Lemon Lush – A bright dessert made with layers of shortbread cookie crust, cheesecake filling, luscious lemon pudding, and whipped topping. The perfect dessert for spring or summer!
Lemon Lush
This is going to be your new favorite dessert for spring and summer! With the snow finally starting to melt here, I have been craving anything that reminds me of the good weather that is coming soon. One of my favorite flavors is lemon so I wanted to use it in a dessert that would feel bright and cheery. I decided on making a lemon lush because it is easy to make and so tasty. I love the combination of textures and flavors in this dessert!
Common Questions About Making Lemon Lush
What is a lemon lush?
A lemon lush is a chilled dessert that is made by layering a shortbread crust, cheesecake filling, lemon pudding layer, and whipped topping.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about 12 servings.
How long does a lemon lush last?
If you cover and refrigerate it, it should last up to three days.
How can I decorate a lemon lush?
I like to use lemon zest and slices of fresh lemon but you could also use candied lemons or fresh fruit such as strawberries or raspberries.
Can I make other lush variations?
Of course! Just substitute in a fruit pie filling for the pudding layer or use a different pudding flavor such as coconut, vanilla, chocolate, butterscotch, etc. If you go the route of changing the pudding flavor, make sure to also skip the lemon juice in the cheesecake layer.
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Lemon Lush
Lemon Lush - A bright dessert made with layers of shortbread cookie crust, cheesecake filling, luscious lemon pudding, and whipped topping. The perfect dessert for spring or summer!
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup butter, cold
- 1/2 cup sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 2 (8 ounce) bricks cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Lemon Layer
- 2 (3.4 ounce) packages instant lemon pudding
- 3 cups milk
For the Whipped Layer
- 1 (8 ounce) tub cool whip
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and place a piece of parchment paper into the bottom of a 9"x13" baking dish.
- Place the flour, butter, and sugar into a large bowl. Cut the butter into the flour and sugar until the butter is very small pieces and the dough can be pinched and keep it's shape.
- Press the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes or until golden and puffed. Allow to cool completely.
- Meanwhile, prepare the cream cheese layer by stirring together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare the lemon layer by stirring together the pudding powder and milk until smooth. Set aside.
- Assemble the dessert by spreading the cream cheese layer over the cooled crust, followed by the lemon layer, and finally the cool whip.
- Allow to chill for at least 4 hours before slicing and serving. Serve with slices of lemon or lemon zest (if desired).
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