Need more amazing lemon desserts in your life? Try lemon pudding cake, these classic lemon bars, or lemon brownies!
Lemon Lush Dessert
Lemon lush is one of my all-time favorite lemon desserts. The crust is all buttery with chopped pecans, and on top of that, you’ve got these super refreshing layers of lemon pudding, a lemon cream cheese mixture, and whipped cream. It’s sweet, tangy, and oh-so-yummy! You should totally make lemon lush because it’s a piece of cake (well, more like a piece of dessert) to put together! The recipe’s straightforward, so whether you’re a pro in the kitchen or just starting out, you’ll nail it. Once you’ve made it, pop it in the fridge, and let everything set up. When you’re ready to serve, you’ll unveil this gorgeous, layered dessert that’ll blow everyone away. Lemon lush is perfect for any occasion, or even just to treat yourself on a sunny day.
Ingredients in Lemon Lush
Lemon lush is made with a handful of simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create an irresistible dessert. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the buttery and flavorful crust, setting the foundation for the layers of refreshing lemon goodness to come. All measurements are in the recipe card below.
Crust
All-Purpose Flour: This is the main ingredient for the crust. It gives the base structure and holds everything together. Powdered Sugar: Adds a delicious sweetness to the crust. Chopped Pecans: Pecans give the crust a nice crunch and a nutty flavor that goes well with the lemony layers. If pecans aren’t your thing, you could also use chopped almonds or walnuts. Salt: A small pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste. Unsalted Butter: This is what binds everything in the crust. It makes the crust rich and tender, and also adds a lovely buttery flavor to the lemon lush.
Cream Cheese Layer
Softened Cream Cheese: For some creamy, tangy flavor. White Sugar: To add sweetness to this layer. Lemon Zest: For a little extra lemon flavor!
Lemon Layer
Instant Lemon Pudding Mix: Gives the lemon layer a rich, creamy texture and lemony flavor. Milk: I used whole milk for some extra creaminess.
Whipped Topping Layer
Heavy Whipping Cream: Chilled so it sets up properly! Powdered Sugar: Gives the whipped topping stability and sweetness.
How to Make Lemon Lush
I’ve broken it up into a few simple sections! It’s super easy to make. Just be sure to allow yourself enough time for the lemon lush to chill and set up.
Crust
Cream Cheese Layer
Lemon Layer
Whipped Topping Layer
Omit Pecans: If you have an allergy to or dislike nuts, the pecans can be omitted without affecting the recipe’s outcome. Continue without them as directed. Graham Cracker Crust: For a quicker and no-bake alternative, swap the pecan crust for a graham cracker crust. Simply mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into the baking dish. You can also use a premade graham cracker crust for easy prep. Use Lemon Curd: The lemon pudding is interchangeable with lemon curd, either store-bought or homemade. This recipe is pretty easy but needs to be prepared and cooled beforehand. Use Cool Whip: The whipped cream can be replaced with an 8-ounce tub of thawed whipped topping. This makes the dessert just that much easier to prepare!
The crust portion can be made up to 1 day in advance and can sit at room temperature until the cream cheese layer is added.
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6 hrs 30 mins
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