Description
Lemon Lush is a delightful no-bake layered dessert featuring a buttery pecan crust, a smooth cream cheese layer, tangy lemon pudding, and topped with fluffy whipped topping. This refreshing treat is perfect for a crowd and requires minimal baking, making it an easy yet impressive dessert to prepare for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
- Make crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, and chopped pecans until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust.
- Bake crust: Bake the crust for 15 to 18 minutes or until it turns lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely before proceeding.
- Prepare cream cheese layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping, then spread this mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
- Make lemon pudding layer: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant lemon pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, which usually takes about 2 minutes. Spread this lemon pudding layer over the cream cheese layer.
- Add topping: Spread the remaining 2 cups of whipped topping evenly over the lemon pudding layer.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the layers to set firmly.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, optionally garnish with lemon zest or lemon slices to add a fresh and decorative touch.
Notes
- Make sure to let the crust cool completely before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting.
- For best results, use cold milk when preparing the pudding mix to help it set properly.
- This dessert is best served chilled and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can substitute chopped walnuts for pecans if preferred.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and sugar-free pudding mix.
