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Refreshing No-Bake Lemon Freeze Dessert

Calling all lemon lovers, cool off with a refreshing, no-bake and easy dessert for the lazy days of summer. Equal parts light, creamy, sweet and tart, it comes together in 15 minutes. . . the hardest part, waiting for it to set up in the freezer to enjoy!
Prep Time15 minutes
freeze time 8 hours8 hours
Total Time8 hours 15 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy appetizer, freezer dessert, graham cracker crumbs, lemon curd, no bake, summer dessert
Servings: 16 servings

Equipment

  • 9 x 9 pan
  • parchment paper
  • mixer

Ingredients

Crust:

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup salted butter, melted (2 oz. or 1/2 stick)
  • 3 Tbsp. granulated sugar

Filling:

  • 1 1/2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
  • 1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup lemon curd
  • 2 tsp. lemon zest
  • 2/3 cup lemon juice from 3 – 4 large lemons
  • Pinch salt
  • 2 Tbsp. graham cracker crumbs for topping

Optional topping:

  • Sweetened whipped cream
  • lemon wedges or lemon peel

Sweetened Whipped Cream

  • 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
  • 1 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare pan:

  • Spray a 9-inch baking pan or dish with nonstick spray. Line pan with parchment paper with the paper edges hanging over ends of pan.

Prepare crust:

  • In a medium bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until evenly combined. Press into an even layer in prepared pan. Place in freezer while preparing the filling.

Whip the cream:

  • In a large bowl, whip heavy cream until it reaches soft peaks.

Make filling:

  • In another large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lemon curd, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt until smooth. Gently fold whipped cream into the filling so you don’t deflate the air you’ve just incorporated. Spread mixture into prepared pan.

Freeze dessert:

  • Sprinkle top with graham cracker crumbs. Cover and freeze 8 hours or until firm.
  • When firm, remove from pan by lifting edges of parchment paper and transferring to cutting board. Cut into 12 - 16 squares.
  • Garnish squares with additional sweetened whipped cream and lemon wedge or peel if desired. Serve immediately or return to freezer.

Sweetened Whipped Cream

  • Whip the cream in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (you can also use a hand mixer). When it starts to thicken, add the sugar and vanilla and continue to beat until firm. Don't overbeat or you’ll make butter.

Notes

  • Zest lemons before juicing.
  • Place bowl and beaters or whisk in fridge or freezer briefly to chill for faster whipping of cream.
  • This dessert softens quickly at room temperature, so serve and enjoy immediately after cutting. To prepare ahead, cut into squares and garnish and return to freezer until ready to serve.
  • Especially refreshing served with a chilled fork on a chilled plate on a hot summer day!
  • Store leftovers in a sealed container in the freezer up to 3 months.