Lemon Lush Dessert

If you are anything like my family, we love making lemon flavor desserts. They are perfect for a Easter or to enjoy for the 4th of July. This Dessert Recipe is always a family favorite because of how creamy and delicious the combination of the layers are.

This dessert takes about 20 minutes to prep and the ingredients are so simple and customizable. If you love this recipe, then you might enjoy Strawberry Icebox Cake, Peanut Butter Icebox Cake, Pineapple Fluff or Tapioca Pudding.

What is Lemon Lush Dessert?

Lush desserts are a layered dessert that is creamy, taste delicious and full of flavor. You may have have heard lemon lush recipe called lemon lasagna or lemon delight. It can be made with a variety of ingredients another favorite chocolate or pistachio.

Ingredients

For the Pecan Layer

• All-Purpose Flour – Spoon flour into measuring cup to ensure the best texture
• Butter – We used unsalted, melted butter
• Pecans – Chop pecans into small pieces
• Sugar – Add the perfect amount of sweetness

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Layer

• Cream Cheese – Softened at room temperature
• Powdered Sugar – We recommend sifting powdered sugar before adding
• Lemon – We recommend using fresh lemon

For the Pudding Layer

• Instant Lemon Pudding Mix – Use any instant pudding mix that you prefer. You can even make with a Chocolate Instant Pot.
• Milk – We like using whole milk

For the Topping

• Whipped Topping – Make with Cool Whip
• Finely chopped pecans – Optional topping. You can even add lemon zest

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

How to Make Lemon Lush Dessert

• Step 1 – Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

For the Pecan Layer

• Step 2 – Place the pecans in a food processor and process until smooth. Place in a large mixing bowl.
• Step 3 – Add in the flour, melted and sugar. Stir until combined.
• Step 4 – Press crumbs into the bottom of a 9X13 baking dish.
• Step 5 – Bake for 20-25 minutes until lightly golden brown.
• Step 6 – Allow the crust to cool completely at room temperature before topping with the additional layers.

For the Lemon Cream Cheese Layer

• Step 7 – Place the soften cream cheese, powdered sugar and lemon juice in a medium bowl.

• Step 8 – Mix cream cheese mixture with a electric mixer until fully combined and smooth.
• Step 9 – Spread the mixture on top of the pecan crust.

For the Lemon Pudding Layer

• Step 10 – In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and instant pudding mixes. Continue to stir until the mixture thickens (4-5 minutes).
• Step 11 – Spread this mixture on top of the cream cheese layer.

For the Topping

• Step 12 – Spread the remaining cool whip on top for the final layer and sprinkle the chopped pecans on top.
• Step 13 – Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
• Step 14 – Then the dessert is ready to slice, serve and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• Whipped Cream – You can use homemade whipped cream instead of the whipped topping if you prefer.
• Lemon Juice – I recommend using fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. However, you can use approximately 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice if needed instead of the fresh lemon juice.
• Crust – Before adding the layers on top of the crust, make sure it has cooled completely.
• Chill – For best results, make sure to allow your lush dessert to chill for about an hour before serving.

What Size of Baking Dish?

As the recipe is written the lemon lush dessert can be made in a 9×13 pan. But you can also layer the ingredients in a trifle dish by baking the crust and crumbling and layering it with the other layers in a clear trifle dish.