Lemon Lush Dessert
A refreshing, creamy, and tangy layered dessert with a buttery crust, smooth cream cheese filling, vibrant lemon pudding, and fluffy whipped topping. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- ½ cup chopped pecans optional
Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping homemade or store-bought
Lemon Layer:
- 2 3.4 oz packages instant lemon pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest optional for extra flavor
Topping:
- 2 cups whipped topping
- Lemon zest & chopped pecans for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix flour, melted butter, and pecans. Press into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and bake for 15 minutes. Let cool.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping and spread over the cooled crust.
- Prepare the Lemon Layer: Whisk lemon pudding mix with cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes). Stir in lemon zest if using. Spread over the cream cheese layer.
- Finish with the Topping: Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results).
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with lemon zest and pecans before serving. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use a GF flour blend or crushed GF cookies for the crust.
- For a vegan-friendly version, use dairy-free substitutes for cream cheese, pudding, and whipped topping.
- Chill overnight for the best texture and clean slices.
- Serve in individual cups or jars for a creative presentation.