of tangy lemon and sweet creaminess, offering a refreshing, no-bake dessert that is easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, bringing something to a potluck, or simply craving a sweet, citrusy treat, this dessert will always be a hit. The golden Oreo crust, velvety cream cheese layer, lemon pudding, and fluffy Cool Whip topping come together to create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Plus, the best part is that it’s quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a perfect option for busy days.
Don’t hesitate to give this dessert a try – once you do, it might just become your go-to recipe for all things citrus and creamy!
FAQ About Heavenly Lemon Oreo
1. Can I make Heavenly Lemon Oreo in advance?
Yes! Heavenly Lemon Oreo can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Simply prepare the dessert, cover it, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. This makes it the perfect dessert for busy days or for preparing ahead of a party.
2. Can I use regular Oreos instead of Golden Oreos?
While Golden Oreos are traditionally used for this recipe to keep the dessert light and balanced, you can absolutely substitute regular Oreos if you prefer a chocolatey twist. It will give your dessert a richer flavor and a darker color.
3. How long does it take for the pudding to set?
The pudding sets relatively quickly. After mixing the pudding with milk, it should only take about 5 minutes in the fridge to thicken up properly. If you prefer a firmer texture, let it sit for a bit longer before assembling the dessert.
More Relevant Recipes
- No-Bake Lemon Éclair Cake: The Ultimate Summer Dessert
- Lemon Blueberry Buttermilk Cake: A Refreshing Summer Delight
- Lemon Posset Recipe: A Simple Yet Luxurious Dessert

Heavenly Lemon Oreo
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Heavenly Lemon Oreo is a delicious, no-bake dessert that combines the tangy flavor of lemon with the sweetness of golden Oreos. With layers of creamy pudding, smooth cream cheese, and fluffy Cool Whip, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion, especially in the summer. This dessert is quick, easy to make, and a crowd favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 package (14.3 ounces) Golden Oreo cookies
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
- 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant lemon pudding mix
- 3 1/4 cups milk
- 2 containers (8 ounces each) Cool Whip, thawed
- 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Crush all Oreo cookies in a food processor or ziplock bag. Reserve 3/4 cup for topping.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Press the crushed Oreos mixed with melted butter into the bottom of the dish to form the crust.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the lemon pudding mixes and milk. Let it sit in the fridge for about 5 minutes to thicken.
- In a separate bowl, blend cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and mix well. Fold in one container of Cool Whip and spread the mixture over the Oreo crust.
- Spread the lemon pudding mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with the remaining Cool Whip, then sprinkle with the reserved crushed Oreos.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Slice into squares and enjoy!
Notes
- This dessert can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge.
- For a firmer crust, don’t press the Oreos too tightly into the pan.
- If you prefer fresh whipped cream over Cool Whip, it works just as well as a topping.
- For extra lemon flavor, add some lemon zest to the pudding or the cream cheese layer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg