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Pieces of lemon lush on a white plate.

Lemon Lush

Chef Jenn
Lemon Lush is a no-bake dessert with layers of tangy lemon, creamy goodness, and a buttery graham cracker crust. Quick and easy to make, it's the perfect refreshing treat for any occasion!
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Course Dessert
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 1 19 oz box graham crackers 4 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup butter melted
  • 16 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 cup powdered sugar divided
  • 3 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 2 lemon instant pudding mix and pie filling (3.4 oz) packages
  • lemon slices for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Line a 13-x 9-inch freezer-safe baking dish with parchment paper.
  • Pulse the graham crackers in a food processor until they're fine crumbs, or use 4 cups of graham cracker crumbs. Mix the crumbs and melted butter in a large bowl until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish in an even layer. Freeze until firm, about 20 minutes.
  • Beat the cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and 1 cup of powdered sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer or in the bowl of your stand mixer with the paddle attachment until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  • Beat the whipping cream and remaining 1/4 cup of powdered sugar on high in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form.
  • Fold about 1 cup of the sweetened whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
  • Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust and freeze until set, about 1 hour.
  • Whisk the milk and pudding mix in a large bowl until smooth and thickened, about 2 to 4 minutes, then pop it into the fridge to chill while the cream cheese layer is freezing.
  • Spread the pudding over the frozen cream cheese mixture. Freeze until set, about an hour.
  • Gently spread the remaining whipped cream over the frozen pudding layer and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.
  • Lift the parchment paper out of the baking dish and cut your Lemon Lush into squares or bars. You can serve frozen or let it thaw slightly.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Chef Jenn's Tips

  • For the creamiest texture, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
  • To get stiff peaks from your whipped cream, make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are chilled beforehand.
  • If you're short on time, prep the crust and cream cheese layer the night before. That way, the bulk of the work is done ahead of time!
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best zesty flavor. It makes all the difference.
  • When pressing the crust into the baking dish, use the back of a measuring cup to get it smooth and even.

Nutrition

Serving: 1square
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