When the sun’s shining and you’re craving something sweet but not too heavy, there’s nothing better than a chilled, creamy dessert. That’s exactly why I fell head over heels for these KFC Lemon Creme Parfaits. They’re light, refreshing, and bursting with that zesty lemon flavor that just screams summer. Plus, you don’t even have to turn on your oven—perfect for those warm days when the last thing you want is more heat in your kitchen!
Now, I have to admit—this recipe was inspired by one of my favorite guilty pleasures from back in the day: KFC’s old-school lemon parfait cups. Simple, creamy, and always the perfect ending to a meal. So when I discovered how easy it was to recreate them at home, I couldn’t wait to share the recipe with you all.
What I love most about this dessert (besides how crazy easy it is) is how versatile it can be. Whether you’re making them for a family BBQ, a quick weeknight treat, or even a little something special for a brunch spread, these parfaits always deliver. And did I mention you only need a handful of ingredients? Yep—simple pantry staples, minimal prep, and maximum flavor.
Alright, let’s dive right in and get started on these delightful parfaits!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
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7 graham cracker sheets (about 1 cup of crumbs)
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¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
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2 cups whole milk
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1 box (3.4 ounces) instant lemon pudding mix
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2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip or Reddi Whip)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Crush the Graham Crackers
First up, let’s make that buttery graham cracker crust. Grab your food processor and toss in the graham cracker sheets. Pulse for about 30 seconds, or until you have fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor handy, no worries! You can place the graham crackers in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin—old-school style works just as well.
Step 2: Combine with Butter
Next, pour the melted butter into the graham cracker crumbs. Pulse again for about 10-15 seconds until everything is fully combined. You should end up with a mixture that looks like wet sand—perfect for pressing into your parfait cups later. Go ahead and set this mixture aside for now.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Pudding
In a medium mixing bowl, pour in the whole milk and add the instant lemon pudding mix. Using a whisk, blend everything together until smooth and slightly thickened. The pudding will continue to thicken as it sits, so give it a few minutes while you prep the next step.
Finishing Your KFC Lemon Creme Parfaits to Perfection
Now that we’ve got our graham cracker base ready and the lemon pudding thickening up nicely, it’s time for the fun part—building our parfaits! This is where all those creamy, crunchy, and zesty layers come together into one delightful little cup of happiness.
And let me tell you, this part is perfect for getting the kids involved too. My little ones love helping me layer the parfaits, and honestly, it’s hard to mess them up. Even if the layers aren’t perfectly even, they still taste just as amazing!
HOW TO ASSEMBLE YOUR PARFAITS
Step 4: Spoon in the Graham Cracker Crust
Take your prepared graham cracker mixture and divide it evenly among 4 parfait cups. I like to use small clear glasses or mason jars because they show off those pretty layers, but any small cup will do the trick. Don’t forget to reserve about 2 teaspoons of the crumb mixture—we’ll use that for garnish later.
Once the crumbs are in the cups, gently press them down with the back of a spoon to create a nice even crust layer. You don’t need to pack it too tightly; just enough so it holds together.
Step 5: Add the Lemon Pudding Layer
Next, it’s time to spoon that luscious lemon pudding over the graham cracker crust. Divide it evenly between the cups, smoothing the top gently with a spoon or small spatula. This creamy layer brings the perfect balance of sweet and tart, and it sits beautifully on top of the buttery crust.
Step 6: Top with Whipped Topping
Now for the crowning glory: whipped topping. Spoon or pipe a generous amount onto each parfait. I usually go for about ½ cup of whipped topping per parfait, but feel free to add more if you’re feeling extra indulgent. The fluffy whipped topping gives the parfaits that light, airy finish that makes every bite feel like a little cloud of lemony goodness.
Step 7: Garnish and Chill
Remember those reserved graham cracker crumbs? Sprinkle about ½ teaspoon over each parfait for a simple but elegant garnish. It adds just the right amount of crunch and makes the parfaits look extra special.
Finally, pop the parfaits into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps the layers set and gives the flavors a chance to meld together perfectly. You can absolutely make these ahead of time and keep them chilled until you’re ready to serve—they’re great for parties and gatherings because of how well they hold up.
