Description
Lemon Lush is a delightful layered lemon dessert featuring a buttery pecan crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese layer, tangy lemon pudding, and a fluffy whipped topping. Perfect for summer gatherings, this no-bake plus baking dessert combines bright citrus flavors with creamy textures and a nutty base.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup chopped pecans
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping, divided
Lemon Pudding Layer
- 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant lemon pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
Garnish
- Lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, softened butter, and chopped pecans until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press this evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the crust turns lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely before proceeding.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of the whipped topping. Spread this creamy layer evenly over the cooled crust, creating a smooth surface.
- Prepare the Lemon Pudding: In another bowl, whisk the instant lemon pudding mix with the cold milk for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens. Spread the thickened lemon pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with Whipped Topping: Spread the remaining whipped topping gently over the lemon pudding layer to cover it completely.
- Chill and Garnish: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set firmly. Before serving, optionally garnish with fresh lemon zest for an added burst of citrus aroma and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute vanilla pudding for a milder flavor variation.
- Add a layer of crushed graham crackers between the cream cheese and pudding layers for extra texture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake + Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approximately 1/12 of the 9x13-inch pan)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
