No Bake Oreo Lemon Dessert

Name: No Bake Oreo Lemon Dessert
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-486823H16M56S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 36 Golden Oreos; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 1 (3.4 oz) box instant lemon pudding mix; 1 cup nonfat milk; 12 ounces whipped topping; 1 cup lemon curd (jarred or homemade)

Published: July 6, 2025

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can create this delicious dessert without turning on the oven.
Refreshing Flavor: The combination of lemon curd and pudding gives this dessert a bright and tangy taste that’s perfect for warm weather.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a light dessert after dinner, or serve it at picnics and potlucks for a crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead Convenience: This dessert can be prepared ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while chilling in the refrigerator.
Decadent Layers: The creamy filling layered between crunchy cookies offers a delightful contrast that keeps each bite interesting.

Tools and Preparation

To make your No Bake Oreo Lemon Dessert smoothly, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delicious treat.

Essential Tools and Equipment

9×9 inch baking pan
Gallon-sized sandwich bags
Rolling pin
Medium-sized mixing bowl
Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

9×9 inch baking pan: Perfect size for layering all the ingredients without spilling over.
Gallon-sized sandwich bags: Great for crushing cookies easily without making a mess.
Rolling pin: Helps achieve the desired crumb consistency for the crust-like base.
Whisk: Ensures your pudding mixture is smooth and lump-free.

Ingredients

For the Base

36 Golden Oreos, divided
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling

1 3.4 ounce box INSTANT lemon, coconut, cheesecake or vanilla pudding
1 cup nonfat milk
12 ounces whipped topping, approximately 1 ½ 8-ounce containers

For the Topping

1 cup lemon curd, jarred or homemade (or you can use lemon pie filling)

How to Make No Bake Oreo Lemon Dessert

Place 20 cookies in a gallon-sized sandwich bag. Seal the bag except for one corner to allow air to escape.
Roll with a rolling pin to coarsely crush the cookies.
Pour melted butter into the bag and press with your hands to distribute evenly.
Place this mixture in the bottom of a 9×9 inch pan. Note: this will not form a traditional crust; it should be loose.

Step 2: Create the Pudding Layer

In a medium-sized bowl, add pudding mix and milk.
Whisk until smooth and let it sit for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
Fold in a heaping cup of whipped topping gently until combined.
Carefully spread this mixture over the cookie base in the pan.

Step 3: Add Crunchy Layers

Crush the remaining cookies in another gallon-sized sandwich bag.
Sprinkle half of these crushed cookies over the pudding layer, reserving the rest for topping later.

Step 4: Mix Lemon Curd with Whipped Topping

Gently combine lemon curd with one even cup of whipped topping until well mixed.
Spread this mixture evenly over the pudding layer.

Step 5: Finish with Whipped Topping

Spread any remaining whipped topping over the lemon curd mixture evenly.
Sprinkle with remaining crushed cookies on top.
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your No Bake Oreo Lemon Dessert!

How to Serve No Bake Oreo Lemon Dessert

This delightful No Bake Oreo Lemon Dessert can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are serving it at a family gathering or a casual get-together, these serving suggestions will enhance the experience.

Individual Servings

Use small cups or jars for individual servings. This makes it easy for guests to enjoy their own portion without needing to slice the dessert.

Garnish with Fresh Fruit

Top each slice with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries. The tartness of the fruit complements the sweet and tangy flavors of the dessert.

Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce

Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce over each serving. The combination of lemon and chocolate creates a delicious flavor contrast that many will love.

Serve with Whipped Cream

Offer additional whipped cream on the side. Guests can add more cream to suit their taste, enhancing the creamy texture of this dessert.

Accompanying Beverages

Pair with refreshing beverages such as iced tea or lemonade. These drinks complement the lemon flavor and provide a cooling effect during warm days.

Add a Zest of Lemon

Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of lemon zest. This adds an extra burst of citrus flavor and makes for an appealing presentation.

