Lemon Lush Cake (Printable)
Buttery crust meets tangy lemon cream and fluffy topping in this refreshing layered dessert.
# 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), thawed
→ Lemon Layer
07 - 2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant lemon pudding mix
08 - 2 1/2 cups cold milk
09 - 2 tsp grated lemon zest (optional)
→ Topping
10 - 1 1/2 cups whipped topping, thawed
11 - 1 tbsp lemon zest, for garnish (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish.
02 - In a medium bowl, blend flour, softened butter, and powdered sugar until crumbly. Press evenly into the bottom of the baking dish. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.
03 - Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping gently. Spread mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
04 - Whisk together lemon pudding mixes and cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Add lemon zest if desired. Let sit for 5 minutes to fully set, then spread evenly over the cream cheese layer.
05 - Spread remaining whipped topping evenly over the lemon layer. Garnish with lemon zest if desired. Chill for at least 2 hours, preferably 3 or more, before slicing and serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Four luscious layers that look fancy but come together with zero baking skill required.
- That bright lemon flavor cuts right through the richness and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
- Make it the night before and your dessert stress disappears entirely.
02 -
- Wait for the crust to cool completely or your cream cheese layer will slide right off.
- Give the pudding those five minutes to set before spreading or it will bleed into the cream cheese.
03 -
- Cover the pan with foil gently so it does not touch the whipped topping or it will stick and pull.
- Soften the cream cheese in the microwave for 15 seconds if you forgot to leave it out, but never use it cold.