Lemon Lush

Lemon Lush is a refreshing, tangy dessert that combines the zesty flavor of lemon with a creamy, luscious texture. This dessert has become a family favorite, and it’s easy to see why. With its buttery shortbread crust, tangy cream cheese layer, smooth lemon pudding, and fluffy whipped topping, it’s a sweet, refreshing treat that will delight anyone who loves lemon-flavored desserts. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be prepared in advance!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re at a potluck, a family gathering, or hosting a party, this dessert is always a hit! The beautiful layers and tangy flavor are guaranteed to impress.

• Smooth and Creamy Texture: The combination of a buttery shortbread crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, smooth lemon pudding, and a cloud of whipped topping creates a delightful texture contrast that’s irresistible.

• Easy Preparation: Despite its decadent look, this dessert is simple to prepare, thanks to the use of instant pudding mix and whipped topping.

• Lemon Lover’s Dream: If you’re a lemon enthusiast, this dessert will be your new go-to. It provides the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, making it a refreshing treat year-round.

Ingredients

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

Shortbread Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• ½ cup finely chopped pecans

Cream Cheese Layer:

• 2 packages cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

Lemon Pudding Layer:

• 2 packages instant lemon pudding mix

• 3 cups cold whole milk

Topping:

• 2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

• Optional garnish: chopped pecans, lemon slices

Directions

1. Preheat the oven and grease: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Prepare the crust: In a bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, powdered sugar, and chopped pecans. Mix until the mixture is crumbly. Press it evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow it to cool completely.

3. Make the cream cheese layer: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until fluffy. Add in the whipped topping, lemon juice, and lemon zest, and fold until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled shortbread crust.

4. Prepare the lemon pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk the lemon pudding mixes and cold milk for about 2 minutes. Let it stand for 5 minutes to thicken. Once thickened, spread the pudding layer evenly over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.

5. Add the topping: Spread the whipped topping evenly over the lemon pudding layer.

6. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, before serving. Garnish with chopped pecans or lemon slices before serving, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 25 minutes

• Chill Time: At least 4 hours (overnight for best results)

Variations

• Flavor Swap: Instead of lemon pudding, try vanilla or cheesecake-flavored pudding for a different twist.

• Crust Change: You can swap the shortbread crust with a graham cracker crust, or use crushed Golden Oreos for a fun variation.

• Extra Lemon Flavor: Add lemon curd between the cream cheese layer and lemon pudding for an extra burst of lemon flavor.

• Homemade Whipped Cream: If you prefer homemade whipped cream, you can replace the store-bought whipped topping with freshly made whipped cream.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover lemon lush in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure it is covered tightly to keep the layers fresh.

• Freezing: While it’s not recommended to freeze this dessert, it can be frozen if necessary. However, the cream cheese and pudding layers might become grainy or separate upon thawing. If freezing, wrap the dessert tightly and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Best eaten within 2-4 months if frozen.

FAQs

How long should I chill the lemon lush before serving?

For the best texture and flavor, refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours. However, overnight chilling allows the flavors to meld even more, so that’s ideal.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, lemon lush is perfect for making ahead of time! In fact, it’s best when made a day or two before serving, as the layers have time to set and meld together.

Can I use a different type of crust?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of shortbread, you can easily substitute the crust with a graham cracker crust or even a crust made from crushed Oreos.

Can I use whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Yes, homemade whipped cream can replace store-bought whipped topping for a fresher taste and texture.

What can I use instead of lemon zest?

If you don’t have fresh lemon zest, you can use lemon extract, but reduce the quantity to about ½ teaspoon to avoid overwhelming the dessert with an artificial lemon flavor.

Can I freeze lemon lush?

While freezing is not recommended due to the texture of the pudding and cream cheese layers, it can be done in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Can I add more lemon flavor?

Yes! You can add more lemon zest, or even a layer of lemon curd to increase the lemony goodness of the dessert.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Ensure that the shortbread crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese and pudding layers. This prevents the crust from absorbing too much moisture and becoming soggy.

Can I make this dessert without nuts?

Yes, if you prefer a nut-free version, you can simply omit the chopped pecans from the crust.

How long can I store leftovers?

Lemon lush will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to cover it tightly to maintain the quality of the layers.

Conclusion

Lemon Lush is a light and refreshing dessert that combines the best of sweet and tart flavors with a creamy, indulgent texture. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply want a delicious dessert to enjoy at home, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With easy preparation, a tangy citrus twist, and the ability to make it ahead of time, it’s the perfect dessert to have on hand whenever you need a crowd-pleasing treat.