Lemon Lush Cake (Print version)

A refreshing citrus dessert with creamy layers and buttery crust

# Ingredient List:

→ 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)

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F.
02 - In a medium bowl, blend flour, softened butter, and powdered sugar until crumbly. Press evenly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
03 - Bake crust for 18–20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow to cool completely before proceeding.
04 - With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
05 - Whisk together lemon pudding mixes and cold milk (and lemon zest, if using) for 2 minutes until thickened. Let sit for 5 minutes to fully set, then spread evenly over the cream cheese layer.
06 - Spread remaining whipped topping evenly over the lemon layer.
07 - Garnish with lemon zest if desired.
08 - Chill at least 2 hours, preferably 3 or more, before slicing and serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Three distinct layers mean every bite shifts between buttery, tangy, and airy, so nobody gets bored halfway through a slice.
  • The entire thing comes together with zero stovetop custard anxiety because instant pudding does the heavy lifting.
  • It feeds a crowd happily and tastes even better the next day, which makes it the most relaxed potluck dessert you will ever carry through a door.
02 -
  • Rushing the crust cooling is the single biggest mistake here because warmth from the base will turn your beautiful layers into a soupy scramble.
  • Letting the pudding sit for those five minutes before spreading is not optional because it thickens dramatically and will tear the cream cheese layer if applied too loose.
03 -
  • Line your baking dish with parchment paper leaving overhang on two sides so you can lift the entire dessert out and cut perfect squares on a board.
  • The zest of one medium lemon gives you roughly one tablespoon, which is exactly what you need for the garnish, so zesting directly over the whipped topping captures the most aromatic oils.

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