Lemon Lush Dessert

Lemon Lush Dessert has a buttery shortbread layer topped with sweetened cream cheese, creamy lemon pudding, and whipped cream. It’s a lemon-lovers dream and absolutely delicious!

Who here loves lemon? It is such a light and refreshing flavor that should be the official flavor of spring and summer. Whenever I think of the perfect treats for the warmer months, lemon is always the first thing that comes to mind.

In addition to that, no-bake treats sum up the season. This lemon lush dessert is almost no-bake, with just a few short minutes for the crust layer. The rest is as simple as mix and spread.

I know you’ll love this as much as we do – check it out!

Lush desserts are so popular and for good reason. Many are made with chocolate or vanilla pudding and those are sure delicious.

But again, when it comes to summer – lemon is where it is at. So we made this dessert lasagna with lemon pudding instead of the usual flavors and it was a great idea!

lemon lush

Here are some commonly asked questions

What is lemon lush?

Basically a lemon lush is a “dessert lasagna” made with a sweet, buttery shortbread cookie layer for the crust. It usually has walnuts or pecans crushed into it for added texture.

Then that baked crust is topped with 3 layers of no-bake goodness – starting with a sweet cream cheese layer, then a layer of lemon pudding and then finally a layer of whipped topping or stabilized whipped cream.

You can garnish it with lemon zest, chopped nuts or lemon slices if desired. It’s 4 layers in a one pan dessert that is every lemon lovers dream.

Can I use a gluten-free flour?

I’m not sure just yet. I have been meaning to give this a try but haven’t had a chance. If you do try this, I would recommend using a 1:1 flour like this one as I don’t believe it would require additional ingredients that are typically called for when trying to make baked recipes in a gluten-free version. Please come back & tell me how it turned out.

lemon lush recipe

How to soften the butter to room temperature?

First

There are a couple of ways to do this. The first being that you can take the butter (& any other ingredients that need to be at room temperature) out, leave it on the counter for about 30 minutes while you prep for baking.

I usually start with all my chilled ingredients and pull everything I need out onto the counter before getting started – so I know for sure I have everything before I’m mid-way through I realize I’m out of something.

But sometimes it’s winter and that isn’t enough time to get the ingredients warmed up – OR – I’m just not that organized to plan ahead. It happens. So I have another couple of tricks.

Second

I place the butter in the microwave – wrapped in the paper. (don’t do this if it is wrapped in foil) Then I microwave for 2 seconds – flip – go another 2 seconds – flip again – and continue for 2 seconds on each side.

This is usually enough to get it perfect – sometimes stopping before if it feels soft enough. Take care when doing this method – overly softened butter from the microwave WILL ALTER the end result of the recipe. Don’t over-do it.

Third

My third method is to place the wrapped butter sticks in a zip-top bag and place it in a bowl of warm water. I do this with the eggs too. If the water isn’t too hot it can be THE PERFECT way to get “room-temperature” ingredients.

lemon dessert with cream cheese

Is this dessert tart?

Actually, no. This lemon lasagna is more sweet and with all the creaminess, it is sort of like a lemon meringue pie- with the texture of a banana cream pie.

How to make this lush more tart?

If you want a tart lemon flavor, instead of sweet – just add lemon zest to the lemon pudding layer and be sure to top the dessert with additional lemon zest for the garnish before serving.

lemon lasagna

Tips for the best lemon lush

• This can be made without nuts if desired
• You can use sugar-free pudding instead of regular
• Freeze overnight for the cleanest, more defined slices. Let thaw in individual slices on the plate.
• Defrosts quickly – so you can serve frozen and it is still good
• You can top with homemade whipped cream – but do not freeze if you do this. It doesn’t hold up the same as whipped topping.

Don’t miss these other lemon recipes too!

• Easy Lemon Bars
• Lemon Pound Cake
• Lemon Oreo Fudge
• Beautiful Lemon Blueberry Swirl Bundt Cake
• Lemon Cheesecake Bars

recipe lemon

How to make Lemon Lush

Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Spray a 13×9 baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
3. Add the crust ingredients (flour, sugar, nuts, and melted butter) to a large bowl and use a fork to combine well.
4. Press the mixture into the prepared 13×9 baking dish, creating an even, flat layer.
5. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Cool completely.

First Creamy Layer

1. Cream together the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
2. Stir in the zest, juice, and whipped topping until smooth.
3. Spread the mixture over the cooled crust.
4. Place in refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes.

Second Layer

1. In a large bowl, combine the pudding mix and milk and whisk until smooth and creamy.
2. Spread the mixture over the chilled cream cheese layer.
3. Place in the refrigerator to chill at least 15 minutes or until pudding is set.

Third Layer

1. Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer.
2. Optional – add chopped nuts, lemon zest, or lemon slices.
3. Place in the refrigerator until ready to serve – at least 1 hour.
4. Store the leftovers in the refrigerator.

recipe for lemon lush dessert

Ingredients for Lemon Lush

• all-purpose flour
• granulated sugar
• nuts – pecans or walnuts, chopped finely
• unsalted butter – softened

Cream Cheese Layer

• cream cheese – softened
• granulated sugar
• lemon zest
• lemon juice
• whipped topping – thawed

Pudding Layer

• instant lemon pudding
• cold milk

Top Layer

• whipped topping – thawed

Garnish options

• zest of lemon
• lemon slices
• chopped nuts

• all-purpose flour
• granulated sugar
• nuts – pecans or walnuts
• unsalted butter
• cream cheese
• zest of lemon
• lemon juice
• whipped topping
• instant lemon pudding
• milk
• lemon slices
• glass baking pan
• measuring cups

lemon lush dessert recipe

If you love this Easy Lemon Lush recipe, you’re going to love these other treats too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

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