If you’re craving something cool, creamy, and irresistibly citrusy, this Lemon Lush Dessert is your next must-bake! With a buttery pecan shortbread crust, fluffy lemon pudding, tangy cream cheese, and clouds of fresh whipped cream, it’s a dreamy, chilled layered dessert that practically melts in your mouth.
✨ Why This Lemon Lush Dessert Will Be Your New Favorite
- 🍋 Zesty lemon flavor brightens each creamy, indulgent layer
- 🍰 Perfectly layered textures: crunchy, creamy, silky, and fluffy
- ❄️ Make-ahead friendly – best served chilled after assembling
- 🎉 Feeds a crowd – 16 generous servings from a single pan
- 🥄 Simple pantry staples – nothing fancy, just delicious
🛒 Ingredients for the Best Lemon Lush Dessert
🔸 Shortbread Pecan Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
🔸 Cream Cheese Layer
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
🔸 Lemon Pudding Layer
- 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant lemon pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
🔸 Whipped Cream Topping
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- ½ cup powdered sugar
🧁 How to Make Lemon Lush Dessert (Step-by-Step)
1. Make the Buttery Pecan Crust
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a food processor or bowl, mix flour and softened butter until crumbly. Stir or pulse in chopped pecans.
Press mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
2. Whip Up the Cream Cheese Layer
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and fluffy. Spread evenly over cooled crust.
3. Prepare the Zesty Pudding Layer
Whisk together lemon pudding mix and cold milk for 3–5 minutes until thickened. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to firm up slightly. Spread carefully over the cream cheese layer.
4. Top with Whipped Cream
Using a chilled bowl and beaters, whip the cold heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Gently spread this layer over the pudding.
5. Chill to Set
Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours — overnight is ideal for clean slices and fully set layers.
💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Lemon Lush
- Room temperature cream cheese = ultra-smooth filling
- Use instant pudding, not cook-and-serve
- Chill the crust before layering to avoid melting the cream cheese
- Chill beaters and bowl before whipping cream for max fluff
- Use parchment handles in your pan for easy lifting and cutting
✨ Final Thoughts
This Lemon Lush Dessert is the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite the moment it’s served. With its refreshing citrus flavor, easy prep, and stunning presentation, it’s the ideal no-bake (or minimal-bake!) treat for every season. It’s rich without being heavy, zesty without being sour, and elegant without requiring any pastry chef skills.