No-Bake Lemon Curd Dream Slice Recipe

Dreamy No-Bake Lemon Curd Slice Recipe for Zesty Sweetness

Crafting a delightful no-bake lemon curd dream slice brings pure sunshine to your dessert table.

Zesty citrus notes dance through each creamy layer, promising a refreshing experience.

Sweet and tangy flavors meld together with incredible smoothness.

Minimal effort creates maximum impact in this simple yet elegant treat.

Cool kitchen temperatures become your ally when assembling this delectable dessert.

Silky textures and bright lemon essence will captivate anyone who takes a bite.

You won’t believe how easily this recipe comes together with just a few ingredients.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible no-bake sensation that screams summer comfort.

Dreamy No-Bake Lemon Curd Slices to Enjoy

  • Simplify Dessert Making: No oven needed, making this recipe perfect for beginners or anyone avoiding complicated baking techniques.
  • Refresh Your Palate: Bright, zesty lemon flavor creates a tangy and creamy dessert that cuts through heavy meals with its light, refreshing taste.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Versatile dessert that works for summer gatherings, potlucks, or casual family dinners, delighting both kids and adults with its smooth texture and citrusy punch.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires just a few simple pantry staples, allowing you to create an impressive dessert without complicated shopping or expensive ingredients.

Ingredients for Tangy Lemon Curd Slices

For the Crust:
  • Graham Crackers: A classic cookie base that provides a sweet and crumbly foundation for the dessert.
  • Butter: Helps bind the graham cracker crumbs and creates a rich, solid crust.
For the Filling:
  • Heavy Cream: Adds a light, airy texture and creates a luxurious creamy consistency.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps stabilize the whipped cream.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, sweet essence.
  • Lemon Curd: Delivers a bright, tangy citrus flavor and creamy texture to the dessert.
  • Lemon Zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor and adds a fresh, aromatic note.
For the Garnish and Preparation:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the dessert's flavor profile.

How to Make No-Bake Lemon Curd Delight

Step 1: Create Crumbly Crust Base

Mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch pan, creating an even and compact foundation for your dessert.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Cloud Topping

Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using an electric mixer. Whip until soft, billowy peaks form that hold their shape when the beater is lifted.

Step 3: Fold Zesty Lemon Magic

Gently incorporate lemon curd and fresh lemon zest into the whipped cream mixture. Use a spatula to fold ingredients together, maintaining the light and airy texture of the cream.

Step 4: Layer Dreamy Filling

Spread the luscious lemon cream mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, elegant surface.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Place the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the filling to firm up and the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Remove the chilled dessert from the refrigerator. Cut into neat squares using a sharp knife.

Serve directly from the pan, keeping the slices chilled until ready to enjoy.

Tips for Silky Smooth Lemon Curd Slices

  • Press graham cracker crust firmly and evenly to create a sturdy, compact base that won't crumble when serving.
  • Beat heavy cream slowly to achieve soft peaks, avoiding over-mixing that can make the texture grainy or butter-like.
  • Add fresh lemon zest just before folding to maintain bright citrus flavor and prevent losing essential oils during preparation.
  • Allow minimum 4 hours refrigeration to ensure filling sets properly and develops optimal creamy consistency.
  • Substitute graham crackers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground almond meal for a dietary-friendly alternative.

Variations on No-Bake Lemon Curd Slices

  • Tropical Mango Bliss: Replace lemon curd with fresh mango puree and add diced mango chunks for a vibrant, summery flavor profile.
  • Raspberry Swirl Edition: Incorporate raspberry coulis through the cream layer and top with fresh raspberries for a tart and sweet combination.
  • Chocolate Lemon Fusion: Mix dark chocolate shavings into the cream layer and drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a rich, decadent touch.
  • Coconut Lemon Paradise: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes between layers and incorporate coconut cream into the whipped mixture for a tropical transformation.

