Description
Lemon Lush Cake is a delightful layered dessert featuring a buttery crust, a creamy sweetened cream cheese layer, a tangy lemon pudding topping, and a fluffy whipped topping. Perfect for summer gatherings or anytime you crave a refreshing citrus treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
For the Lemon Layer
- 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant lemon pudding mix
- 2 1/2 cups cold milk
For the Topping
- 1 1/2 cups whipped topping
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, softened unsalted butter, and powdered sugar until a crumbly dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled crust layer.
- Prepare the Lemon Layer: In another bowl, whisk together the two packages of instant lemon pudding mix with 2 1/2 cups of cold milk. Stir for about 2 to 3 minutes until the pudding thickens. Spread this lemon pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Add the Whipped Topping: Spread the remaining 1 1/2 cups of whipped topping evenly over the lemon layer. Use a spatula to smooth the surface.
- Chill and Garnish: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results, allowing the layers to set and flavors to meld. Just before serving, garnish with lemon zest if desired.
Notes
- For a slightly tangier flavor, substitute part of the milk in the pudding mix with fresh lemon juice.
- The crust can be varied by using crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers in place of the flour and butter mixture for a different texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (with baked crust)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
