Description
This Lemon Lush Dessert is a delightful layered treat featuring a buttery crumb crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese, tangy lemon pudding, and a fluffy whipped topping. Perfectly chilled, this no-bake lemon dessert offers refreshing citrus flavor with a smooth and indulgent texture, ideal for parties, gatherings, or a light summer dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter
Lemon Pudding Layer
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant lemon pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups milk
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
- Prepare Crust Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cold unsalted butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture becomes crumbly, ensuring the butter is well distributed for a tender crust.
- Press and Bake Crust: Press the crumbly mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden. After baking, remove from the oven and let it cool completely before adding the layers.
- Make Lemon Pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant lemon pudding mix and 1 1/2 cups of milk until it thickens, then set aside.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Layer Cream Cheese: Once the crust is fully cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the baked crust to form the first creamy layer.
- Layer Lemon Pudding: Spread the prepared lemon pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer, creating a tangy and smooth middle layer.
- Add Whipped Topping: Top the lemon pudding layer with 1 1/2 cups of whipped topping, spreading it evenly to create a light, fluffy finish.
- Chill Dessert: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 2 hours to allow all layers to set and flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice into portions and serve chilled for a refreshing, luscious lemon dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- Ensure the crust is completely cooled before spreading the cream cheese layer to prevent melting.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- You can prepare this dessert up to a day in advance; just keep it covered in the refrigerator.
- For extra zest, sprinkle some lemon zest on top of the whipped topping before serving.
- If you prefer a firmer texture, chill the pudding mixture for 5 minutes before layering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
