Description
Lemon Lush Cake is a delightful no-bake dessert featuring a buttery baked crust topped with a creamy cream cheese layer, tangy lemon pudding, and fluffy whipped topping. This refreshing treat is perfect for warm days or any occasion that calls for a bright, flavorful, and easy-to-make layered cake.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
Lemon Pudding Layer
- 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant lemon pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
Top Layer & Garnish
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix together the flour, softened butter, and powdered sugar until the mixture forms a crumbly dough. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create the crust.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until it is lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and let it cool completely to ensure the layers set well in the next steps.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until fully combined. Evenly spread this cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust.
- Make Lemon Pudding Layer: In a separate bowl, whisk the instant lemon pudding mix and cold milk together continuously for about 2 minutes or until the pudding thickens. Pour and spread this lemon pudding layer evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Add Whipped Topping: Spread the remaining 1 cup of whipped topping evenly over the lemon pudding layer to complete the topping.
- Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the layered cake for at least 2 hours. This chilling time helps the dessert set properly so it holds its shape when sliced.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, optionally garnish the top with lemon zest and fresh lemon slices for a fresh citrus aroma and appealing presentation. Slice into 12 servings and enjoy.
Notes
- Make sure the crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting or mixing of layers.
- Use cold milk for the pudding to help it thicken properly and quickly.
- Refrigerate for longer than 2 hours if possible; overnight chilling enhances texture and flavor.
- For a more intense lemon flavor, you can add a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to the pudding mix.
- Substituting whipped topping with homemade whipped cream will provide a fresher taste.
