Lemon Lush Dessert

Refreshing and delicious Lemon Lush Dessert starts with a homemade shortbread crust that’s topped with a light and fluffy cream cheese layer, lemon pudding, and whipped cream. It’s the perfect cool summer dessert to serve to your guests at backyard parties!

I have the best summer dessert for you today — lemon lush! This is a layered, cold, creamy dessert that is just bursting at the seams with lemon flavor. If you’ve never made a lush dessert before, all you need to know is that its layers of pudding, cream cheese, and whipped topping with a crust. There are so many types of lush desserts — one of my other favorite ones is chocolate lasagna (or chocolate lush) which is made in a similar way.

Sometimes this lemon dessert is called lemon lush delight and I can see why – it is delightful! Give it a try and you’ll see – you’ll want to make it all summer long. The only baking you have to do is the crust. I use a tender shortbread crust that pairs perfectly with the creamy layers. The rest of the dessert is no-bake. All you do is mix up the ingredients for each layer and assemble the dessert. Easy peasy, lemon squeezey!

Why You’ll Love this Lemon Lush Dessert

• This cold and creamy lush dessert is perfect for all the lemon lovers! The bright and fresh flavor is also great for all the summer BBQs, potlucks, and pool parties.
• There are layers of lemon pudding, creamy cheese, and whipped topping. Once chilled, you will have a perfectly set dessert that’s easy to slice and serve! I promise the filling won’t run out all over the place.
• This easy lemon lush dessert serves a crowd! Just one batch of the recipe makes enough for 24 servings.

Ingredients for this Lemon Lush Dessert

• Lemon pudding mix – This is the easy button for the tastiest lemon lush dessert.
• Cold milk – Mix the pudding mix with some cold milk to make the smoothest lemon pudding layer for this dessert.
• All-purpose flour – The all-purpose flour you already have in your pantry is a key ingredient to making the crust for this dessert.
• Granulated sugar – Sweeten the crust and the cream cheese layer with granulated white sugar.
• Finely chopped walnuts or pecans – Finely chop some nuts to mix into the crust layer and give this dessert a nice, nutty flavor.
• Unsalted butter – To make an easy pie crust, use softened unsalted butter to combine the dry ingredients.
• Cream cheese – Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature so that it more easily mixes in with the rest of the ingredients.
• Lemon juice – Mix some fresh squeezed lemon juice into the cream cheese mixture for extra lemony flavor.
• Whipped topping – I like to use whipped topping since it stays a bit more sturdy, but homemade whipped cream works as well.
• Lemon zest – Fold some lemon zest into the cream cheese layer and use some extra as a nice garnish.
• Lemon slices – Use thinly sliced lemons as a finishing touch for your lemon lush dessert.

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How to Make this Lemon Lush Dessert

Combine the flour, sugar, chopped nuts, and softened unsalted butter in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer and once the ingredients are well combined, press the dough into an even layer in a prepared pan.

Bake the crust for 15 to 18 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or until it’s golden brown. Take it out of the oven and let the crust cool completely.

While the crust cools, prepare the other layers. Cream the cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then mix in the zest, lemon juice, and whipped topping. Stir until the mixture is smooth.

Spread the cheesecake layer over the cooled crust and then place the baking pan in the refrigerator. Chill the filling for 30 minutes.

Place the instant pudding mix and milk in a medium bowl, then stir to combine and once it’s smooth and creamy, pour it over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish.

Chill the pudding layer until it’s set. It usually takes about 15 minutes. Once the filling is set you can add the toppings.

Spread more whipped topping over the top of the pudding layer. For decoration, sprinkle more lemon zest over the top or you can arrange sliced lemons in a pattern.

Slice and serve!

Spread more whipped topping over the top of the pudding layer. For decoration, sprinkle more lemon zest over the top or you can arrange sliced lemons in a pattern.

Can I use a different pudding flavor?

So, here’s the best thing about this dessert. You can use the same crust and cream cheese filling but switch the pudding flavor and decorations to create a whole new dessert. Lime lush is great, just use lime-flavored pudding! Or, try other flavors to put your own spin on it. It’s a fun recipe to play a

Can I make lemon lush ahead of time?

This lemon lush recipe is a great make-ahead treat! Make it up to a day in advance. You can also store the leftovers in the refrigerator for two to three days. I do not recommend freezing leftovers though, since cream based desserts like this may not thaw well.

Everyone is going to LOVE this lemon lush dessert! It’s always a hit when I make it! Lemon is always a crowd-pleaser, so be sure to give it a try the next time you need a treat for friends and family.

More Delicious Dessert Recipes!

• Lemon Poppy Seed Cake made with cake mix and dressed up with a sweet glaze. This is a great cake if you need something easy!
• Make a classic Lemon Bundt Cake! It’s soft, tender, and perfect for dessert or as a snack cake for the afternoon.
• My Lemon Raspberry Sherbet Dessert is an old family recipe that you will love! It’s cold and creamy with a sweet and salty twist!
• Need a foolproof easy Creme Brulee recipe that’s smooth and creamy? This is the recipe you are looking for!