Go Back Email Link
+ servings
A slice on lemon lush on a white plate showing all of its 4 layers.
Print Recipe
4.74 from 15 votes

Lemon Lush Dessert

This Lemon Lush recipe is something our mom has been making for over 30 years. It's a foolproof, classic recipe that's a hit every time.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time22 minutes
COOLING AND CHILLING TIME3 hours
Total Time3 hours 42 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: lemon
Servings: 12 people
Calories: 463kcal
Cost: $10.79

Equipment

  • measuring cups
  • stand mixer
  • Liquid measuring cup
  • tin foil
  • 9x13 pyrex pan
  • pastry spatula

Ingredients

CRUST:

  • 1 cup salted butter softened
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts

CREAM CHEESE LAYER:

  • 8 ounce block cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup cool whip

LEMON LAYER:

  • 2 (3.4-ounce boxes) lemon instant pudding
  • 2 ¾ cups milk anything but skim

TOPPING:

  • 2 cups cool whip
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts for garnish

Instructions

MAKE, BAKE, AND COOL CRUST:

  • Move the oven rack to the middle position and preheat to 350 degrees F.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or in a large bowl with a handheld mixer, add the butter and beat on medium speed until lightened in color, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the flour and walnuts and mix until just combined (the mixture will be crumbly!).
  • Press the mixture into an even layer in an ungreased 9x13-inch pyrex pan.
  • Bake for 22-26 minutes, or until the crust is starting to brown around the edges.
  • Move the pan to a wire rack and cool completely.

MAKE CREAM CHEESE LAYER:

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or in a large bowl with a handheld mixer, add the cream cheese and powdered sugar and beat on medium speed for 1 minute. Add cool whip and beat until combined.
  • Spread the cream cheese mixture into an even layer over the cooled crust.

MAKE LEMON LAYER:

  • In a medium bowl add pudding mix and milk. Whisk until thickened, about 2 minutes.
  • Pour the lemon pudding over the cream cheese layer and smooth into an even layer.

TOPPING:

  • You should have 2 cups of Cool Whip left in the container, give it a quick stir to loosen it up. Then, spread the Cool Whip evenly over the lemon pudding layer. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts.

CHILL:

  • Cover the lemon lush with foil and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours or overnight.

SERVE:

  • Slice, serve, and enjoy.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 463kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 52mg | Sodium: 378mg | Potassium: 227mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 606IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 169mg | Iron: 1mg