Pairing Suggestions to Brighten Lemon Slices

  • Zesty Citrus Beverage Pairing: Crisp, chilled lemonade or a light prosecco perfectly complements the tangy lemon curd slice, enhancing its bright citrus notes and refreshing flavor profile.
  • Complementary Dessert Companion: Fresh berries or a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream create a delightful contrast to the creamy, zesty dessert, adding a touch of sweetness and texture.
  • Wine Harmony: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a late-harvest Riesling brings out the dessert's lemony essence, providing a sophisticated and balanced drinking experience that elevates the overall taste sensation.
  • Afternoon Tea Match: Serve alongside a classic Earl Grey tea, which cuts through the richness of the dessert and introduces a subtle bergamot undertone that beautifully highlights the lemon's brightness.

Proper Storage for Lemon Curd Slices

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent absorption of other food odors.

Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Remove from refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor. Use a clean, sharp knife to slice cleanly.

Avoid reheating, as the delicate cream and lemon curd will separate and lose their smooth texture. Enjoy chilled for best taste and consistency.

FAQs

  • Can I use bottled lemon curd instead of homemade?

Yes, store-bought lemon curd works perfectly fine in this recipe. Just ensure it’s good quality and has a bright, tangy flavor.

  • How long can I keep the lemon dream slice in the refrigerator?

The dessert can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.

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

Absolutely! Simply substitute graham crackers with gluten-free graham-style crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies to create a similar crust.

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No-Bake Lemon Curd Dream Slice Recipe

No-Bake Lemon Curd Dream Slice Recipe


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4.6 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Luscious lemon curd dream slice whisks creamy tangy flavors into a chilled dessert paradise. Cool citrus layers melt effortlessly on palates, promising refreshing bliss with each silky smooth bite you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Base:

  • 100 grams (3.5 ounces) graham crackers, crushed
  • 113 grams (4 ounces) unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

  • 250 grams (8.8 ounces) lemon curd
  • 240 grams (8.5 ounces) heavy cream
  • 30 grams (1 ounce) powdered sugar
  • 5 grams (0.18 ounces) vanilla extract

Garnish:

  • Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Crush graham crackers into fine crumbs and blend thoroughly with melted butter until well-integrated.
  2. Transfer the crumb mixture into a 9×9-inch pan, pressing firmly and evenly across the bottom to create a compact, uniform crust layer.
  3. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft, cloud-like peaks emerge, maintaining a light and airy texture.
  4. Introduce lemon curd and freshly grated zest into the whipped cream, gently folding to create a harmonious, swirled consistency without deflating the cream.
  5. Carefully spread the lemon-infused cream mixture over the prepared graham cracker base, using a spatula to achieve a smooth, level surface.
  6. Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing the layers to set and flavors to meld together.
  7. Once completely firm, remove from refrigerator and slice into neat, uniform squares using a sharp knife.
  8. Serve directly from the chilled pan, garnishing with additional lemon zest or a light dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

  • Ensure graham crackers are finely crushed for a smooth, compact crust that holds together perfectly when sliced.
  • Use room temperature ingredients, especially cream and lemon curd, to help them blend more smoothly and create a lighter texture.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap graham crackers with gluten-free cookies or ground nuts like almonds for a delicious alternative base.
  • Enhance lemon flavor by adding an extra pinch of lemon zest or a splash of fresh lemon juice to intensify the citrusy tang.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 348kcal
  • Sugar: 21g
  • Sodium: 105mg
  • Fat: 29g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 78mg
Nate Harper

Nate Harper

Founder & Recipe Curator

Expertise

Single-Recipe Development, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Seasonal Menu Planning, Culinary Storytelling, Home Kitchen Innovation

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Central Oregon Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and seasonal recipe creation.

Nate studied under experienced chefs who emphasized local sourcing, minimal waste, and building recipes from fresh, simple ingredients.


Nate Harper is the founder and creative force behind Make, Take, Bake. Raised in the wild beauty of Oregon’s high desert, Nate grew up surrounded by family gardens, farmers’ markets, and home kitchens that celebrated the seasons.
His early love for simple, honest food evolved into a professional passion when he attended Cascade Culinary Institute, where he sharpened his skills in creating recipes that are sustainable, satisfying, and made for everyday life.
Nate’s goal is to make cooking feel accessible, free of fuss, and full of flavor. He believes a single, thoughtfully built dish can stand alone, and sometimes even steal the show.

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