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Creamy Layered Lemon Lush Dessert

Featured in Sweet Treats for Every Occasion.

This classic Lemon Lush is the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors layered into one incredible dessert. Starting with a buttery shortbread and pecan crust, it's topped with a smooth cream cheese layer, followed by zesty lemon pudding, and finished with clouds of fresh whipped cream. Each layer brings its own texture and taste - from crunchy and nutty to creamy and light. The dessert needs to chill thoroughly to set properly, making it an ideal make-ahead treat for gatherings. While it takes about 50 minutes total to prepare, most of that time is hands-off, and you can prepare all the layers while the crust bakes to save time.
sana kitchen chef
Updated on Mon, 17 Feb 2025 15:47:30 GMT
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Lemon Lush Pin it
Lemon Lush | recipebyme.com

A silky blend of tart lemon and creamy layers makes this Lemon Lush dessert an irresistible treat. The buttery shortbread crust creates a perfect foundation for layers of smooth cream cheese, zesty lemon pudding, and pillowy whipped cream that melt together in every heavenly bite. This dessert brings brightness to any gathering and always disappears quickly from the dessert table.

I've made this dessert countless times for family gatherings, and watching everyone's eyes light up as they taste that first bite never gets old. The way the layers come together creates such a special moment of pure joy.

Essential Ingredients For Perfect Results

  • Fresh lemons: Provide the vibrant citrus punch that makes this dessert sing
  • High quality cream cheese: Adds richness and needs to be completely softened for smooth blending
  • Heavy whipping cream: Should be very cold to achieve the perfect fluffy texture
  • All purpose flour: Forms the base for our buttery shortbread crust
  • Chopped pecans: Bring warmth and crunch to complement the creamy layers

Creating Your Lemon Lush

Preparing the Foundation:
Combine flour and butter until crumbly dough forms, then fold in chopped pecans. Press mixture into baking dish and bake until golden, allowing amazing nutty aromas to fill your kitchen.
Crafting the Cream Layer:
Beat softened cream cheese until silky smooth, incorporating powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until perfectly blended. Spread this luxurious mixture over cooled crust.
Building the Lemon Layer:
Whisk lemon pudding with cold milk until thickened to just the right consistency. Pour over cream cheese layer, ensuring even distribution of citrus goodness.
Crowning With Clouds:
Whip very cold heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form, then spread this ethereal layer over the pudding. This finishing touch provides the perfect lightness.
Yummy Lemon Lush Pin it
Yummy Lemon Lush | recipebyme.com

My family particularly loves the shortbread crust, and I've found that adding a touch more pecans than called for creates an even more satisfying crunch that everyone adores.

Perfect Pairings

Fresh berries make beautiful garnishes while adding complementary tartness. A mint sprig adds lovely color and freshness. This dessert pairs wonderfully with after dinner coffee or tea.

Customization Ideas

Consider swapping lemon pudding for lime or orange for different citrus notes. For nut allergies, omit pecans from crust and add extra butter for richness. Make it extra lemony by adding zest to the cream cheese layer.

Keeping It Fresh

Store covered in refrigerator for up to 5 days. The layers will stay distinct and fresh when properly chilled. For best results, add any fruit garnishes just before serving.

Close-up Lemon Lush Recipe Pin it
Close-up Lemon Lush Recipe | recipebyme.com

Creating this Lemon Lush brings me such joy, watching how the simple ingredients transform into something truly magical. The bright citrus notes dancing with creamy richness never fails to delight everyone who tries it.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long does Lemon Lush need to chill before serving?
The dessert should chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best to allow all layers to set properly.
→ Can I make Lemon Lush ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it up to 2 days in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
→ Why did my pudding layer turn out runny?
Make sure to use instant pudding mix and cold milk. Let the pudding set in the fridge for 5-10 minutes before spreading if it seems too thin.
→ Can I use store-bought whipped topping instead of making my own?
Yes, you can substitute the homemade whipped cream with 8 ounces of whipped topping for convenience.
→ How should I store leftover Lemon Lush?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The crust may soften slightly over time but will still taste great.

Creamy Layered Lemon Lush Dessert

A dreamy Lemon Lush dessert featuring four heavenly layers - buttery shortbread crust, cream cheese, lemon pudding, and fresh whipped cream.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Sana

Category: Desserts & Sweets

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (16 slices)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ For the buttery shortbread base

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 cup butter, softened to room temperature
03 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped

→ For the creamy cheese layer

04 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
05 2 cups powdered sugar, measured then sifted
06 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

→ For the zesty lemon layer

07 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant lemon pudding mix
08 3 cups cold milk

→ For the cloud-like topping

09 1½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
10 ½ cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 01

Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). This gives you time to gather everything you need while the oven warms up.

Step 02

In your food processor, combine the flour and softened butter, pulsing until they come together into a crumbly dough. Add those chopped pecans and give it a few more pulses until everything's well mixed. No food processor? No problem! Just use a pastry cutter or two forks to work the butter into the flour, then stir in the pecans.

Step 03

Press this nutty mixture into a 9x13 baking dish, making sure it's even. Pop it in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until you see it turning a light golden brown. While it's baking, you can get started on the other layers!

Step 04

Beat together your softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and fresh lemon juice until it's silky smooth. Once your crust has cooled completely, spread this creamy mixture over it in an even layer.

Step 05

Mix the lemon pudding with cold milk, beating for 3-5 minutes until it starts to thicken. If it's still a bit loose, let it hang out in the fridge for a few minutes to set up. Once it's ready, spread it carefully over your cream cheese layer.

Step 06

In a clean bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft, fluffy peaks form. Spread this cloud-like topping over your lemon pudding layer.

Step 07

Pop the whole dessert in the fridge to chill thoroughly before serving. This gives all the layers time to set up perfectly.

Notes

  1. Pro tip: Make all your layers while the crust is baking and keep them in separate bowls in the fridge until you're ready to assemble. This makes the whole process flow smoothly!

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Food processor (or pastry cutter)
  • Electric mixer
  • Several mixing bowls

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains nuts (pecans)
  • Contains dairy (butter, cream cheese, milk, heavy cream)
  • Contains gluten (all-purpose flour)