How to Perfect No Bake Oreo Lemon Dessert

To ensure your No Bake Oreo Lemon Dessert turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Chill Thoroughly: Allow the dessert to chill for at least 2 hours before serving. This helps all layers set properly and enhances its flavor.
Use Cold Ingredients: Start with cold milk and whipped topping. Cold ingredients help create a smoother texture when mixing and folding.
Don’t Rush Crushing Cookies: Take your time when crushing the Golden Oreos. Aim for coarse crumbs rather than fine dust for better texture in the crust.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to swap in different pudding flavors like coconut or vanilla if you want to mix things up while keeping that delicious lemon curd.
Layer Evenly: When spreading layers, aim for even distribution. This ensures every bite has balanced flavors and textures.
Store Properly: If you have leftovers, cover tightly and store in the refrigerator. This helps maintain freshness for future enjoyment.

Best Side Dishes for No Bake Oreo Lemon Dessert

Pairing side dishes with your No Bake Oreo Lemon Dessert can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful options to consider:

Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad dressed with vinaigrette provides a light contrast to the richness of the dessert.
Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken skewers seasoned with herbs make for a savory counterpart to this sweet treat.
Fruit Salad: A colorful medley of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances sweetness beautifully.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses pairs nicely, especially creamy varieties that can complement lemon’s tanginess.
Vegetable Crudités: Crisp vegetables served with hummus offer a crunchy texture that contrasts well with creamy desserts.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up an ice cream station where guests can create custom sundaes, adding fun variety to dessert time.
Breadsticks or Garlic Knots: Soft breadsticks bring a comforting touch while being easy to snack on before indulging in dessert.
Lemonade Spritzers: Lightly sparkling lemonade drinks refresh the palate, making them perfect alongside rich desserts like this one.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the No Bake Oreo Lemon Dessert, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are a few to watch out for:

Not crushing the Oreos properly: Ensure you crush the cookies into coarse pieces; too fine and they won’t create the desired texture. Use a rolling pin effectively to achieve this.
Skipping the chilling time: Refrigerating your dessert for at least 2 hours is crucial. This allows the layers to set properly and enhances the flavors.
Using non-instant pudding mix: Always opt for INSTANT pudding mix in this recipe. Non-instant types won’t thicken correctly and will lead to a runny filling.
Overmixing the whipped topping: Be gentle when folding in the whipped topping with other ingredients. Overmixing can deflate it, resulting in a less fluffy dessert.
Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Make sure your milk is cold and your butter is melted but not hot. This helps maintain the texture of the layers.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
The No Bake Oreo Lemon Dessert stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Keep it covered with plastic wrap if stored in its original pan.

Freezing No Bake Oreo Lemon Dessert

This dessert can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating No Bake Oreo Lemon Dessert

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until slightly warm.
Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat for about 20-30 seconds on medium power.
Stovetop: Not recommended, as this dessert is best served chilled or at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular Oreos instead of Golden Oreos?

Yes, you can substitute regular Oreos for Golden Oreos if you prefer a chocolate flavor. It will alter the taste slightly but still be delicious!

How do I make homemade lemon curd for this No Bake Oreo Lemon Dessert?

To make homemade lemon curd, combine lemon juice, sugar, eggs, and butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until thickened and remove from heat to cool before using.

How long does it take to prepare No Bake Oreo Lemon Dessert?

Preparation time is about 30 minutes, but remember to refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Can I add fruit toppings to my No Bake Oreo Lemon Dessert?

Absolutely! Fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries pair beautifully with this dessert and add extra flavor and color.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free cookies instead of regular Oreos. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

The No Bake Oreo Lemon Dessert offers a delightful combination of creamy lemon flavors balanced by crunchy cookie layers. Its versatility allows for various customization options such as adding fruit or experimenting with different pudding flavors. Give this refreshing dessert a try; it’s perfect for any occasion!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card