Lemon Lush Dessert

Lemon lush is a decadent dessert recipe layered with crushed pecans, homemade cheesecake and lemon pudding topped with whipped topping and lemon zest!

Lemon Lush Dessert Recipe

What is a lemon lush?

Lemon lush is a layered dessert that’s cool, creamy, and tangy—perfect for spring and summer. It’s served chilled in a baking dish and is sometimes referred to as a lemon lasagna.

Save this recipe!

Save this recipe! Enter your email below and we’ll shoot it straight to ya!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Email

Email *

Save

I consent to receive email from this site 💌

Ingredient notes for lemon lush dessert:

• Flour – All-purpose flour.
• Butter – Unsalted, cold.
• Pecans – Crushed.
• Cream cheese – Softened.
• Powdered sugar – Also called confectioners sugar or icing sugar.
• Lemon zest – Freshly grated.
• Pudding mix – Instant lemon pudding mix.
• Milk – Whole, skim or anything in between.
• Whipped topping – Like Cool Whip, thawed.

Quick directions for making a lemon lush dessert

⭐ First, mix the flour, butter and crushed pecans until crumbly and coarse. Press into the bottom of a prepared baking dish and bake to set.

⭐ Next, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth. Spread this over the top of the cooked and cooled crust.

⭐ Then, in a separate bowl, whisk the pudding mix into the milk until it starts to thicken. Spread over the cream cheese mixture.

⭐ Last, spread the cool whip over the pudding. Place in the refrigerator and chill until ready to serve.

Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions. 

Can I make lemon lush dessert ahead of time?

Yes! Lemon lush is actually best when made ahead. Preparing it the day before allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld beautifully. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours (overnight is ideal) before serving.

Can I freeze lemon lush?

You can freeze lemon lush, but the texture may change slightly. For best results, freeze it uncovered until firm, then wrap tightly. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

More delicious lemon dessert recipes

• Lemon curd recipe
• Recipe for lemon bread
• Lemon poke cake recipe
• Easy homemade lemonade recipe
• Lemon pudding cookies recipe
• Perfect lemon bars recipe
• Lemon pie recipe
• Frosted lemonade recipe
• Lemon mousse recipe
• Easy lemon cookies recipe
• See all our easy lemon recipes!

How to Make Lemon Lush Dessert

5 from 4 votes

Lemon Lush Dessert Recipe

Created by: April Woods

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Print

Pin

Share

Rate

8

Lemon lush (aka Lemon Lasagna) is a decadent dessert recipe layered with crushed pecans, homemade cheesecake and lemon pudding topped with whipped topping and lemon zest!

Save this recipe! Enter your email below and we’ll shoot it straight to ya!

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Email

Email *

Save

By submitting your email you consent to receive email from this site.

Ingredients

 

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 cup all purpose flour
• ▢ 1 cup cold butter
• ▢ 1 cup crushed pecans
• ▢ 16 ounces cream cheese softened
• ▢ 2 cups powdered sugar
• ▢ 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• ▢ 2 packages instant lemon pudding mix 3.4 ounces each
• ▢ 3 cups milk
• ▢ 8 ounces whipped topping (like Cool Whip) thawed

Instructions

• Lightly grease the bottom of a 9×13" baking dish. Cut together the flour, butter and crushed pecans until crumbly and mixture resembles coarse sand or pebbles. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, and bake in a 350℉ oven for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
• Beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar and lemon zest until mixture is smooth. Gently spread this mixture over the top of the cooked and cooled crust.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the pudding mix into the milk until it starts to thicken. Spread over the cream cheese mixture. It should thicken and set very quickly.
• Spread the whipped topping over the top of the pudding. Chill at least 4 hours, or until ready to serve.

Notes

• Crust Tip: Make sure the crust is completely cooled before adding any layers to prevent melting or soggy textures.
• Chill Time: This dessert needs at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) to fully set. Don’t skip this step!
• Crust Variations: Swap out the traditional pecan crust for a graham cracker crust, shortbread cookie crust, or golden Oreo base.
• Make Ahead: Lemon lush can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 4–5 days.

Calories are automatically generated. For best results calculate based on your exact ingredients.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcal

Did You Make This Recipe?

Share it with me on Instagram and use the hashtag #mamalovesfood and follow on Pinterest for even more!

Email Recipe Pin Recipe Share Recipe

Tools we love

• Glass casserole dish with lid – I love this dish, it can go from freezer to oven!
• Spatula – These ingredients are ooey gooey and sticky.  You for sure want to be using a spatula to make sure you’re properly measuring and using all your ingredients.