Lemon Lush Dessert
User Reviews
5
Lemon Lush Dessert
Description
The Lemon Lush Dessert starts with a shortbread crust made from flour, sugar, finely chopped pecans or walnuts, and softened butter, baked until golden and crisp. A cream cheese layer follows, mixing softened cream cheese with sugar, fresh lemon juice and zest, and whipped topping to create a light, tangy spread over the crust.
Next, instant lemon pudding made with cold milk is spread atop the cream cheese layer and refrigerated until set, adding a bright, silky texture. The dessert is completed with a final whipped topping layer and garnished with lemon zest and slices, enhancing the fresh lemon flavor throughout.
This multi-layered dessert offers a combination of crunchy nuts, creamy tanginess, smooth pudding, and airy whipped topping, well suited for a cool and satisfying sweet course. It can be chilled in advance for convenience and flavor melding.
Using finely chopped nuts in the crust adds texture, while whipped topping can be substituted for homemade whipped cream if preferred. The recipe is adaptable by switching pudding flavors to customize variations such as lime. The dessert keeps well refrigerated for a few days.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- ¼ cup pecans finely chopped, or walnuts
- ½ cup butter 1 stick), softened, unsalted
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- lemon zest of 1
- lemon juice of 1
- 8 ounces whipped topping container, thawed
Pudding Layer
- 2 instant lemon pudding 3.4 ounces each, boxes
- 3 cup milk cold
Top Layer
- 8 ounces whipped topping thawed, container
Garnish options
- lemon zest
- lemon slices
Instructions
Shortbread Crust
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spray 13x9 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- Add crust ingredients to large bowl and combine using a stand or hand mixer until completely mixed.
- Press crust mixture into prepared 13x9 baking dish.
- Place in preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and set aside to cool completely.
Cream Cheese Layer
- In a large mixing bowl cream together softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
- Stir in zest, juice and whipped topping to cream cheese mixture until smooth.
- Spread cream cheese mixture over cooled crust.
- Place in refrigerator to chill at least 30 minutes.
Lemon Pudding Layer
- In a large bowl, combine pudding mix and milk until smooth and creamy. Spread over cream cheese layer.
- Place in refrigerator to chill at least 15 minutes or until pudding is set.
Whipped Topping Layer
- Spread remaining whipped topping over pudding layer.
- Optional - add chopped nuts, lemon zest or slices.
- Place in refrigerator until ready to serve at least 1 hour.
- Store leftovers in refrigerator in airtight container.
Notes
- Use finely chopped pecans or walnuts in the shortbread crust for added texture; a food processor can help achieve a fine chop.
- Homemade whipped cream can replace whipped topping if you prefer, ensuring it holds stiff peaks before use.
- You can create variations by changing the pudding flavor and garnishes, such as lime pudding for a lime version.
- This dessert can be prepared a day ahead; store leftovers refrigerated for two to three days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 24Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 244 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 244kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 32g | 11% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 26mg | 9% |
| Sodium | 98mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 95mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 16g | 32% |
| Vitamin A | 322IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 65mg | 7% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
