Lemon Lush Dessert has 3 delicious layers that will have everyone raving about this recipe. From the pecan crust layer to the lemon cream cheese layer, this lemon delight is heavenly.
We all love lemon, so everyone gets excited when I try a new dessert where lemon is the highlight. This delicious lemon lush dessert recipe has the most rich and creamy layers for a dessert sure to be a hit.
From Lemon Cake to Lemon Cake Mix Cookies, we can’t get enough lemon desserts. This time we are making Lemon Lush and it is amazing!
If you loved our Lemonade Pie, you will love this new recipe for Lemon Lush. It’s hard to choose a favorite layer because they are all so amazing. The ingredients are easy and we love how easy it comes together. Even my daughters have made this.
I make a similar dessert, Butterscotch Delight, with butterscotch flavor.
Table of contents
Why We Love This Recipe
- Lemon Lovers Favorite – This bright and refreshing flavor dessert is perfect for all your summer gathering. From BBQ’s to pool parties, this dessert will be first to go.
- Only Baking is the Crust – The only layer that you have to bake is the crust. All the other layers are mixed together and poured on your cool crust to assemble the dessert.
- Easy Layers – The ingredients are simple and it turns in a creamy lemon dessert. Once the dessert has chilled, it is easy to slice and serve. The filling stays together so it is very eye pleasing.
- Perfect for a Crowd – This is the perfect dessert to for a crowd. You can easily slice the dessert and get about 24 slices.
Ingredients
Bottom Pecan Crust Layer
- All-Purpose Flour. Always spoon the flour into the measuring cup instead of scooping.
- Butter. Melted
- Pecans. Finely chopped or you can use a food processor.
Lemon Cream Cheese Layer
- Cream Cheese. Softened to room temperature.
- Powdered Sugar. Sift before using.
- Fresh Lemon. Fresh is best.
Lemon Pudding Layer
- Instant Lemon Pudding Mix. Make sure to use instant pudding mix.
- Milk. Whole milk will result in the richest taste.
Whipped Topping & Lemon Zest Garnish Layer
- Whipped Topping. You can use Cool Whip or Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe.
- Chopped Pecans. This is optional but you can sprinkle finely chopped pecans on top.
Get the entire ingredients for this recipe at the bottom of the page.
Variations
There are many different ways you can make this dessert.
- Chocolate Lush Dessert – Instead of using lemon pudding mix, use chocolate pudding mix. It is still creamy and so refreshing.
- Blueberry Lush Dessert – The fresh lemon juice will pair perfectly with the blueberry pudding mix.
- Change the Crust – You can make a graham cracker crust instead of a pecan crust. A Shortbread Crust is also a good option.
- Lime Lush Dessert – Use Lime flavor pudding mix and lime zest topping for an amazing, refreshing lime dessert.
- Use Homemade Whipping Topping – If you prefer, you can make your own whipped topping.
Step By Step Instructions
- Step 1. Prepare the Oven – First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Step 2. Mix together the crust Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, melted butter, finely ground pecans and ¼ cup sugar.
Step 3. Press the crust ingredients into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Then allow to cool completely.
Step 4. Mix together the cream cheese layer. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to combine cream cheese, powdered sugar and fresh squeezed lemon juice. Then spread evenly on top of the baked and cooled pecan crust.
- Step 5. Mix together Lemon Pudding Mix – In a large mixing bowl, whisk milk and instant lemon pudding mix until set. It may take 4-5 minutes to thicken. Spread evenly on top of the lemon cream cheese mixture.
- Step 6. Top with Whipped Topping – Spread thawed whipped topping on top of the pudding layer. It is optional but we love to add finely chopped pecans.
- Step 7. Cool in Refrigerator – Refrigerate for 1 hour to set before serving. As another option, you can freeze the Lemon Lush overnight for more defined slices. Do not freeze if you substitute homemade whipped cream because it might not hold up like frozen whipped topping.
Storage
Make sure to store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Cover with a plastic wrap and it will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
We actually think this dessert taste better when it has set overnight. The lemon layers really come together while marinating overnight.
