Ultimate Lemon Lush: A Refreshing, No-Bake Treat”
If you’re a fan of bright, zesty desserts, then Lemon Lush is the perfect treat for you! This layered delight combines a buttery Oreo crust, tangy cream cheese, and smooth lemon pudding, all topped with a fluffy layer of whipped topping. Each bite delivers a refreshing burst of lemon flavor, balanced by the richness of cream cheese and the sweetness of the Oreo crust. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this easy-to-make dessert is guaranteed to impress.
Lemon Lush
What makes Lemon Lush truly special is its simplicity and versatility. You can prepare it ahead of time, making it a convenient choice for busy schedules or last-minute entertaining. Plus, it’s a no-bake dessert, so you don’t have to worry about turning on the oven, especially on warm days. Just assemble, chill, and enjoy—a perfect recipe for those who want to indulge in something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. As a devoted fan of Creamy Lemon Pie I can’t help but appreciate how Lemon Lush captures that same irresistible tanginess and creamy richness.
The combination of textures in Lemon Lush is absolutely irresistible. The crunchy Oreo crust pairs beautifully with the creamy layers, while the bright lemon flavor adds a refreshing contrast. This dessert is not only a visual delight but also a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both impressive and easy to make, Lemon Lush is the one to try!
What You Will Love About This Recipe
People will love this Lemon Lush recipe for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, which means even novice bakers can create a stunning dessert with minimal effort. The recipe doesn’t require baking, so it’s perfect for those hot days when you want to keep your kitchen cool. Secondly, the layered textures and flavors are delightful; the combination of a crunchy Oreo crust, creamy lemon-infused layers, and a light whipped topping creates a harmonious balance of sweetness and tanginess. Finally, it’s a versatile dessert that’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a potluck, or just enjoying it as a weeknight treat. The refreshing lemon flavor will appeal to anyone who enjoys citrusy, light desserts.
Ingredients:
For the crust
- 2 Cups Crushed Golden or Lemon Oreos
- ½ Cup Melted Butter
For the cream cheese mixture:
- 8 Ounces Cream Cheese, Softened
- ½ Cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 Teaspoon Lemon Zest
- 1 Tablespoon Whole Milk
- 8 Ounces Whipped Topping
For the pudding:
- 2 (8oz) Lemon Pudding Mix (Instant)
- 3 ¼ Cups Whole Milk (Very Cold)
For topping:
- 8 Ounces Whipped Topping
- Lemon Zest
How to Make Lemon Lush
For the crust:
- In a medium sized bowl, mix together the crushed oreos and melted butter until combined. Press the crust mixture onto the bottom of a 9×13” baking dish. Place in the refrigerator or freezer to set.
For the cream cheese mixture:
- In a medium sized bowl, add the cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, milk, and powdered sugar. Whip together using a hand-held electric mixture until smooth. Fold in the 8 ounces whipped topping using a rubber spatula.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in the 9×13” baking dish over the crust, place back into the refrigerator or freezer while you make the pudding mixture.
For the pudding:
- In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and whole milk until combined and smooth. Allow to set for 5 minutes.
- Spread the pudding mixture over the cream cheese mixture evenly.
For topping:
- Spread the other 8 ounces whipped topping over the pudding evenly, sprinkle on the lemon zest.
- Place the lemon lush in the refrigerator to set for at least 1 hour, but preferably 2-3 hours before slicing and serving.
- Slice and serve the lemon lush and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- Chill Time is Key: To achieve the perfect set layers, make sure to chill your Lemon Lush for at least 2-3 hours before serving. This will help the layers firm up and create those beautiful, distinct layers.
- Use Fresh Lemons: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest. It really enhances the citrusy taste and adds a refreshing zing that bottled lemon juice can’t match.
- Oreo Crust Tips: When pressing the Oreo crust into your dish, use the bottom of a glass or a measuring cup to ensure an even, firm crust. This will help it hold together better when cutting the dessert into squares.
- Whipped Topping: If you prefer a homemade touch, you can whip up your own whipped cream instead of using store-bought whipped topping. Just be sure to whip it to stiff peaks so that it holds its shape in the dessert.
- Layering Precision: When spreading the cream cheese mixture and pudding over the crust, use an offset spatula to achieve smooth, even layers. This not only makes the dessert look more appealing but also ensures each bite has the perfect balance of flavors.
- Add a Twist: For a fun twist, consider adding a layer of fresh berries between the pudding and whipped topping layers. Blueberries or raspberries work especially well with the lemon flavor.
FAQs
Lemon Lush
Ingredients
- For the crust
- 2 Cups Crushed Golden or Lemon Oreos
- ½ Cup Melted Butter
- For the cream cheese mixture:
- 8 Ounces Cream Cheese, Softened
- ½ Cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 Teaspoon Lemon Zest
- 1 Tablespoon Whole Milk
- 8 Ounces Whipped Topping
- For the pudding:
- 2 (8oz) Lemon Pudding Mix (Instant)
- 3 ¼ Cups Whole Milk (Very Cold)
- For topping:
- 8 Ounces Whipped Topping
- Lemon Zest
Instructions
For the crust:
- In a medium sized bowl, mix together the crushed oreos and melted butter until combined. Press the crust mixture onto the bottom of a 9x13” baking dish. Place in the refrigerator or freezer to set.
For the cream cheese mixture:
- In a medium sized bowl, add the cream cheese, lemon juice, lemon zest, milk and powdered sugar. Whip together using a hand-held electric mixture until smooth. Fold in the 8 ounces whipped topping using a rubber spatula.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly in the 9x13” baking dish over the crust, place back into the refrigerator or freezer while you make the pudding mixture.
For the pudding:
- In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and whole milk until combined and smooth. Allow to set for 5 minutes.
- Spread the pudding mixture over the cream cheese mixture evenly.
For topping:
- Spread the other 8 ounces whipped topping over the pudding evenly, sprinkle on the lemon zest.
- Place the lemon lush in the refrigerator to set for at least 1 hour, but preferably 2-3 hours before slicing and serving.
- Slice and serve the lemon lush and enjoy!
Notes
Yields: 9-12 Servings
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 368Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 317mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 1gSugar: 24gProtein: 5g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
