Lemon Pudding Dessert

Prep: 20 min Cook: 22 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A creamy lemon pudding dessert with a buttery crust and fluffy topping, perfect for gatherings or family treats, offering refreshing citrus flavor and smooth textures.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup cold butter
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 3 cups cold milk
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, cut butter into flour until crumbly.
  2. Press the mixture into an ungreased 9 x 13 inch pan.
  3. Bake at 350°F for 22 minutes.
  4. Allow the crust to cool completely.
  5. In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
  6. Fold in 1 cup of Cool Whip.
  7. Spread this cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust.
  8. In a mixing bowl, beat milk and pudding mixes on low speed for 2 minutes.
  9. Carefully spread the pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer.
  10. Top with remaining Cool Whip.
  11. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, try using reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped topping. If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can blend granulated sugar until fine as a substitute. Ensure the butter is very cold for a crumbly crust. You can also add a bit of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled as a refreshing dessert on warm days. It pairs beautifully with a side of fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a twist, consider serving alongside a slice of Terry'S Broccoli Casserole for a delightful meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It's best served chilled, so there's no need to reheat it. Just take it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier slicing.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Lemon Pudding Dessert contains roughly 654 calories, with 9g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron.

654 kcal 33% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.6g 17% DV
Total Fat 39.4g 50% DV
Carbs 67.4g 24% DV
Fiber 1.6g 6% DV
Sugar 21.4g 43% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 101.3mg 4% DV
Potassium 121.6mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 105.9mg 35% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 342.7mcg 38% DV
Vitamin D 0.4mcg 2% DV
Calcium 54.4mg 4% DV
Iron 3mg 17% DV
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

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 make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this lemon pudding dessert can be made a day in advance. Just ensure it's covered well in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious when served.

What can I use instead of Cool Whip?

If you prefer a homemade option, you can whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form. This will create a similar light topping. You can also use any store-bought whipped topping if you want to save time.

Can I use a different flavor of pudding?

Absolutely! While lemon pudding is traditional, you can substitute with vanilla or even chocolate pudding for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change accordingly, so choose what you enjoy most.

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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