Pro Tips
- Use Food Processor – It is helpful to use a food processor to get the pecans fine in the crust. If you don’t have a food processor, you can also crush the pecans in a ziplock bag. We like using a rolling pin to help crush the pecans.
- Cool the crust completely – Before adding in the lemon layers, make sure the crust is completely cooled.
- Make sure to Chill – Before serving the Lemon Lush Dessert, make sure to chill in the refrigerator.
- Make ahead of time – This a great dessert to make ahead of time. Place in the refrigerator and it last 3-4 days.
- Keep Cool – This dessert is meant to be served cold. Once you have served it, place back into the refrigerator so that it doesn’t spoil.
FAQs
Lemon Lush is a delicious and refreshing dessert. After baking the Pecan Layer Crust, there is no additional baking. The light and fluffy lemon cream cheese layer tops the crust then a lemon and whipping cream topping is added.
It is the perfect summer dessert to serve as your next BBQ. It is cold, creamy and full of lemon flavor. The ingredients are easy and the dessert is simple to prepare.
Impress your guest the next time you have a BBQ party and make this Lemon Lush Dessert. Don’t toss the leftover whipped cream and make Cool Whip Candy.
Yes, the ingredients for this Lemon Lush dessert needs to be baked. Since the crust has flour ingredients, it has to be baked so that it is safe to eat.
If you prefer a no-bake version, use a graham cracker crust instead.
We like to add some additional chopped pecans or chopped walnuts on the top. But you can also sprinkle some lemon zest over the top or arrange lemon slices in a decorative manner.
You can even top with slice fresh strawberries. Lemon and strawberries pair perfectly together.
If you want the lemon pudding tarter, you can add in lemon peel to the mix. This helps bring out the lemon flavoring that we all love.
Yes, you can use Homemade Whipped Topping instead of the store-bought kind. It doesn’t hold up as well if you decided to freeze this dessert, but it still is a good substitute.
Yes, you can use the cook and serve option for your lemon pudding layer. Make sure that it cools completely before adding it to your crust. You don’t want to melt the other layers when you are preparing this dessert.
Lemon Lush Dessert is a great dessert to freeze. This means that you can make ahead of time and place in the freezer until ready to serve.
Once you are ready to serve, place dessert in the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight.
Try More Lemon Desserts
- Lemonade Pie Recipe
- 2 Ingredient Lemon Bars
- Copycat Starbucks Lemon Loaf Recipe
- Lemon Poke Cake Recipe
- Easy Lemon Cake Recipe
- Lemon Blueberry Bread
More No Bake Desserts
Let us know how this turns out for you. Even though there are a few steps with the layers, it is really very simple to make. Leave a comment once you try it.
Lemon Lush Dessert
Ingredients
Bottom Pecan Crust Layer:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup butter melted
- 1/2 cup pecans finely chopped or food processor processed
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
Lemon Cream Cheese Layer:
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar sifted
- 1 fresh lemon juiced
Lemon Pudding Layer:
- 6.8 ounces instant lemon pudding mix 2 3.4-ounce packages
- 2 cups milk
Whipped Topping Layer:
- 8 ounces whipped topping Cool Whip or you can substitute the same amount whipped cream
- Optional: Sprinkle finely chopped pecans on top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, melted butter, finely ground pecans and ¼ cup sugar. Press into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Bake 20-25 minutes (25 mins works best for me) until golden brown. Allow to cool completely before adding any layers.
- Using a hand electric mixer, combine cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice (2 tablespoons works best for me). Mixture should be even and smooth. Spread evenly on top of the baked and cooled bottom pecan crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk milk and instant lemon pudding mix until set. It may take 4-5 minutes to thicken. Spread evenly on top of the lemon cream cheese mixture.
- Spread thawed whipped topping on top of the pudding layer. optional finely chopped pecans. Refrigerate for 1 hour to set before serving. Optionally, you can freeze the Lemon Lush overnight for more defined slices. Do not freeze if you substitute homemade whipped cream because it might not hold up like frozen whipped topping like Cool Whip. Enjoy!
I make this every year for Easter dessert. Everyone loves it.