Description
Lemon Lush is a refreshing, tangy dessert that layers a buttery shortbread crust, creamy cheesecake filling, smooth lemon pudding, and fluffy whipped topping. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Shortbread Crust: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup unsalted butter (softened), ½ cup powdered sugar, ½ cup finely chopped pecans
For the 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
For the Lemon Pudding Layer: 2 packages instant lemon pudding mix, 3 cups cold whole milk
For the Topping: 2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Optional garnish: chopped pecans, lemon slices
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the crust: Combine the flour, softened butter, powdered sugar, and chopped pecans. Mix until crumbly. Press the mixture into the prepared dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool completely.
- Make the cream cheese layer: Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until fluffy. Add whipped topping, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Fold until smooth and spread over the cooled crust.
- Prepare the lemon pudding: Whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes. Let it stand for 5 minutes to thicken. Spread the pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
- Add the topping: Spread the whipped topping over the lemon pudding layer.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving. Garnish with chopped pecans or lemon slices, if desired.
Notes
- For a different flavor, use vanilla or cheesecake-flavored pudding instead of lemon pudding.
- Swap the shortbread crust for a graham cracker crust or use crushed Golden Oreos for a fun twist.
- For extra lemon flavor, add lemon curd between the cream cheese layer and lemon pudding.
- If preferred, replace whipped topping with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg