Lemon Lush Cake (Printable)
A refreshing layered citrus dessert with creamy lemon filling and light whipped topping on a buttery crust.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Crust
01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
03 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
→ Cream Cheese Layer
04 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 1 cup powdered sugar
06 - 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
→ Lemon Layer
07 - 2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant lemon pudding mix
08 - 2 1/2 cups cold milk
09 - 2 tsp grated lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
→ Topping
10 - 1 1/2 cups whipped topping, thawed
11 - 1 tbsp lemon zest, for garnish (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F.
02 - In a medium bowl, blend flour, softened butter, and powdered sugar until crumbly. Press evenly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
03 - Bake crust for 18–20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow to cool completely before proceeding.
04 - With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
05 - Whisk together lemon pudding mixes and cold milk (add lemon zest if using) for 2 minutes until thickened. Let sit for 5 minutes to fully set, then spread evenly over the cream cheese layer.
06 - Spread remaining whipped topping over the lemon layer. Garnish with lemon zest if desired.
07 - Chill for at least 2 hours, preferably 3 or more, before slicing and serving.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The layered texture feels fancy but the whole thing comes together with zero baking skill required.
- That bright lemon pudding middle cuts through the richness of the cream cheese in a way that keeps people reaching for another square.
02 -
- If the crust is even slightly warm when you spread the cream cheese layer it will slide right off in a disappointing puddle.
- The pudding sets fast so have your cream cheese layer already smooth and ready before you start whisking the lemon mixture.
03 -
- Make this the night before any gathering so you can focus on everything else while it quietly perfects itself in the fridge.
- A microplane grater for the lemon zest gives you fine, fragrant shreds that melt into the pudding without any bitter pith.