Indulge in the refreshing flavors of lemon with this irresistible lemon lush dessert recipe. Layers of buttery crust, tangy lemon filling, and creamy whipped topping come together to create a heavenly treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into the recipe and satisfy your sweet cravings with this luscious dessert.
Ingredients for the Crust:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Ingredients for the Lemon Filling:
– 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ingredients for the Topping:
– 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
– Additional lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, and powdered sugar until crumbly.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Filling
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until well combined and smooth.
3. Spread the lemon filling evenly over the cooled crust.
Step 3: Add the Topping
1. Spread the thawed whipped topping over the lemon filling layer, smoothing it out with a spatula.
2. Optionally, sprinkle additional lemon zest over the whipped topping for extra flavor and decoration.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
1. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the lemon lush dessert for at least 4 hours, or until set.
2. Once chilled, slice the dessert into squares and serve cold.
3. Enjoy the creamy, tangy goodness of this lemon lush dessert with friends and family.
Tips:
1. For a twist, you can use graham cracker crumbs instead of the flour in the crust for a slightly different flavor.
2. Adjust the amount of lemon zest and juice according to your taste preferences. For a stronger lemon flavor, add more zest and juice.
3. Feel free to customize the dessert with additional toppings such as fresh berries or a drizzle of lemon curd for extra indulgence.
4. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
With its buttery crust, tangy lemon filling, and creamy whipped topping, this lemon lush dessert is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, this luscious dessert is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Whip up a batch today and delight your taste buds with the irresistible flavors of this zesty and creamy delight.
