Lemon Lush

Lemon Lush is an easy layered lemon dessert that will have you wondering why you haven’t made one of these before. It has a creamy lemon pudding layer, fluffy cream cheese topping, and crunchy nut crust.

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What is Lemon Lush?

Light and tart, Lemon Lush is a chilled triple-layer dessert that will bring back memories of when the best way to spend lazy summer afternoons was running through the sprinklers.

The nut-based crust makes a crunchy base for the thick lemon filling, and the whipped cream cheese topping adds even more creaminess to this classic recipe. 

Why This is the Best Recipe for Lemon Lush Dessert

Lemon Meringue Pie, Lemon Bars, Lemon Cheesecake, there is no end to the number of lemon-flavored treats you can bake. This Lemon Lush dessert is simpler to make than most yet still delivers in the flavor department.

If you bring a Lemon Lush pie to your next family gathering or potluck dinner, don’t forget to bring extra copies of this recipe. You’ll need them!

This creamy cool dessert recipe is so easy to make.

• The buttery nut crust can be baked in a matter of minutes.
• The lemon layer is made with a boxed pudding mix.
• And you are going to love the fluffy cream cheese layer on top.

If you want to be extra fancy, you can top the whole dessert with sliced strawberries, blueberries, or lemon zest.

Lemon Lush Recipe Ingredients

Here’s a list of what you need:

• Butter
• Chopped nuts
• All-purpose flour
• Lemon instant pudding mix
• Milk
• Cream cheese
• Powdered Sugar
• Cool Whip topping

How to Make Lemon Lush

Making Lemon Lush dessert is very simple, but breaking the process into three sections makes it even easier. Feel free to prepare the crust up to a day before filling and keep it covered in the fridge. 

To make the crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 
2. Place the nuts in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush them into small pieces.
3. Melt the butter in the microwave or a saucepan over low heat.
4. Stir in the melted butter, crushed nuts, and flour until it resembles wet sand.

5. Press the mixture evenly onto the bottom of a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking pan with your fingertips. 
6. Blind bake the crust until it is lightly brown, about 15 minutes.
7. Allow the crust to cool completely before filling. 

To make the pudding layer:

1. Combine both packets of pudding mix with the milk in a mixing bowl.
2. Mix until the pudding begins to thicken, about 3 to 5 minutes. Don’t worry if the consistency of the filling is a little thick – that is what you want. 

3. Scoop the pudding onto the cold crust carefully. 
4. Use an offset spatula to even out the filling. Don’t leave any spaces around the sides of the pan. 
5. Place the pan in the fridge while you make the cream cheese layer. 

To make the cream cheese layer:

1. Soften the cream cheese by leaving it on the counter for about 30 minutes. 
2. Combine the softened cream cheese, whipped topping, and powdered sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer.
3. Use a hand or stand mixer to beat the mixture until it increases in volume and becomes light and fluffy. 

4. Scoop the cream cheese mixture onto the pudding layer and smooth with an offset spatula be sure to spread in an even layer. 
5. Refrigerate the dessert until serving.

Recipe Variations

Crushed walnuts, cashews, pistachios, or pecans work well in this Lemon Lush delight crust recipe, but you can make it extra special by using candied nuts.

If you don’t care for lemon or want something different, you can change the flavor of this recipe. Simply substitute the lemon pudding for the flavor you prefer. Here are some recommendations:

• Banana Cream
• Butterscotch
• Caramel
• Chocolate
• Pistachio

Changing the flavor is up to you, so be creative!

How Long Do You Need to Chill Lemon Lush Before Serving 

Cover the Lemon Lush dessert with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for a minimum of two hours before serving. 

How Do You Cut Lemon Lush Dessert

To cut, run a butter knife around the inside edges of the pan to loosen the sides. Slice the Lemon Lush into 3X3-inch squares using the point of a knife. 

What To Serve With Lemon Lush Pie

Try garnishing a slice of Lemon Lush pie with fresh, dried, or macerated fruit. A dollop of lemon curd and citrus zest are two ways you can add a bit more tartness to the dessert.

Sprinkle crushed nuts or sugar cookies on top for an extra layer of crunch. 

How To Store Lemon Lush Delight

Always keep the wrapped pie in the fridge. The Lemon Lush recipe will keep for up to three days this way, but it is a good idea to finish it within a day or two since the crust can get a bit soggy.  

Love lemon? Try these recipes!

• Easy Lemon Bars
• Italian Lemon Cream Cake
• Lemon Meringue Pie

Favorite Dessert Recipes

• Ambrosia Cake
• Banana Split Cake
• Coca Cola Cake
• Hello Dolly Bars
• Karo Pecan Pie
• Kool-Aid Pie
• Mountain Dew Cake
• Millionaire Pie
• Pecan Pie Brownies
• Texas Sheet Cake

Check out more of my easy dessert recipes and family favorite recipes here on CopyKat!