No-Bake Lemon Curd Dream Slice Recipe

Tangy No-Bake Lemon Curd Dream Slice Recipe for Summer Bliss

Cool summer afternoons find their perfect match in this no-bake lemon curd dream slice that promises pure refreshment.

Zesty citrus notes dance across a creamy landscape, creating a dessert that whispers sweet comfort.

Layers of smooth, tangy goodness melt together without ever touching an oven.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this treat accessible for anyone seeking a delightful culinary escape.

Chilling transforms humble components into an elegant dessert that sparks conversation and delights taste buds.

Crisp textures and vibrant flavors promise a memorable experience you’ll want to savor slowly.

Prepare to fall in love with every delectable bite of this irresistible summer sensation.

Why No-Bake Lemon Curd Dream Slice Stands Out

  • Craft with Ease: This no-bake dessert requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean you can create a stunning dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Zesty Refreshment: Bright lemon flavors provide a tangy, refreshing twist that cuts through the rich cream cheese base, delighting taste buds with every bite.
  • Versatile Celebration Treat: Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or when you need a make-ahead dessert that will impress friends and family without last-minute stress.

Ingredients Needed for Lemon Curd Dream Slice

Base Ingredients:
  • Graham Crackers: Classic sweet and crumbly biscuits that create a sturdy foundation for the dessert.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps bind the cracker crumbs and provides a rich, smooth base.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Delivers a creamy, tangy texture and provides structure to the filling.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a light and fluffy consistency in the dessert.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet notes.
  • Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Introduces bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic freshness to the filling.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Lemon Curd: Provides a silky, tart layer that complements the sweet cream cheese base.

How to Make Lemon Curd Dream Slice Easily

Step 1: Crush and Combine Biscuit Base

Grab your favorite cookies and crush them into fine crumbs. Melt some butter and mix it thoroughly with the cookie crumbs until everything sticks together perfectly.

Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined pan, creating a smooth, even layer. Pop the pan into the refrigerator and let it chill and set for about half an hour.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Cream cheese
  • Heavy cream
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Lemon zest

Whisk these ingredients until they transform into a silky, light, and fluffy mixture that looks absolutely dreamy.

Step 3: Layer the Creamy Goodness

Take your chilled biscuit base out of the refrigerator.

Spread the luscious cream cheese mixture evenly across the entire surface, making sure it’s smooth and covers every inch of the base.

Step 4: Drizzle Lemon Curd Magic

Gently spread the tangy lemon curd over the cream cheese layer.

Let it cascade beautifully across the surface, creating a sunshine-yellow topping that looks irresistible.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Return the pan to the refrigerator.

Let it rest and set for at least 4 hours or overnight. This waiting time allows all the flavors to mingle and the dessert to become perfectly firm.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

When ready, cut into neat squares. Serve chilled and watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first delicious bite of this no-bake lemony treat!

Tips for Lemon Curd Dream Slice Success

  • Use a food processor or place biscuits in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin for uniform, fine crumbs that create a smooth, compact base.
  • Adjust lemon juice and zest according to taste preference, adding more for intense citrus notes or less for a subtle tangy touch.
  • Ensure cream cheese and heavy cream are at room temperature to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, smooth filling consistency.
  • Allow the dessert to set completely in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, which helps flavors meld and creates a firm, sliceable texture.
  • Wipe the knife with a warm, clean cloth between cuts to get neat, clean slices that showcase the beautiful layers of the dessert.

Variations to Try on Lemon Curd Dream Slice

  • Gluten-Free Citrus Slice: Replace graham crackers with gluten-free almond flour biscuits and use certified gluten-free cream cheese.
  • Low-Sugar Lemon Dream: Swap powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener and use sugar-free lemon curd for a diabetic-friendly version.
  • Tropical Coconut Variation: Substitute lemon juice with lime juice, add shredded coconut to the base, and top with coconut cream for a tropical flavor profile.
  • Vegan Citrus Bars: Use coconut cream cheese alternative, cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and plant-based butter for the crust to create a dairy-free dessert.

What Goes Well with Lemon Curd Dream Slice

Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the lemon’s bright, tangy notes and cuts through the creamy richness.

Serve alongside a small plate of fresh raspberries or strawberries to add a vibrant, fruity contrast and balance the dessert’s creamy texture.

Brew a delicate lavender-infused tea that echoes the dessert’s delicate flavors and provides a soothing, aromatic companion to the lemon slice.

Top each slice with a small mint sprig to introduce a refreshing herbal element that lifts the dessert’s creamy and citrusy profile.

How to Store Lemon Curd Dream Slice

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping them covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen slices can last up to 2 months without losing quality.
  • Transfer frozen slices to the refrigerator overnight for the best texture, allowing them to slowly defrost and prevent condensation.
  • Remove from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly, ensuring the creamy texture remains smooth and delightful.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of biscuit for the base?

Yes, graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or shortbread cookies work great as alternatives to the original recipe.

  • How long will this dessert stay fresh in the refrigerator?

The No-Bake Lemon Curd Dream Slice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when covered tightly with plastic wrap.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular biscuits with gluten-free cookies or graham crackers to create a gluten-free version of the dessert.

  • Can I freeze this lemon slice for later?

Yes, you can freeze the dessert for up to 2 weeks. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container before freezing.

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No-Bake Lemon Curd Dream Slice Recipe

No-Bake Lemon Curd Dream Slice Recipe


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4.9 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Luscious No-Bake Lemon Curd Dream Slice combines tangy citrus and creamy layers for a refreshing summer dessert. Chilled perfection awaits when you slice into this elegant, zesty treat that promises pure indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 200 grams (7 ounces) digestive biscuits
  • 100 grams (3.5 ounces) unsalted butter

Lemon Curd Layer:

  • 3 large eggs
  • 150 grams (5.3 ounces) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 120 milliliters (4 fluid ounces) fresh lemon juice
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Topping and Garnish:

  • 240 milliliters (8 fluid ounces) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Pulverize graham crackers and blend with melted butter until uniformly moist, creating a cohesive sandy texture.
  2. Transfer the crumb mixture into a lined rectangular pan, compressing thoroughly to create a compact, even foundation.
  3. Chill the base layer in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes to solidify and set.
  4. Whip cream cheese with whipping cream until achieving a silky, aerated consistency, incorporating powdered sugar, vanilla essence, fresh lemon juice, and zesty lemon shavings.
  5. Extract the chilled base from refrigerator and meticulously spread the cream cheese mixture across the surface, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
  6. Delicately drizzle and distribute lemon curd atop the cream cheese layer, creating an elegant marbled appearance.
  7. Return the assembled dessert to the refrigerator, allowing it to rest and firm up for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  8. When ready to serve, extract from refrigerator and slice into precise, clean squares using a sharp knife wiped between cuts.
  9. Plate and present the chilled, tangy-sweet dessert, ready to delight taste buds with its creamy, zesty profile.

Notes

  • Swap traditional biscuits with gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert.
  • Use low-fat cream cheese and whipped cream to create a lighter version without compromising the rich, creamy texture.
  • Enhance lemon flavor by adding extra zest or a splash of limoncello for a more intense citrusy kick.
  • For a decorative touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves or candied lemon peel just before serving to elevate the visual appeal.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Refrigerating
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 154
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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