Recipe for Lemon Lush - Balancing Motherhood (2024)

This Lemon Lush dessert is a refreshing and light lemon dessert that’s one of our popular spring and summer desserts. It’s an easy no bake dessert with creamy layers of cheesecake using cream cheese, lemon pudding, and whipped cream on the perfect pecan crust.

We take you step-by-step so this dessert is a no-fail recipe. It’s a great summer dessert and is perfect for Easter, Mother’s Day, and any summer get togethers.

Why I love this Recipe for Lemon Lush

There are many reasons why I love this simple lemon dessert. The fact that I get to make the crust and the filling really take it to a whole new level. Some people call this lemon delight because it’s so good!

The crust is a combination of pecans and flour which creates an perfect texture against the creamy fillings. I love the added crunch that I get from the crust and it’s actually one of my favorite homemade crust recipes of all time.

Since this layered dessert is quick and easy to make, it’s one that you need to have on your dessert radar.

I’ve made this creamy dessert so many times and I deliver time and time again. While I do love eating lemon lush during spring and summer, I still make it for the other seasons, too.

Make certain to try our Creamy Lemon Pie as another super fun flavor and taste.

Lemon Lush ingredients

You need a few simple ingredients to make this lemon lush recipe.

For the crust:

• all-purpose flour
• pecans
• melted butter

First layer: 1 cream cheese filling layer:

• cream cheese
• confectioners’ sugar
• whipped topping

Second layer: pudding layer

• lemon instant pudding
• cold milk

Top layer:

• whipped topping

Cream Cheese – Make certain to let it soften before adding to the recipe.

Pecans – Use a food processor or blender to get them chopped up for the crust.

Instant Lemon Pudding – Make certain to use Instant pudding for this recipe!

How to make Lemon Lush Dessert

Step One: Make the Crust

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
• In a food processor, pulse flour, pecans, and melted butter until crumbly. Press into the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan.
• Bake at 350 until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Let crust cool.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

• For the first layer, in a large mixing bowl of an electric mixer, blend the cream cheese, 1 cup of the confectioners’ sugar, and whipped topping. Spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the cooled pecan crust layer.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Layer

• Mix both packages of instant lemon pudding and 2 cups of cold milk until thickened. Spread the lemon layer over the cream cheese layer. Chill for an hour.

• For the final layer, spread small container of whipped topping on the top of the dessert and chill in the refrigerator.
• Garnish with fresh lemon slices.

Lemon Lush Recipe Substitutions and Additions

• Change up the pudding flavor – While this recipe is all about the lemon flavor, you can use a different type of Instant Pudding to change up the flavor. We use chocolate pudding in our chocolate lasagna that is very similar.
• Use a graham cracker crust – while we like the robust flavor of the pecan crust, you can substitute a graham cracker crust instead
• Add lemon zest – if you want to add even more lemon flavor you can add some lemon zest in the lemon pudding layer and on top of the whipped cream as added decoration and flavor. Be sure not to add lemon juice as it will alter the consistency of the dessert
• Lemon extract can be left out of this recipe – There is enough lemon flavor in the lemon pudding. If you want extra, natural lemon flavor, use lemon zest

Lemon Lush Dessert Recipe tips

Let the crust cool – let the crust cool completely before adding the second layer

Chill as directed – don’t skip the time to chill the main layer. This will ensure it sets properly and will slow clear layers when slicing

Add more whipped topping – if you want a luxurious thick top layer, you can add more of the whipped topping to get the desired thickness.

How long to chill Layered Lemon Dessert before serving

This is really up to you. This recipe is meant to be served chilled so keep that in mind. A couple hours in the fridge is going to be a good time to get it nice and cool but if you can’t wait that long, I totally get it.

Chill it for 1-2 hours if possible.

Serving this Recipe for Lemon Lush

The best way to get clean squares is to make sure the baking pan is greased before you start. Next, use a sharp knife to cut even squares. Then, use a small spatula to gently lift each piece from the baking dish.

Some call this a luscious lemon lasagna because of the creamy layers. We just call it our favorite lemon dessert! We hope it becomes one of your favorite desserts too.

How to store Layered Lemon Dessert

To store a lemon lush dessert, first cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate the dessert to keep it fresh. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, put it in a feeezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving if frozen.

Freezing Lemon Lush Dessert

You can freeze this dessert. Wait to put the final whipped topping layer on just before serving.

More Lemon Desserts

• Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust
• Frosted Lemonade (Chick-Fil-A Copycat Recipe)
• Creamy Lemon Pie
• 4-Ingredient Lemon Cookies
• Lemon and Lavender Cupcakes
• Lemon Bundt Cake (Nothing Bundt Cake Copycat Recipe)
• Lemon Blueberry Popsicles
• Lemon Cake Mix Cookies
• Strawberry Lemon Lasagna
• Apple Dumplings with Lemon Glaze
• Lemon Bars
• Lemon Lush