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Lemon Lush Dessert

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  • Author: Molly Yeh
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes (includes chilling)
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake with Baked Crust
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Lemon Lush is a light and creamy layered dessert with a buttery crust, tangy lemon pudding, and whipped topping – perfect for spring and summer gatherings.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip), divided
  • 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant lemon pudding mix
  • 3 cups cold milk
  • 1 tsp lemon zest (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine flour, softened butter, and chopped pecans. Mix until crumbly.
  3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in half of the whipped topping. Spread over the cooled crust.
  5. In another bowl, whisk together lemon pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, about 2 minutes. Spread over the cream cheese layer.
  6. Top with remaining whipped topping and smooth it evenly.
  7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish with lemon zest if desired.

Notes

  • Pecans in the crust are optional but add a nice crunch.
  • Can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge overnight.
  • For a more tart flavor, add a bit of fresh lemon juice to the pudding mix.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square (1/12 of dish)
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg