Easy Lemon Icebox Dessert

Easy Lemon Icebox Dessert
A cool, creamy, no-bake dessert with bright lemon flavor and a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for warm days and super simple to make!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Lemon Filling:
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
or 1½ cups heavy cream, whipped with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Lemon slices or zest for garnish (optional)
👩‍🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Crust
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined.
Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch dish (or 9-inch pie plate).
Chill in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes to set.
2️⃣ Prepare the Lemon Filling
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add sweetened condensed milk and mix well.
Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla.
Mix until creamy and thickened.
3️⃣ Assemble
Spread lemon filling evenly over chilled crust.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best for clean slices).
4️⃣ Add Topping & Serve
Spread whipped topping over the chilled dessert.
Garnish with lemon zest or thin lemon slices if desired.
Slice and serve cold.
❄️ Storage
Keep refrigerated up to 4 days
Can be frozen for a firmer, ice-cream-like texture