Name: No-Bake Key Lime Dessert Lasagna
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 4 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/2 cup melted butter; 2 tbsp sugar; 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3 cups whipped topping (divided: 1 cup + 2 cups); 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding; 1 1/2 cups cold milk; 1/3 cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled); Zest of 1 lime; Lime zest, slices, or crushed graham crackers for garnish

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This No-Bake Key Lime Dessert Lasagna is a refreshing and creamy treat that combines zesty key lime flavors with a smooth, layered texture. Perfect for warm days or any time I want a light yet indulgent dessert, it’s easy to prepare and requires no oven time. The graham cracker crust gives it a delightful crunch, while the cream cheese and pudding layers create a luscious contrast.

No-Bake Key Lime Dessert Lasagna

Ingredients

Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup melted butter

2 tablespoon sugar

Cream Cheese Layer:

8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened

½ cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

Key Lime Pudding Layer:

1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding

1 ½ cups cold milk

⅓ cup key lime juice (fresh or bottled)

Zest of 1 lime

Topping:

2 cups whipped topping

Lime zest, slices, or crushed graham crackers for garnish

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch dish. Chill in the freezer for 10–15 minutes to set.

Prepare the cream cheese layer: Beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping. Spread this evenly over the chilled crust.

Mix the key lime pudding layer: In a separate bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until it begins to thicken. Add key lime juice and lime zest, stirring until smooth. Spread this layer over the cream cheese layer.

Add the topping: Spread the remaining 2 cups of whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer. Garnish with lime zest, lime slices, or crushed graham crackers to add a finishing touch.

Chill: Refrigerate the entire dish for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the layers to set and flavors to develop.

Servings and timing

This dessert serves 12 people. It takes about 25 minutes to prepare and needs to chill for 4 to 6 hours or overnight before serving to ensure it’s perfectly set.

Variations

I sometimes like to add a few drops of lime extract to the pudding layer for extra zing or a bit of green food coloring for a festive look. For a tropical twist, I swap out the lime zest and juice for coconut flavor and garnish with toasted coconut flakes. You could also experiment with adding crushed pineapple between layers for a fun, fruity upgrade.

Storage/reheating

I keep this dessert covered in the refrigerator and it stays fresh for up to 3 days. Since it’s no-bake and chilled, there’s no reheating needed—just serve it cold straight from the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular lime juice instead of key lime juice?

Yes, regular lime juice works well if key lime juice isn’t available. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! It actually tastes better when made ahead and chilled overnight, giving the layers time to set and flavors to blend.

What can I substitute for whipped topping?

You can use homemade whipped cream or a dairy-free whipped topping if preferred. Just make sure it’s stable enough to hold the layers together.

Is this dessert gluten-free?

The crust uses graham cracker crumbs which typically contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free graham crackers or a similar gluten-free cookie crumb.

Can I freeze this dessert?

Freezing isn’t recommended as the texture of the pudding and whipped topping can change and become watery after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge.

Conclusion

I find this No-Bake Key Lime Dessert Lasagna is the perfect summer treat—easy to assemble, refreshingly tangy, and creamy without being heavy. It’s versatile, too, allowing for fun variations that keep it exciting each time I make it. Whether for a party or a simple family dessert, this recipe is a keeper in my kitchen.

Recipe:

No-Bake Key Lime Dessert Lasagna

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing no-bake dessert combining zesty key lime pudding, creamy layers, and a crunchy graham cracker crust, perfect for warm days or any occasion.

Instructions

Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch dish. Chill in freezer 10–15 minutes to set.
Beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in 1 cup whipped topping. Spread evenly over chilled crust.
Whisk instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until it begins to thicken. Add key lime juice and lime zest, stir smooth. Spread over cream cheese layer.
Spread remaining 2 cups whipped topping evenly over pudding layer. Garnish with lime zest, slices, or crushed graham crackers.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set and develop flavors.