Lemon Lush
The ultimate dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth! Lemon Lush features layers of creamy lemon filling and a buttery crust, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy this light and refreshing dessert any time of year!
Equipment
- 9×13-inch Baking Dish
- Hand-held electric mixer
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 cup Butter, softened
- 1/2 cup Finely Chopped Pecans
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 2 8-ounce packages Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2 3.4-ounce packages Instant Lemon Pudding Mix
- 3 1/2 cups Milk
- 1 16-ounce container Whipped Topping, thawed
Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. This is crucial as it ensures that your crust bakes evenly, achieving that perfect golden-brown color.
- In a medium bowl, stir together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Mix until everything is evenly combined and the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This creates the base for your Lemon Lush.
- Now, press the flour mixture into the bottom of a 9X13-inch baking pan. Make sure it’s evenly distributed and compacted for a stable crust. Bake this in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it turns a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking, which can make it too hard.
- Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and let it cool completely. This step is essential; a warm crust can melt the layers that will follow.
- While the crust cools, take another bowl and beat together 2 packages of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice using a hand-held electric mixer. Beat until it’s smooth and creamy. This layer is rich and adds a lovely tang.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled shortbread crust, ensuring every bite has that luscious creaminess.
- Next, in a separate medium bowl, whisk together 2 packages of instant lemon pudding mix and 3 1/2 cups of milk. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens slightly, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. This thickening is key to achieving that dreamy consistency.
- Once thickened, pour this pudding layer over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly. This adds another dimension of flavor and texture to your Lemon Lush.
- Now, refrigerate the assembled layers until they are completely set, which typically takes about 1 hour. This chilling time allows the layers to meld beautifully.
- Finally, once set, spread the whipped topping over the top. This light, airy layer finishes off your dessert perfectly. Cut into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last up to 3 days while still maintaining its flavor and texture.
- Freezing: You can freeze Lemon Lush for up to a month. Just cut it into portions, wrap them well, and then thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve with a light fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the lemon flavor.
- Customize the Crust: Try using crushed graham crackers or Oreo cookies for a different twist on the crust.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice makes a noticeable difference compared to bottled; it brightens the flavor.
- Garnish for Appeal: Consider adding fresh fruit on top, like raspberries or lemon zest, to elevate presentation.