Red White and Blue Lush

This red, white, and blue lush is a creamy, colorful crowd-pleaser made for summer celebrations. Whether you’re prepping for Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, or just need a fun dessert that looks as good as it tastes, this layered treat delivers big flavor with festive flair. 

The delicious cookie crust, creamy layers, and rich pudding make it a favorite summer dessert that disappears fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A delicious way to celebrate patriotic holidays with bright red, white, and blue layers
• Cool, creamy, and perfect for the hot summer months
• Easy to make in a single large bowl and baking dish
• Great make-ahead dessert for barbecues, picnics, or parties
• Fun dessert that’s always a hit with kids and adults
• Looks impressive without needing decorating skills
• Pudding mixture, cream cheese, and cool whip combine for smooth, rich layers
  

Ingredients for lush dessert

• All purpose flour
• Unsalted butter
• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Blue gel food color
• Cheesecake pudding mix
• Milk
• Red gel food color
• Cool whip
• 4th of July sprinkles, optional

Equipment and kitchen tools

• Prepared baking dish
• Electric hand mixer

How to make red white and blue lush

Step 1 – Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with non—stick spray.

In a large mixing bowl, use a fork to cut the butter and flour together, until combined, light and crumbly.

Step 2 – Press this mixture into the bottom of the baking dish and bake. Let cool.

Step 3 – In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar. Add a very generous amount of blue gel food coloring, and mix until well combined.

Step 4 – Layer this mixture into the pan over the crust and smooth out evenly. Move this to the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set.

Step 5 – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together pudding, milk, and a generous amount of red gel color. Layer this over top of the cream cheese layer.

Step 6 – Finally, add the cool whip, and carefully smooth out evenly. Move the dessert to the refrigerator to chill for 6 hours, or overnight.

Step 7 – If desired, top with sprinkles before serving.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use a fork to cut the butter and flour together until the crust mixture is crumbly and well combined
• Let the crust cool completely before adding the blue layer
• Add a generous amount of blue gel food coloring to get that deep, dark blue lush effect
• Chill each layer before adding the next, so the colors stay distinct and don’t blend
• Use an electric mixer to combine cream cheese and powdered sugar until fully smooth
• Don’t skimp on the chill time – overnight gives the best texture and slice

Substitutions and Variations

• Swap the cookie crust for crushed Graham crackers or Oreo cookies
• Try a red cherry layer made with cherry gelatin and whipped topping for an extra fruity twist
• Use dry pudding mixes in different flavors like vanilla or white chocolate instead of cheesecake
• Add fresh fruit between the layers or on top before serving
• Mix in festive sprinkles or blue sprinkles to match your party theme

FAQs About This Recipe

More fun patriotic recipes

If you are not yet subscribing to my CELEBRATE THE SEASON newsletter, you can subscribe here. I share easy recipes for the season that the entire family is sure to love and also a few things that I don’t share here.