Lemon Lush Cake Amazing Ultimate (Printable View)
A luscious layered dessert featuring buttery crust, creamy cheesecake filling, tangy lemon pudding, and fluffy whipped topping.
# 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)
→ Lemon Layer
07 - 2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant lemon pudding mix
08 - 2 1/2 cups cold milk
09 - Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra flavor)
→ Topping
10 - 2 cups whipped topping
11 - Lemon slices or zest, for garnish (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9"x13" baking dish.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine flour, butter, and powdered sugar. Mix until crumbly, then press firmly into the bottom of the baking dish.
03 - Bake for 18–20 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
04 - Beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Fold in 1 cup whipped topping until well combined. Spread evenly over the cooled crust.
05 - In a large bowl, whisk together instant lemon pudding mixes, cold milk, and lemon zest (if using) for 2 minutes until thickened. Spread over the cream cheese layer.
06 - Spread remaining 2 cups whipped topping gently over the lemon pudding layer.
07 - Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
08 - Garnish with lemon slices or zest before serving, if desired. Cut into 12 squares and serve chilled.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- That buttery shortbread crust tastes like you spent hours on it, but it is genuinely three ingredients pressed into a pan.
- The contrast between the tangy lemon pudding and the sweet cream cheese middle will ruin all other desserts for you in the best possible way.
02 -
- The crust must be completely cool before you spread the cream cheese layer, or it will melt into a greony mess that no amount of chilling can fix.
- Do not skimp on the refrigeration time because the layers need those hours to set properly and become sliceable.
03 -
- Set your cream cheese out on the counter at least an hour before you start, because cold cream cheese will leave stubborn lumps no matter how long you beat it.
- Adding the zest of one lemon to the pudding layer bumps the flavor from pleasant to absolutely electric.