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The Ultimate No-Bake Layered Lemon Lush Dessert (Lemon Dream)

A perfect square slice of Layered Lemon Lush Dessert featuring a graham cracker crust, creamy white layer, bright lemon curd, and whipped topping.

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Make this easy, no-bake layered lemon lush dessert, also known as Lemon Dream. It features a buttery crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, a bright lemon filling, and a light whipped topping.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cold butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (for cream cheese layer)
  • 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla or lemon pudding mix
  • 1 1/2 cups cold milk
  • 1/2 cup lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour and cold butter until crumbly. Stir in the pecans, if using. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Chill the crust for 30 minutes.
  2. Make the cream cheese layer: Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
  3. Prepare the lemon filling: In a bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix, cold milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest until the mixture thickens, about 2 minutes. Spread this bright lemon filling over the cream cheese layer.
  4. Chill the dessert: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the lemon layer is set.
  5. Add the topping: Once the lemon layer is firm, spread the thawed whipped topping evenly over the top.
  6. Chill again: Return the dessert to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For a tangier flavor, use fresh lemon juice.
  • If you prefer a slightly firmer crust, you can bake it at 350°F for 10 minutes before cooling and proceeding.
  • This dessert keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days.

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