Our dessert lasagnas go viral every time we post them, and this Lemon Lasagna is no different! It is a delicious no-bake dessert featuring four distinct layers: lemon cookie crust, cream cheese layer, lemon pudding layer, and whipped cream covering. It is a cool, creamy, fruity fusion of multiple tastes and textures with tons of citrus tang!

No Bake Lemon Dessert

Our easy Lemon Lasagna recipe is full of light and fluffy layers arranged over a cookie crumb crust. Like my many other dessert lasagna recipes, this lemon-rich dessert swaps out the savory ingredients from a favorite Italian main dish meal and replaces them with sweet, stackable creamy fillings and bright fruity flavors.

Ingredients Notes

Lemon sandwich cookies: I used great value brand lemon sandwich cookies for this recipe but any brand will work. If you use Golden Oreo cookies or a brand with a thicker cream center, you may want to adjust the amount of butter added. I’d start with ⅓ cup and add 2-3 Tablespoons at a time until you have the desired consistency for your crust.
Salted butter: You can substitute unsalted butter and a pinch or two of salt to help bind the cookie crust if you prefer.
Cream cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before starting. Softened cream cheese is easier to mix with the sugar and Cool Whip and will give you a smoother filling. I also recommend using full fat cream cheese.
Granulated white sugar
Sour cream: Feel free to substitute plain Greek yogurt for a similar result.
Frozen whipped topping or Cool Whip: This adds a light, airy texture. You can make your own Homemade whipped cream with heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar if desired. You will need about 6 cups of whipped topping for this desert.
Lemon pie filling: The lemon pie filling provides a strong lemon flavor base for the pudding layer. It’s already sweetened and flavored with lemon, which adds richness and depth to the dessert.
Heavy cream: Mixing heavy cream into the pudding layer adds richness and creaminess, resulting in a smooth and luxurious texture. The heavy cream also helps to lighten the lemon pie filling, so it has a more airy and mousse-like consistency. For a softer lemon filling, you can use half and half or milk instead. If you want the filling to set up thick without using cream, use half the amount of half and half or milk.
Lemon juice: Either fresh juice or juice from concentrate will work equally well for this recipe.
Instant vanilla pudding mix: You can use white chocolate or cheesecake flavored pudding mix for similar results, or for a stronger lemon flavor you can use instant lemon pudding mix instead. The instant pudding mix contains ingredients that thicken and stabilize the mixture as it chills.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to Make Lemon Lasagna

Create The Crust: Crush the sandwich cookies until well crumbled. Add in the melted butter and pulse to combine. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
Make The Cream Cheese Mixture: Beat together the cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Add in the sour cream and mix until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping and spread the mixture over the crust.
Prepare The Lemon Pudding Layer: Whisk together the lemon pie filling, heavy cream, and lemon juice until smooth. Stir in the vanilla pudding mix until thickened. Spread the lemon filling over the cream cheese layer.
Add The Last Layer: Fold the remaining vanilla pudding mix into the remaining Cool Whip to form a thickened whipped topping. Spread over the lemon layer and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours or overnight.
Slice and Serve: Top with lemon zest and extra crumbled lemon sandwich cookies. Slice into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy!

How To Soften Cream Cheese

To soften, simply remove the package cream cheese from the foil and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until softened. You can also leave them on the kitchen counter for 1 to 2 hours to soften to room temperature. Don’t leave cream cheese at room temperature for longer than 2 hours or it could start to grow bacteria that could lead to food-borne illness.

Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan. Fold in the whipped topping and spread the mixture over the crust. Spread the lemon filling over the cream cheese layer. Spread the whipped topping over the lemon layer.

Serving Suggestions

Dairy-based: Because this dessert lasagna contains ingredients like cream cheese and whipped cream, it should not be left out for more than 2 hours. Beyond this, the risk of bacterial growth increases.
Serve Quickly: Try to serve the dessert lasagna shortly after taking it out of the refrigerator.
Keep Cool: If the dessert needs to be out for an extended period (e.g., at a party), consider placing it on a tray of ice to keep it cool.

Tips & Variations

Lasagna-style desserts can be revised and customized with dozens of different add-ins and flavor combinations. Add mini marshmallows to make hot chocolate lasagna, some red and green to make a Christmas Lasagna, or even spike it with Skrewball (Skrewball Lasagna is strictly for adults)!

Feeling fruity? Make my Raspberry Lasagna and Strawberry Lasagna. Minty? Try my Mint Chocolate Lasagna. Why not prepare It peanut butter-y and load your layers with chocolate pudding, Reese’s peanut butter cups, and creamy peanut butter filling, like my Chocolate Peanut Butter Lasagna.

Create Your Crust: You can change the crust by using your favorite kind of sandwich cookie, such as Golden Oreos, vanilla sandwich cookies, or even vanilla wafers or graham crackers. Be sure to adjust the amount of butter used and add sugar if needed for flavor.
Make With Mix-Ins: To enhance the flavor, you can add mix-ins to the cheesecake layer, like chopped nuts or fruit, or add an extract or lemon curd.
Top Your Treat: Top this lasagna with fresh fruit, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or sprinkles for added elegance, texture or flavor.

4-layer of Lemon Lasagna in a baking pan.

Proper Storage

To Store: Lemon lasagna dessert should be stored well wrapped in the refrigerator and enjoyed within 3-4 days for best results.
To Freeze: Lemon dessert lasagna can be frozen for 2-3 months. Keep in mind that freezing and thawing this dessert can cause it to get watery or separate so freezing it is a last resort.

More Lemon Desserts

If you tried this Lemon Lasagna Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!!!