Lemon Lush Dessert

Delight your taste buds with the refreshing flavor of Lemon Lush Dessert. This layered treat features a buttery crust, creamy cream cheese filling infused with lemon zest and juice, and a luscious lemon pudding layer, all topped with fluffy whipped topping. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that will leave you craving for more.

Why Make Lemon Lush Dessert

This dessert is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion, from potlucks to family gatherings. With its vibrant lemon flavor and creamy texture, it’s sure to brighten up your day and satisfy your sweet tooth.

How to Make Lemon Lush Dessert

Crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, chopped nuts, and softened butter. Mix well.
4. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Cool the crust completely.

Cream Cheese Layer:

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
2. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and whipped topping until smooth.
3. Spread this mixture over the cooled crust.
4. Place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes.

Pudding Layer:

1. In a large bowl, combine the instant lemon pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and creamy.
2. Spread this pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer.
3. Place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 15 minutes or until the pudding is set.

Top Layer:

1. Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer.
2. Optionally, garnish with chopped nuts, lemon zest, or slices.
3. Place in the refrigerator until ready to serve, for at least 1 hour.
4. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
5. Enjoy your delicious lemon delight dessert!

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lemon Lush Dessert chilled for the best flavor and texture. It’s a refreshing treat that’s perfect for warm weather or anytime you’re craving something sweet and tangy.

Storage Info

Store any leftover Lemon Lush Dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may intensify as it sits, making it even more delicious for later enjoyment.

Some Techniques or Tips

• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
• For added crunch, try using crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers for the crust instead of nuts.

Variation

Get creative with your Lemon Lush Dessert by adding layers of fresh berries or sliced fruit between the cream cheese and pudding layers. You can also experiment with different flavors of pudding or whipped topping for a unique twist.

FAQs about Lemon Lush Dessert

1. Can I use store-bought lemon curd instead of lemon juice and zest? Yes, you can substitute store-bought lemon curd for the lemon juice and zest in the cream cheese layer if desired. Just adjust the amount of sugar to taste since lemon curd tends to be sweeter.
2. Can I make this dessert ahead of time? Absolutely! Lemon Lush Dessert can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. In fact, it’s even better when chilled for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Can I use a different type of nuts for the crust? Yes, you can use any type of nuts you like for the crust, such as pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts. Just make sure to finely chop them for even distribution and texture.

 

Lemon Lush Dessert

Ingredients:

Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup finely chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

Cream Cheese Layer:

• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed

Pudding Layer:

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

Top Layer:

• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed

Garnish Options:

• Lemon zest
• Lemon slices

Instructions:

Crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, chopped nuts, and softened butter. Mix well.
4. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Cool the crust completely.

First Layer:

1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
2. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and whipped topping until smooth.
3. Spread this mixture over the cooled crust.
4. Place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes.

Second Layer:

1. In a large bowl, combine the instant lemon pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and creamy.
2. Spread this pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer.
3. Place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 15 minutes or until the pudding is set.

Third Layer:

1. Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer.
2. Optionally, garnish with chopped nuts, lemon zest, or slices.
3. Place in the refrigerator until ready to serve, for at least 1 hour.
4. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
5. Enjoy your delicious lemon delight dessert!