Lemon Lush Recipe Easy Summer Dessert

This easy Lemon Lush Recipe is a creamy, no-bake layered dessert made with a buttery pecan crust, tangy cream cheese filling, smooth lemon pudding, and fluffy whipped topping. It’s a favorite for potlucks, holidays, and summer parties because it can be made ahead and serves a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with sunny citrus flavors
• Creamy layers that melt in your mouth
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• A versatile dessert for any season or occasion
• Delightfully refreshing and satisfying

Lemon Lush vs. Lemon Delight

While the names are often used interchangeably, Lemon Lush and Lemon Delight are both layered desserts featuring a buttery crust, cream cheese layer, lemon pudding, and whipped topping. Regional recipes may vary slightly, but both are refreshing, make-ahead desserts perfect for spring and summer.

Ingredients for the best lemon dessert

Crust:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Finely chopped pecans or walnuts
• Unsalted butter, softened

Lush Layers:

• Cream cheese, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice
• Whipped topping, thawed
• Instant lemon pudding
• Cold milk
• Whipped topping, thawed

Optional Ingredients for Garnish:

• Zest of lemon. Use a cheese grater to obtain zest.
• Lemon slices. Cut thin slices of a whole lemon for beautiful garnish.
• Crushed Lemon Cookies. Use a food processor to make crumbs of lemon cookies or have your child crush them by putting them in a plastic zipper bag, removing the air, and using a rolling pin. It’s a fun job!
• Candied Lemon Slices. Not nearly as sour as straight lemon slices, candied lemon slices are both delicious and beautiful.

Equipment and kitchen tools

• 13×9 baking dish
• mixer
• mixing bowl

How to make this lemon lush dessert recipe

Crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Spray a 13×9 baking dish with cooking spray.
3. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, chopped nuts, and softened butter until well mixed.
4. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
6. Allow the crust to cool completely.

First Layer:

1. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
2. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, mixing until well combined.
3. Gently fold in the whipped cream until fully incorporated.
4. Spread the lemon cream cheese filling mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
5. Place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes.

Second Layer:

1. In another bowl, whisk together the instant lemon pudding mix and cold milk until thickened.
2. Carefully spread the lemon pudding over the cream cheese layer.
3. Place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 15 minutes or until the pudding is set.

Third Layer:

• Spread the remaining whipped topping over the lemon pudding layer.
• Optional: garnish with chopped nuts, lemon zest or slices
• Refrigerate the lemon lush for at least 4 hours, or until set.
• Serve chilled, and enjoy every luscious bite!

Then you cover with the lemon filling.

Top with the final layer and add lemon zest. 

How Can I Make this No Bake?

Want to make this no bake? Use Golden Oreos for the crust. Pulse 30 cookies in a food processor or crush them in a sealed plastic bag with a rolling pin until fine crumbs form. Mix the crumbs with 6 tablespoons of melted butter. Press into the bottom of the pan and use this as a crust.

Time-saving tips for the Best Results

• Be sure to use room temperature cream cheese for easy blending.
• Use fresh lemon zest for the best citrus flavor.
• Use a hand mixer for an extra-smooth filling.
• Allow the dessert to chill thoroughly for optimal texture and flavor.
• Refrigerating each layer before adding the new layer will help you spread the new layer without disturbing the old. However, you will still need to be careful. I recommend placing spoonfuls of the new layer all over the top so that you don’t have to do as much actual spreading.
• If you plan to use nuts on top, toast them first for a better flavor.
• To get lemon zest, use a fine cheese grater or zester and only scrape off the yellow part of the lemon rind. Do not get any of the white pith or it will be too bitter.

I am a huge lover of lemon desserts. If you love them too, be sure to try these lemon madeleines or these old fashioned lemon squares.

Substitutions and Variations

• Swap out the nuts in the crust for your favorite variety or omit them entirely for a nut-free option.
• Experiment with different pudding flavors, such as vanilla or coconut, for a unique twist.
• Add a homemade lemon curd layer between the cream cheese and pudding layers for extra tangy sweetness.

FAQs about this Recipe

Can I make Lemon Lush ahead of time?

Yes! It’s actually best when chilled overnight.

Can I freeze Lemon Lush?

Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Can I use homemade whipped cream?

Absolutely. Stabilized whipped cream works best.

Can I make it without nuts?

Yes. Simply omit the pecans or substitute a graham cracker crust.

Don’t forget to pin this recipe.

What to Make Next

Looking for more easy and delicious summer desserts? Try my Raspberry Vanilla Cake, made with a simple cake mix and bursting with sweet berry flavor, or my No Bake Banana Split Layered Dessert, packed with all the classic flavors of a banana split in a cool, creamy treat. Both are quick to make and perfect for warm-weather gatherings!

More delicious lemon recipes

For more delicious lemon sweets – try my Lemon Refrigerator Cake, Lemon Breakfast Pastries and my old fashtioned lemon bars.

If you like this lemon layered dessert recipe, be sure to check out my Pumpkin Layered Lasagna and my Butterfinger Layered Dessert.

More Np Bake Desserts

• 

  Easy No Bake Coconut Cream Pie

• 

  No Bake Biscoff Cheesecake Bars

• 

  Beach Rice Krispie Treats

• 

  Festive Easy Cheesecake Dip

• 

  Shark Jello Cups

• 

  Red White and Blue Fruit Popsicles

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