Lemon Lush

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Lemon Lush is a delightful layered dessert that combines a buttery crust with a creamy lemon filling, making it a refreshing treat for any occasion. It balances tangy lemon with smooth textures, perfect for gatherings or as a sweet finish to a meal. Ideal for lemon lovers!

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Ingredients

  • 1 stick margarine
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup crushed pecans
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup cool whip
  • 2 small pkg instant lemon pudding
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 2 cups cold milk

Instructions

  1. Mix together the margarine, flour, and crushed pecans, then press the mixture into a 9x13 pan.
  2. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, you can substitute butter for margarine. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds work well. To make this dessert even more refreshing, consider adding zest from the lemons to the cream cheese mixture. If you're short on time, using store-bought lemon pudding can speed up the process. This dessert pairs beautifully with Easy Vanilla Ice Cream.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon Lush is best served chilled, making it a perfect dessert for warm weather gatherings. Garnish with fresh lemon slices or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added visual appeal. It pairs wonderfully with a light fruit salad or the refreshing Orange Breakfast Punch. For a more decadent experience, serve it alongside Fudge Sauce (Hot Or Cold)(1 Pint).

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat it, let it sit at room temperature for a short time before serving. However, it's best enjoyed chilled, so consider serving it straight from the fridge for the best texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lemon Lush contains roughly 395 calories, with 6g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value).

395 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.2g 12% DV
Total Fat 26.8g 34% DV
Carbs 35.3g 13% DV
Fiber 2.4g 8% DV
Sugar 11.6g 23% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 243.9mg 11% DV
Potassium 196.8mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 22.4mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 70.6mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 72.2mg 6% DV
Iron 1.6mg 9% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pudding mix?

Yes, you can substitute the lemon pudding with other flavors like vanilla or even cheesecake for a different twist on this dessert. Just keep in mind that the lemon flavor is key to the overall theme of Lemon Lush, so choose wisely if you want to maintain the essence.

How do I make this gluten-free?

To make Lemon Lush gluten-free, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients, including the pudding mix, are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.

Can I prepare this dessert in advance?

Absolutely! Lemon Lush can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, and makes it a convenient option for parties or gatherings. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent it from absorbing any other flavors from the fridge.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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