Triple Lemon Treat
A dreamy, citrusy dessert with a buttery crust, silky lemon cream, and airy whipped topping—perfect for brunches or celebratory gatherings that crave bright, indulgent flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the margarine into the flour until the mixture is crumbly.
- Press the crumbly mixture into the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes and then cool completely.
- Mix the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth.
- Fold in the Cool Whip, reserving about one‑third to smooth over the cooled pastry.
- Combine the instant lemon pudding with milk and beat until smooth and thickened.
- Add lemon juice to the pudding mixture and stir well.
- Spread the lemon pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Smooth the reserved Cool Whip over the top of the pudding layer.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using light cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese. You can also substitute half the margarine with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier twist. Ensure the pudding mixture is well-beaten to prevent lumps. If you're short on time, pre-made lemon curd can also be used instead of the pudding mixture for a zesty flavor boost.
Serving Suggestions
This Triple Lemon Treat is perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Serve it as a refreshing dessert after a light meal or alongside dishes like grilled chicken or salad. It pairs beautifully with a glass of iced tea or a refreshing Orange Cow Shake for a delightful dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the dessert's texture, avoid freezing as it may affect the consistency of the cream cheese and Cool Whip layers. For best results, serve chilled straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Triple Lemon Treat contains roughly 1265 calories, with 12g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 87g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (24% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and iron (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 835mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
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 fresh lemons instead of instant pudding?
Yes, you can use fresh lemon juice and zest for a more vibrant flavor. Just combine the juice and zest with a basic pudding mix made from scratch, adjusting the sweetness as necessary.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Triple Lemon Treat gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, particularly the pudding mix and Cool Whip, are also gluten-free.
Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
Absolutely! This dessert can be made a day ahead of time. Just keep it covered in the fridge to maintain freshness. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a great option for parties or gatherings.
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).