Lemon Lush Layered Citrus Dessert (Printable)

Layers of buttery crust, creamy lemon filling, and fluffy whipped topping create this refreshing citrus dessert perfect for any occasion.

# 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)

# How To Make:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, softened butter, and powdered sugar. Blend with a fork or pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a uniform crust layer.
03 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool completely before adding subsequent layers.
04 - Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar on medium speed until completely smooth and free of lumps. Gently fold in the whipped topping until evenly combined. Spread the mixture in a smooth, even layer over the fully cooled crust.
05 - In a separate bowl, whisk together both packages of instant lemon pudding mix and the cold milk for approximately 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Add lemon zest if using. Allow the pudding to rest for 5 minutes until fully set, then spread it evenly over the cream cheese layer.
06 - Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the lemon pudding layer, covering the entire surface. Use a spatula to create smooth, even coverage.
07 - Sprinkle lemon zest over the top for garnish, if desired.
08 - Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 3 or more, until all layers are firmly set. Slice into 12 portions and serve chilled.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The layers look fancy but the whole thing comes together with zero baking skill and a hand mixer.
  • That bright lemon pudding middle cuts through the richness so perfectly that even people who claim they dont like dessert will ask for seconds.
02 -
  • Patience with chilling is not optional because cutting too early gives you a delicious but very ugly slide of layers.
  • The cream cheese must be truly softened or you will chase lumps around the bowl for twenty frustrated minutes.
03 -
  • Run your mixer on low speed first when beating cream cheese to avoid splattering powdered sugar all over your counter like I did the first three times.
  • The pudding layer sets fast so have your cream cheese layer spread and smooth before you start whisking the lemon mixture.

Go Back