Lemon Lush is a layered dessert with a pecan crust topped with a lemon cheesecake layer, lemon pudding, and finally, whipped topping and more pecans. Try my Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake for another favorite lemon dessert!
Lemon Lush
These dessert bars take lemon treats to a whole new level, literally. It starts with a pecan crust from my Piggy Pie Dessert. Then, I added a lemony cream cheese layer from my Lemon Mousse, followed by a layer of lemon pudding. Finally, I topped the bars with whipped topping and more pecans.
Bars Ingredients
There are four parts to this dessert–the pecan crust, cream cheese layer, lemon pudding, and the topping.
Pecans: I added nuts to both the crust and the topping. You could use walnuts if you prefer.
Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before making the cream cheese layer.
Pudding: Use 2 boxes of lemon instant pudding mix. And yes, you can definitely change out the flavor of the pudding!
Whipped Topping: You can use storebought whipped topping or make your own. If you make your own, make sure it gets to stiff peaks and that you keep it chilled at all times.
What is a Lush Dessert?
Lush desserts are generally layered desserts that are rich, creamy, and luscious! Lemon Lush is also known as lemon delight or lemon lasagna because of all the layers in it. You may have seen different flavors of this dessert from chocolate to pistachio, among others.
How to Store Lemon Lush
Store the layered dessert in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. You can also freeze this dessert. When ready to serve it, let it thaw in the refrigerator.
Lemon Lush
Ingredients
Crust
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1½ cups (192 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (109 g) chopped pecans
Cream Cheese Layer
- 12 ounces (340 g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup (225 g) confectioners' sugar
- 1 medium lemon, juiced (about ¼ cup)
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 cup (238 g) whipped topping
Lemon Layer
- 2 boxes (3.4-ounces each) lemon instant pudding
- 3 cups (735 g) whole milk, cold
Topping
- 2 cups (576 g) whipped topping
- ¼ cup (27 g) chopped pecans, for garnish
Instructions
Crust
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine butter, flour, and chopped pecans. Using a fork, combine ingredients well. Then press into the bottom of the baking dish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, keeping an eye on it so the edges don't burn. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
Cream Cheese Layer
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with a hand mixer until it is light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add in the confectioners' sugar, lemon juice, and salt. Beat until everything is combined.
- Adding a little bit at a time, fold in the whipped topping.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust. Place in the freezer while you prepare the lemon layer.
Lemon Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, add lemon pudding mix and milk. Use a hand mixer to beat until smooth and slightly thickened (about 2-4 minutes).
- Pour the pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer and carefully smooth it into an even layer. Place it in the refrigerator to chill for about 15 minutes.
Topping
- When ready, dollop whipped cream onto the layer of lemon pudding and carefully smooth it into an even layer.
- Top with pecans, for garnish.
- Place the dessert into the refrigerator to chill for 2 hours, up to overnight.
Did you make this recipe?
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I am wondering if I could use a cookie based or graham cracker crust for this, we have several gluten free guests.
Definitely
My Aunt Rose Ann’s fav dessert is lemon lush, so I made it and it’s a surprise for her after our turkey dinner tomorrow.
Do you whip the topping first and then fold in
Looks and sounds delicious. I’m trying it tomorrow
I have an event and looking for individual servings in a small plastic cup with lid. Do you think the yummy pecan layer could be switched out with a pecan cookie and proceed with the rest of the recipe as is? Concern about taste difference with cookie change and how it would hold up in a “cup” for an hour or so?
I think that would work great!
Would you be able to freeze this recipe! Hubby and I love anything lemon, but we only have dessert every Friday night as our treat! His and my family are diabetics, so at 66 and 69 we’re sticking to our goal and not follow or mom’s, who both passed away being diabetics.. .. so we eat it on Friday and freeze desserts in the freezer for down the road again and for company! 💕
I was looking for that answer also. Did you try and freeze leftovers?
The answer is right in the blog post. 🙂
How to Store Lemon Lush
Store the layered dessert in the refrigerator, covered, for 3-4 days. You can also freeze this dessert. When ready to serve it, let it thaw in the refrigerator.
Have you ever seen a dessert crust made with ritz crackers and egg whites and walnuts? I used to have a recipe called “pineapple fluff” that used this, but unfortunately, I lost it. I haven’t been able to find anything similar online.
I do have a pineapple fluff: https://iambaker.net/pineapple-fluff/
I was very curious about the ritz cracker crust recipe that writer was asking for. Any ideas?
Just curious about why the milk needs to be at room temperature?
Great question! Thank you for asking. It does not, it should be cold. I have updated the recipe.
Instead of the instant pudding, I use cooked lemon pie filling, I find it holds up better. And use real whipped cream, makes all the difference! Been making this for years, one of my family’s favourites…..
Lemon has always been a favorite of mine. This is so good, you really need to try it if you like lemon.
Very disappointed in the lemon layer. It had no zing, might as well have been vanilla. I used a brand name instant lemon pudding mix, made per your directions. IF I ever make it again I will do something different with the lemon filling.
Sorry you were disappointed in the flavor of the lemon layer, the layer in which the flavor is solely reliant on the product you purchase. You can certainly try a different brand or add in some extract or zest should you not be happy with the product you purchased.
Hello can I use aluminum pan ( disposable) for this recipe? Thanks
Sure!
Thank you!!