Description
Lemon Lush Cake is a refreshing, layered dessert featuring a buttery baked crust, a creamy cream cheese layer, tangy lemon pudding, and a fluffy whipped topping. This chilled cake is perfect for warm weather gatherings, offering a light and luscious lemon flavor with a delightful balance of textures.
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
Topping & Garnish
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
- Make the Crust: In a bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, softened unsalted butter, and powdered sugar until combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool completely.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until well incorporated. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled crust layer.
- Make the Lemon Pudding Layer: In a separate bowl, whisk the two packages of instant lemon pudding mix with 3 cups of cold milk for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens. Spread the thickened lemon pudding carefully over the cream cheese layer.
- Add the Whipped Topping: Spread the remaining 1 cup of whipped topping over the lemon pudding layer, creating a light and fluffy final layer.
- Chill the Cake: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 2 hours to allow it to set and flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the cake with lemon zest and lemon slices if desired. Slice into pieces and enjoy chilled.
Notes
- Make sure the crust is fully cooled before spreading the cream cheese layer to avoid melting.
- Use cold milk when mixing the pudding to ensure proper thickening.
- For an added lemony punch, fresh lemon zest can be mixed into the cream cheese layer as well.
- This cake is best served chilled and should be kept refrigerated until serving.
- Can be made a day ahead to enhance flavor and texture.
