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Lemon Lush Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 208 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes (including chilling)
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Lemon Lush is a delightful no-bake layered dessert featuring a buttery pecan crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese layer, tangy instant lemon pudding, and fluffy whipped topping. Perfectly chilled, this refreshing dessert offers a bright citrus flavor balanced with creamy textures, making it a crowd-pleaser for gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

Crust:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Cream Cheese Layer:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)

Lemon Layer:

  • 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant lemon pudding mix
  • 3 cups cold milk

Topping:

  • 2 cups whipped topping
  • Optional: lemon zest or slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
  2. Prepare Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, softened unsalted butter, and chopped pecans. Mix these ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly and well combined.
  3. Bake Crust: Press the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form a firm crust. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until the crust turns lightly golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely to room temperature.
  4. Make Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until well incorporated. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
  5. Prepare Lemon Pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together the two boxes of instant lemon pudding mix with 3 cups of cold milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes or until the pudding thickens. Spread this thickened lemon pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer.
  6. Add Topping: Spread the remaining 2 cups of whipped topping evenly over the lemon pudding layer, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
  7. Chill to Set: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set firmly and for the flavors to meld.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, optionally garnish the top with fresh lemon zest or lemon slices to add a bright citrus aroma and attractive presentation.

Notes

  • Be sure to let the crust cool completely before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting and sliding.
  • Use cold milk for the pudding mix to ensure proper thickening.
  • For a nut-free version, omit the chopped pecans from the crust and replace with additional flour or graham cracker crumbs.
  • Chilling overnight enhances the flavor and texture of the dessert.
  • If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the pudding layer.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/lemon-lush-recipe-3/