Name: Lemon Dessert (aka Lemon Lush)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 18
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cup flour; 3/4 cup butter; 1/4 cup pecans + extra for top; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 16 oz cool whip; 1 cup powdered sugar; 4 small (3.4 oz) boxes lemon instant pudding; 5 cups milk

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Easy cold lemon dessert (aka lemon lush) made with a crumbly crust and topped with creamy layers of whipped topping and lemon pudding.

Sunshine on a plate. That’s what I’m calling it this wintery day. My mom has been making this lemon dessert again lately and it takes me back to when my grandma made it and called it lemon lush. I love the fresh lemon flavor so much that I decided to make it again to share with you. There’s something about a fresh fruity dessert in the winter that makes life feel like spring. No sunshine outside. No problem. I’ve got lemon lush.

What I love about this dessert is the creamy texture with the crunch of the buttery crust. And just like this moist lemon cake you can make it a day ahead. It’s just about better than the first day you make it. You know I’m all about the practical in addition to the taste.

The only downside to this cold dessert is that you do have to cool the crust after you bake it. I was in a rush to get this done before the sun was setting so I could get pictures for you. So out to the porch I went. I stayed close by afraid a bird, or some other animal, would want a taste. But the sunshine on my face felt soooo good! And the cool weather helped to cool the crust right down.

Lemon Lush Video

Lemon Lush Recipe Layers

The first layer is is made with just flour, butter and pecans. You mix and pat it into the bottom of a 9×13 pan. After baking for 20 minutes, you have a crumbly crust. Let cool completely before making the next layer.

The second layer is a mixture of softened cream cheese, cool whip and sugar. Again, you just mix it up and spread onto the crust. I do recommend spooning it on and then carefully spreading it. The crust is crumbly so you want to gently add the second layer.

The third layer is lemon pudding. Mix instant lemon pudding and milk according to get this smooth layer. I do recommend buying Jell-O brand lemon pudding. The off-brands (including a very popular grocery store) just don’t have the same great flavor and creamy texture.

The fourth layer is just cool whip with a sprinkle of pecans. So easy, right!?

I hope you enjoy this dessert as much as we do around our home. I have to make sure I make this lemon lush recipe when I know I’ll be sharing it with others. I have no self control when it comes to this lemon dessert! Enjoy!

Lemon Lush Tips & Notes

Is this a tart lemon dessert? No, this is more of a savory lemon dessert.

How do I make the lemon pudding layer more tart? You can add lemon peel to the lemon pudding. I would do this with a cook n’ serve pudding mix to really bring out the tart flavor.

Can you freeze this dessert? Although I’ve not tried it, I can’t see why not. All these ingredients freeze well!

Can you make this lemon dessert without pecans or nuts? Yes. Just leave them out. You’ll miss out on the crunchy texture, but it will still be delicious.

Can I use sugar free lemon pudding? Yes. But I can’t guarantee the same great taste. However, the texture should be the same using low fat and sugar free ingredients.

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