🍋 Bright & Creamy No-Bake Cream Cheese Dessert
Light, Refreshing, and Irresistibly Simple
When you’re looking for a dessert that’s easy to throw together, cool and refreshing, and a crowd-pleaser every time — this bright & creamy no-bake treat is your go-to. With a buttery graham cracker crust and a smooth, lightly sweetened cream cheese layer, it strikes the perfect balance of tang and sweetness.
Ideal for warm days, brunches, or when you just want dessert without turning on the oven.
📋 Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar ✨
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but recommended)
1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip) or homemade whipped cream
🔧 Instructions
Step 1: Make the Crust
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until fully combined and the texture resembles wet sand.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch pan (or pie dish).
Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling — about 15–20 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
Add powdered sugar (and vanilla, if using), and beat again until fluffy and fully blended.
Fold in the whipped topping gently until combined.
Step 3: Assemble
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
Smooth the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight for best texture.
Slice and serve chilled. Optionally, top with fresh berries, lemon zest, or a drizzle of fruit syrup.
🧁 Optional Toppings:
Fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries
Crushed graham crackers
Lemon curd swirls
Mint leaves for a fresh finish
📦 Storage:
Store in the fridge, covered, for up to 4 days.
Not ideal for freezing, as the texture may change.
💡 Pro Tip:
Use a ziploc bag and rolling pin to crush graham crackers easily. For an extra layer of citrus, add lemon juice or zest directly to the cream cheese mix.