Lemon Lush: A Refreshing and Delectable Dessert

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon lush has become one of my all-time favorite lemon desserts because it’s refreshingly tangy and perfectly sweet. The buttery crust, combined with the rich cream cheese and lemon layers, creates a harmonious balance of textures that just melts in your mouth. It’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy – especially on a warm day when you want something cool and satisfying. Whether for a holiday, family dinner, or just a casual treat, lemon lush will quickly become your go-to dessert.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 3/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tbsp baking powder

• 1 tbsp cooking oil or melted butter

• 1/3 cup sugar

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup evaporated or fresh milk

• 1/2 cup sesame seeds

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz softened cream cheese

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp lemon zest

For the Lemon Pudding Layer:

• 1 box (3.4 oz) instant lemon pudding mix

• 2 cups milk (whole milk works best for creaminess)

For the Whipped Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preparing the Crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray and set aside.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.

3. Add the melted butter (or oil) and mix with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture becomes crumbly. It should hold together slightly when pressed but remain crumbly.

4. Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer.

5. Bake for 23-25 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown around the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

Cream Cheese Layer:

1. While the crust cools, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon zest in a mixing bowl until smooth.

2. Once the crust is cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust. Smooth it out with a spatula to ensure a consistent layer.

Lemon Pudding Layer:

1. In a separate bowl, whisk the instant lemon pudding mix and milk together for 2 minutes, or until it begins to thicken.

2. Pour the pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Whipped Topping:

1. In a chilled mixing bowl, add the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar. Using a hand mixer, beat until stiff peaks form, meaning the whipped cream holds its shape when the beaters are lifted.

2. Spread the whipped cream over the lemon pudding layer, smoothing it out evenly.

Chill:

1. Cover the dessert with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 30-60 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set properly.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12 servings and takes approximately 20 minutes to prepare, with an additional 1 hour for chilling in the fridge.

Variations

• Omit Pecans: If you’re not a fan of nuts, simply leave out the pecans and continue with the recipe. The crust will still be delicious and buttery without them.

• Graham Cracker Crust: For an easier, no-bake option, substitute the pecan crust with a graham cracker crust. Just mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, press into the pan, and refrigerate.

• Lemon Curd Option: Swap out the instant lemon pudding mix for lemon curd. You can use store-bought or homemade curd, but it should be cooled beforehand to ensure the layers set properly.

• Cool Whip Substitute: If you want to save some time, you can replace the homemade whipped cream with an 8-ounce tub of thawed Cool Whip.

Storage/Reheating

Lemon lush is best stored in the refrigerator and can be kept for up to 3 days. The layers will stay fresh, cool, and creamy, making it the perfect dessert for leftovers. I wouldn’t recommend freezing it, as the whipped topping and pudding layer may lose their texture.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat or non-dairy alternatives?

Yes! You can substitute low-fat cream cheese, milk, or even non-dairy alternatives (such as almond milk or coconut cream) if preferred. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture or flavor, but it will still be delicious.

How can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Lemon lush is perfect for making ahead! In fact, it needs some chill time to set. You can prepare it a day before and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Can I use a different flavor of pudding?

Yes, you can easily swap out the lemon pudding for another flavor such as vanilla or lime for a unique twist on the recipe. Just remember that it will change the flavor of the dessert!

Can I prepare this dessert without the crust?

While the crust is a key part of the dessert’s texture and flavor, you could technically leave it out if you prefer a crustless version. However, I highly recommend trying it with the buttery, nutty crust for the full experience.

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Conclusion

Lemon lush is a refreshing, sweet, and tangy dessert that is guaranteed to impress. With its smooth lemon layers, creamy filling, and buttery pecan crust, it’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Whether for a holiday, gathering, or just because you’re craving something citrusy and cool, this dessert is sure to become a new favorite. The best part is that it’s so simple to make – even beginners will nail it. Enjoy this delightful treat with family and friends, and savor the refreshing goodness of lemon lush!

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