EXTRA TIPS TO MAKE YOUR PARFAITS EVEN BETTER
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Add Some Zest: If you love an extra punch of lemon, stir a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest into your pudding mixture before layering. It adds a lovely brightness that really elevates the flavor.
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Play with Textures: For a bit more crunch, leave some of your graham cracker crumbs a little chunkier for the garnish.
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Switch Up the Glassware: These parfaits look beautiful in wine glasses, mason jars, or even shot glasses for mini desserts at a party.
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Make it Your Own: Don’t be afraid to experiment! A few fresh berries on top can add a nice pop of color and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions About KFC Lemon Creme Parfaits
Before you head off to make your delicious parfaits, let’s take a moment to answer a few common questions that often come up. These helpful tips will make sure your dessert turns out just right every single time!
How far in advance can I make these parfaits?
You can easily prepare these parfaits up to 24 hours in advance. In fact, making them ahead of time allows the flavors to meld even more, and the texture stays perfectly creamy. Just be sure to keep them covered and refrigerated.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can whip up your own whipped cream using heavy whipping cream and a bit of powdered sugar. It adds a lovely homemade touch, but the store-bought versions like Cool Whip work great and save time.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
No problem! You can place the graham crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or even the bottom of a glass. It might take a little longer, but it works just as well.
Can I substitute a different flavor of pudding?
Yes! While lemon is classic and gives that signature tart flavor, you can easily switch it up with vanilla, cheesecake, or even chocolate pudding for a fun twist.
Do I have to use whole milk?
Whole milk gives the pudding a rich, creamy texture, but you can use 2% or even non-dairy milk alternatives if needed. Just keep in mind that the consistency might be slightly different depending on the milk you choose.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 generous parfait servings. If you’re serving a larger group or want smaller portions, you can easily divide the mixture into smaller cups or glasses.
Can I freeze these parfaits?
I don’t recommend freezing them, as the texture of the pudding and whipped topping may change once thawed. They’re best enjoyed fresh and chilled from the refrigerator.
Conclusion: Time to Dig In and Enjoy!
And there you have it—your very own KFC Lemon Creme Parfaits, right from your own kitchen! I just love how easy these are to whip up with simple ingredients, and how they always feel special no matter the occasion. Whether you’re making them for a family barbecue, a casual weeknight treat, or a festive brunch, these parfaits are sure to impress.
I always find that desserts like this are great conversation starters too. People love the bright, zesty flavor and creamy texture, and they’re always surprised at how simple they are to make. Don’t be surprised if your guests ask for the recipe!
PrintKFC Lemon Creme Parfaits
KFC Lemon Creme Parfaits are a simple and refreshing no-bake dessert that combines a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth lemon pudding, and a fluffy whipped topping. They’re light, creamy, and full of bright lemon flavor, making them perfect for warm weather treats or anytime you want a quick and easy dessert.
Ingredients
7 graham cracker sheets (about one cup crumbs)
¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
2 cups whole milk
3.4 ounce box instant lemon pudding mix
2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip or Reddi Whip)
Instructions
In a food processor, add the graham cracker sheets and pulse for about 30 seconds or until finely ground into crumbs.
Add the melted butter to the crumbs and pulse for 10 to 15 seconds until fully combined. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the whole milk and instant lemon pudding mix. Whisk together until smooth and starting to thicken. Set aside to finish thickening.
Spoon the graham cracker mixture into 4 parfait cups, dividing evenly. Reserve about 2 teaspoons of the crumb mixture for topping.
Gently press the graham cracker crumbs into the bottom of each cup to form the crust layer.
Evenly pour or spoon the prepared lemon pudding over the graham cracker layer in each cup.
Top each parfait with a generous layer of whipped topping.
Sprinkle about ½ teaspoon of the reserved graham cracker crumbs over each parfait for garnish.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the parfaits to set.
Notes
You can prepare these parfaits in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.
If you prefer a more intense lemon flavor, you can stir a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest into the pudding mixture.
For a slightly different texture, you can leave some graham cracker crumbs a bit chunkier for the topping.
These parfaits are very versatile — feel free to layer them in mason jars, wine glasses, or any small serving cups.
