Irresistible Lemon Lush Dessert Recipe - A Citrus Delight (Print-Friendly Version)

This Lemon Lush is zesty, creamy, and a perfect balance of flavors. It's the ultimate crowd-pleaser that will make your taste buds dance with delight.

# Ingredients You'll Need:
01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
02 - 1/2 cup butter, softened
03 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
04 - 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
05 - 1 cup whipped topping, thawed
06 - 1 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
07 - 2 tablespoons lemon zest, finely grated
08 - 1 package instant lemon pudding mix, 3.4 oz size
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the flour and butter until crumbly. Press into a 9x13 inch baking dish to form an even layer.
02 - Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
03 - In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread over cooled crust.
04 - In another bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, and instant pudding mix until thickened. Spread over the cream cheese layer.
05 - Spread whipped topping evenly over the lemon layer. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
# Extra Information:
01 - Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
02 - Chill the dessert for at least 2 hours for optimal setting.
03 - Adjust sugar levels to taste, especially if opting for bottled lemon juice.
04 - Add a layer of fresh berries between the cream cheese and lemon layers for added flavor and color.
05 - Incorporate chopped nuts into the crust for extra texture and flavor.
06 - Lemon Lush is best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container, where it will keep well for up to 5 days. If you need to freeze it, wrap the dessert tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and it can be stored for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it in the refrigerator overnight. Avoid reheating as it may alter the texture; instead, serve chilled for optimal flavor and presentation. If the topping has softened during storage, a brief chill in the fridge will help restore its firmness.
# Recipe Details:
01 - Prep time: 30 minutes
02 - Cook time: 20 minutes
03 - Servings: 12
04 - Recipe by: Emma Thompson

Irresistible Lemon Lush Dessert Recipe - A Citrus Delight

Emma Thompson
Recipe by Emma Thompson Published on December 27, 2025

This Lemon Lush is zesty, creamy, and a perfect balance of flavors. It's the ultimate crowd-pleaser that will make your taste buds dance with delight.

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Irresistible Lemon Lush Dessert Recipe - A Citrus Delight
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Irresistible Lemon Lush Dessert Recipe - A Citrus Delight

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

This Lemon Lush is zesty, creamy, and a perfect balance of flavors. It's the ultimate crowd-pleaser that will make your taste buds dance with delight.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

  • all-purpose flour: 1 cup - spooned and leveled
  • butter: 1/2 cup - softened
  • cream cheese: 8 oz - softened
  • powdered sugar: 1 cup - sifted
  • whipped topping: 1 cup - thawed
  • lemon juice: 1 cup - freshly squeezed
  • lemon zest: 2 tablespoons - finely grated
  • instant lemon pudding mix: 1 package - 3.4 oz size

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the flour and butter until crumbly. Press into a 9x13 inch baking dish to form an even layer.

    Tip: Ensure even thickness for uniform baking and a perfect crust.

  2. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

    Tip: Cooling completely prevents melting of the next layer.

  3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Spread over cooled crust.

    Tip: A smooth mixture ensures an even, luscious layer.

  4. In another bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, and instant pudding mix until thickened. Spread over the cream cheese layer.

    Tip: Fresh lemon juice enhances the vibrant flavor of the pudding.

  5. Spread whipped topping evenly over the lemon layer. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

    Tip: Chilling allows layers to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill the dessert for at least 2 hours for optimal setting.
  • Adjust sugar levels to taste, especially if opting for bottled lemon juice.
  • Author: Emma Thompson
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 220mg

Keywords: lemon lush, lemon dessert, layered dessert, easy dessert, summer dessert, fruity dessert, cream cheese dessert, no-bake dessert, make-ahead dessert, holiday dessert

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Frequently Asked Questions for Lemon lush

Can I make Lemon Lush ahead of time?
Yes, Lemon Lush can be made a day in advance. In fact, chilling overnight enhances the flavors and helps the layers set perfectly.

What if I don't have fresh lemons?
You can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemons provide the best flavor. Adjust sugar levels if using bottled juice to balance acidity.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?
Ensure the crust is baked until golden and allow it to cool completely before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent sogginess.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream adds a fresher taste. Whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until stiff peaks form, then use as directed.

Is there a gluten-free version of Lemon Lush?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend suitable for baking to make the crust gluten-free without compromising texture.