This Lemon Lush is a creamy lemon dessert that is both elegant and easy. It is the perfect light and refreshing dessert.
These lemon bars are both sweet and tart. This lemon lush is a layered dessert that has all the flavor of a lemon cheesecake but in a much lighter version.
SAVE THIS RECIPE!
Enter your email below and we’ll send this recipe straight to your inbox.
More About this Lemon Lush Dessert
You can make this Lemon Lush in advance so it will thicken and chill so it will be ready whenever you need to serve the dessert. Also you can make the lemon and cream cheese layers in separate mixing bowls while the crust layer is cooking.
There is some science about why lemons are so great for baking and for us. Once you know them, you will incorporate them into your often.
Why This Lemon Dessert Recipe is a Keeper
This lemon lush dessert is light and a perfect finish for a heavy meal. It has all the flavor of a creamy lemon cheesecake but without all the heaviness.
- Easy Ingredients: All found in pantry or fridge.
- Family Friendly: This recipe is so light and refreshing and is a hit with anyone who loves lemon.
- Adaptable: Can make Lemon Lush dairy free or lower in calorie, etc…
If you’re looking for more Lemon pie inspired recipes, try these Double Layer Cream Cheese Pumpkin Pie, Mini Apple Pie Bites and No Corn Syrup Pecan Pie.
With over 200 easy and delicious dinner ideas, you'll never have to worry about what to make for dinner again.
Do I have to use nuts in the Lemon Lush?
No, of course you do not have to use nuts. You can use a simple graham cracker crust or cookie crust for your lush. Also, you can top with lemon zest, a slice of fresh lemon or even candied lemon slices. Or use a different fruit such as strawberries or raspberries.
Ingredient Notes to Make Lemon Lush
Lemon, cream pudding and cream cheese are the stars of the recipe.
- Walnuts: These chopped nuts are needed in the crust of the dessert and also to garnish the top.
- Cream cheese: The cream cheese must be soft and spreadable for the cream cheese dessert layer of this lush dessert.
- Lemons: You will need the zest and juice of the lemon for the lemon layer.
- Instant lemon pudding mix: The pudding makes the creamy layer of this cool and refreshing dessert.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Variations and Substitutions for this Lemon Pudding Layer Dessert
This recipe features simple ingredients but you can make this recipe look like how ever you like by making some simple changes.
- Nuts: Make a pecan crust with chopped pecans.
- Sugar Free: The recipe called for regular but you can use a sugar free instant pudding and whip topping for this favorite recipe.
- Lemon Curd: Use lemon curd to top the cream cheese and lemon pudding layers. If you love lemon, then this is an amazing addition to the lemon lush like a lemon meringue pie.
- Crust: Use a graham cracker crust instead of the homemade crust then add lemon layers.
Special Equipment Needed for Crust for Lemon Lush
- Food processor: This mixer will allow you to make quick work of this dessert.
How to Make this Lemon Cream Cheese Creamy Dessert
These are the basic steps for making the best lemon dessert. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
STEP 1: Assemble the Crust
First, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Then add the flour and butter to a food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Pulse until the mixture is crumbly. Add the pecans and pulse until combined.
STEP 2: Press into the bottom and Bake Crust
Then press the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish. Then bake for 20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Let crust cool completely.
STEP 3: Beat Cream Cheese and Powdered Sugar for the Lemon Cream Cheese Mixture Layer
While the crust is cooling, add the cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice and zest to a large bowl and mix together until smooth. Next, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
STEP 4: Pudding Layer
In a medium bowl, mix the lemon pudding and milk together whisk until fully combined; Let the mixture firm up for about 15 minutes. Once the pudding is set, spread over cream cheese layer in an even layer.
STEP 5: Whip Cream Layer topping over the Lemon Pudding Layer
Spread the whipped topping over the pudding layer and garnish the cool whip with remaining chopped walnuts.
STEP 6: Chill the Pudding Dessert
Finally, chill for at least 4 hours. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and lemon slice on top of the lemon lush.
Recipe FAQs for this Lemon Lush Dessert
Expert Tips for Making This Lemon Lush Recipe with Lemon Zest
This layered dessert is also known as lemon delight or lemon lasagna but no matter what you call it, it is a refreshing lemon dessert.
- Double: Make this recipe for a crowd. You can make two or even three pans of this tempting light dessert.
- Use Cool Whip: You can make your own whip cream. However, the frozen whip topping is more stable and best for this lemon lush recipe.
- Crust: Graham cracker crust or a shortbread crust if you refer or if you have a nut allergy.
- Variation tip: Add blueberries to the top of the lemon dessert to make a lemon blueberry lush. Or make individual parfaits with layers of lemon and cream.
More Lemon Recipes
Lemon Lush
Ingredients
CRUST:
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Butter, softened
- 1 cup Walnuts, chopped
CREAM CHEESE LAYER:
- 16 ounces Cream cheese, 2- packages softened
- 1 ¼ cups Powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons Lemon zest
- 2 tablespoon Lemon juice
PUDDING LAYER:
- 6.8 ounces Instant lemon pudding, 2 packages
- 3 cups Milk
- 12 ounces Frozen whipped topping, thawed
- ½ cup Walnuts, chopped, optional
Instructions
Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Add the flour and butter to a food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Pulse until the mixture is crumbly.
- Add the pecans and pulse until combined.
- Press the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Let crust cool.
Cream Cheese Layer
- While the crust is cooling, add the cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, lemon juice and zest to a medium bowl and mix together until smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled crust.
Pudding Layer
- In a medium bowl, whisk the pudding and milk together until fully combined; Let the mixture firm up for about 15 minutes.
- Once the pudding is set, spread it over the cream cheese layer in an even layer.
- Spread the whipped topping over the pudding layer and garnish with remaining chopped walnuts.
- Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.
Expert Tips
- Double: Make this recipe for a crowd. You can make two or even three pans of this tempting light dessert.
- Use Cool Whip: You can make your own whip cream. However, the frozen whip topping is more stable and best for this recipe.
- Crust: Graham cracker crust or a shortbread crust if you refer or if you have a nut allergy.
- Variation tip: Add blueberries to the top of the lemon dessert to make a lemon blueberry lush.