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Delightful Lemon Lush Dessert

As seen in Indulgent Desserts and Baked Delights for Every Occasion.

Lemon Lush is a sweet-tangy dessert packed with texture and flavor. A nutty shortbread crust holds a smooth cheese layer, zesty lemon pudding, and fluffy whip to finish. Chill completely for best results, making it an ideal dessert to prep ahead for gatherings. With only 50 minutes required, most of the work is hands-off, and you'll multitask layers while the crust bakes to save time.
Chef with a smile, ready to cook and serve.
Created by Sandra
Fresh as of Sun, 23 Feb 2025 00:41:55 GMT
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Lemon Lush Treat | yummygusto.com

This classic Lemon Lush dessert combines a buttery shortbread base with layers of smooth cream cheese, tangy lemon pudding, and fresh whipped cream. The contrast of textures and bright citrus flavors creates an impressive dessert that's perfect for any gathering. The pecan-studded crust provides a delicious foundation for the creamy layers above.

Key Ingredients

  • Fresh lemons: Essential for bright, natural citrus flavor
  • Block cream cheese: Full-fat variety, softened for smooth mixing
  • Heavy cream: For the fluffiest whipped topping
  • All-purpose flour: Creates a tender shortbread base
  • Pecans: Adds nutty crunch to the crust

Preparation Method

  1. Mix flour, butter and chopped pecans for crust. Press into pan and bake until golden.
  2. Beat softened cream cheese with sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
  3. Prepare lemon pudding layer according to package directions.
  4. Top with freshly whipped cream sweetened with powdered sugar.
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Yummy Lemon Lush | yummygusto.com

Serving Suggestions

Garnish with fresh berries, mint leaves, or lemon zest before serving. Perfect alongside coffee or tea for dessert.

Storage Instructions

Keep refrigerated and covered for up to 5 days. Add any fresh fruit garnishes just before serving for best presentation.

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Close-up Lemon Lush Recipe | yummygusto.com

Recipe Tips & Help

→ How long should the dessert sit in the fridge before serving?
Let it chill for a minimum of 4 hours, or overnight if possible, so all the layers settle perfectly.
→ Can Lemon Lush be prepared ahead?
Definitely! You can prepare it up to two days before. Just store it in the fridge, properly covered.
→ What should I do if my pudding layer is too thin?
Ensure you use instant pudding mix combined with cold milk. If it's still runny, let it firm up in the fridge for around 5 to 10 minutes before spreading.
→ Is it okay to use ready-made whipped topping instead of fresh whipped cream?
Sure thing! Swap in 8 ounces of pre-made whipped topping if you'd like a quicker option.
→ How do I store leftovers of Lemon Lush?
Keep any leftovers in the fridge, covered, for up to 5 days. The texture of the crust may soften slightly, but it'll still taste fantastic.

Luscious Lemon Cream Dessert

This heavenly Lemon Lush combines four tasty layers: a buttery crust, rich cream cheese, tangy lemon pudding, and a fluffy whipped topping.

Preparation Time
20 Mins
Cooking Time
30 Mins
Total Time
50 Mins
Created by: Sandra

Dish Type: Sweet Treats

Skill Level: Medium

Style: American

Makes: 16 Serves (16 slices)

Dietary Notes: Meat-Free

What You'll Need

→ For the shortbread crust

01 1 cup pecans, chopped into rough pieces
02 2 cups plain flour
03 1 cup butter, softened at room temp

→ For the creamy cheese filling

04 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted after measuring)
05 2 packs of cream cheese (8 oz each), softened ahead
06 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed

→ For the tart lemon layer

07 3 cups chilled milk
08 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) lemon pudding mix—instant

→ For the fluffy whipped topping

09 ½ cup powdered sugar
10 1½ cups cold heavy cream

Method

01

Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go. Meanwhile, start getting all your ingredients together.

02

Throw the flour and softened butter into a food processor and pulse it until it forms crumbs. Mix in the chopped pecans with a few more pulses. If you don’t have a processor, mix manually with a pastry cutter or a couple forks, then fold in the pecans.

03

Spread the pecan mixture evenly into a 9x13 dish, pressing down. Bake it for 20–25 mins or until the crust has a faint golden color. Start working on other layers while it bakes!

04

Whisk up the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until everything is completely smooth. Once the crust has cooled fully, spread this on top evenly.

05

Using a mixer, beat the lemon pudding mixes with the cold milk for about 3–5 minutes until it gets thick. If it needs more time, let it sit in the fridge to thicken up more before spreading it onto the cream cheese layer.

06

In a fresh bowl, whip up the cream and powdered sugar until they form soft peaks that hold their shape. Smooth this over the lemon layer to finish things off.

07

Put the dessert in the fridge and let it chill so all the layers firm up before serving. It’s worth the wait!

Cook's Tips

  1. Quick tip: Work on your next layer while the crust bakes and keep each prepared in bowls in the fridge to save time.

Kitchen Equipment

  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Mixer (or a pastry cutter if no processor)
  • Electric hand mixer
  • A few different mixing bowls

Allergen Guide

Check ingredients carefully for allergens. When in doubt, please consult your doctor.
  • This recipe includes nuts (pecans).
  • Dairy is used (butter, milk, cream cheese, heavy cream).
  • Wheat flour contains gluten.