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Lemon Lush Dessert

Featured in Indulgent Dessert Recipes to Satisfy Any Sweet Tooth.

Four layers come together in the ultimate Lemon Lush. It starts with a crunchy Golden Oreo base, followed by tangy lemon cream cheese, luscious lemon pudding, and a cloud-like whipped topping for a perfect sweet-tart treat.

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Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 21:23:07 GMT
A delicious serving of lemon dessert featuring tangy layers of cream, whipped topping, and lemon slices, accented with a strawberry on a white plate. Pin it
A delicious serving of lemon dessert featuring tangy layers of cream, whipped topping, and lemon slices, accented with a strawberry on a white plate. | chefmelt.com

This cool layered treat features a crunchy Golden Oreo base, zesty cream cheese middle, homemade tangy pudding, and soft whipped topping. It's super easy to throw together without any baking needed—perfect when it's hot outside! The bright flavors and smooth textures will definitely wow everyone at your summer get-togethers, family meals, or potluck parties.

What Makes This Zesty Lemon Lush Special

You'll fall in love with how this dessert balances tangy and sweet in every bite. The different layers look amazing when sliced and taste even better! No need to heat up your kitchen since there's zero baking involved. Even if you're new to making desserts, you can't mess this one up. And the best part? You can easily switch things up to match what you like. It's gonna be a winner no matter when you serve it!

What You'll Need

  • Golden Oreo Cookies: They make up the yummy, crumbly bottom layer of your dessert.
  • Butter: When melted, it helps your cookie crumbs stick together into a solid base.
  • Cream Cheese: Makes your second layer extra smooth and slightly tangy when softened up.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: Bring bright, zippy flavor that works perfectly with the creamy parts.
  • Lemon Pudding Mix: Creates that quick and tasty middle pudding section.
  • Heavy Cream: Needed for making both the cream cheese mixture and the fluffy top layer.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to your whipped topping.
  • Optional Fresh Strawberries: They look pretty on top and add a nice fruity touch.

Getting Your Base Ready

Make Your Cookie Bottom
Smash those Golden Oreos into tiny bits using your food processor or a rolling pin. Mix them with your melted butter until everything looks damp and clumps together when squeezed. Push this mixture down firmly across the bottom of a 9x13-inch glass dish, making sure it's flat everywhere. Stick it in the fridge to get firm while you work on the other parts.

Whipping Up The Tangy Middle

Mix Your Cream Cheese Blend
Grab your hand mixer and beat the soft cream cheese with regular sugar, fresh lemon juice, grated lemon peel, and a teaspoon of lemon extract until it's all smooth and light. Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and keep mixing until it thickens up nicely. Spread this evenly on your cold crust. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge.
A slice of layered lemon dessert topped with lemon slices, served on a white plate with strawberries in the background. Pin it
A slice of layered lemon dessert topped with lemon slices, served on a white plate with strawberries in the background. | chefmelt.com

Finishing Your Dreamy Layers

Mix Your Pudding
Stir together cold milk and the box of lemon pudding mix until completely smooth. Gently spread this over your cream cheese layer and put it back in the fridge.
Add The Fluffy Top
In a bowl, whip up the rest of your heavy cream with powdered sugar, lemon extract, and vanilla extract until it forms stiff peaks. Carefully spread this whipped cream over the pudding. Let everything chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours so all the layers can set properly.

Keeping And Enjoying Your Lemon Treat

You can keep your dessert in the fridge for up to 4 days if you wrap it tight with plastic. Want to save it longer? Wrap the whole thing in plastic and foil, then freeze it for up to a month. Just thaw it in your fridge before you plan to eat it. Right before serving, try adding some fresh strawberries, blueberries, or lemon slices on top for extra flair. The bright taste and pretty layers will make this the star of any table!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Is it okay to make this dessert a day in advance?

Yes, preparing it ahead is a great idea! Make it up to 24 hours before serving and let it chill in the fridge. The flavors blend beautifully and the layers come together nicely.

→ What if I only have regular Oreos? Can I use them?

You can absolutely substitute regular Oreos. While they’ll add a chocolaty twist instead of the mild vanilla base of Golden Oreos, it’ll still taste great, just a bit different.

→ How long does it stay tasty in the fridge?

Keep it covered and refrigerated, and it’ll be fresh for around 4 to 5 days. The crust might get a little softer, but the flavor will remain delicious.

→ Can this dessert be stored in the freezer?

Yes, freezing is an option, though fresh is best. It keeps well for up to 2 months if wrapped securely in foil or plastic. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before digging in.

→ If I don’t have fresh strawberries, what can I use?

Try topping it with fresh raspberries or blueberries instead. Skipping fruit altogether works too. For a little extra flair, sprinkle lemon zest on top!

Lemon Lush Dessert

Four irresistible layers: Golden Oreo crust, smooth lemon cream cheese, lemon pudding, and a fluffy whipped cream finish. Garnish with juicy fresh strawberries or raspberries.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
240 Minutes
Total Time
270 Minutes

Category: Dessert Recipes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 15 Servings (15 squares)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 36 cookies, similar to Oreo but with a vanilla flavor.
02 6 tablespoons of melted butter.
03 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened to room temperature.
04 1/4 cup of white caster sugar.
05 A couple of tablespoons of fresh-squeezed lemon juice.
06 Grated peel from one lemon.
07 2 teaspoons of lemon flavoring, split for different steps.
08 Half a litre of whipping cream in total, divided into portions.
09 Around 1/3 cup of icing sugar.
10 1 teaspoon vanilla essence.
11 Two small packs (3.4 oz each) lemon-flavored instant pudding mix.
12 3 cups of chilled milk.
13 Fresh strawberries to decorate, optional.

Instructions

Step 01

Crush those vanilla cookies to fine powder using whatever works—food processor or even a rolling pin! Add melted butter, stir until it all sticks together, and press into the base of a large 9x13 glass pan. Stick it in the fridge.

Step 02

Take out a big bowl, use a hand mixer, and blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, the lemon juice, lemon zest, one teaspoon from the lemon flavoring, and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Mix until fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Spread this onto your chilled cookie base layer. Cover it up and let it chill in the fridge again.

Step 03

Take cold milk and whisk it with the instant lemon pudding mix for about 2 minutes so it thickens perfectly. Pour it over the cream cheese layer, spreading evenly. Cover and put everything back in the fridge.

Step 04

Whip the remaining 1.5 cups of heavy cream together with the remaining teaspoon of lemon flavoring, a hint of vanilla, and the powdered sugar. Beat until it forms stiff peaks. Gently spread it over everything and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Step 05

Cut the dessert into squares. Add some fresh strawberries on top if you’d like.

Notes

  1. You need to refrigerate it for at least 4 hours before enjoying it.
  2. Fresh strawberries make a nice garnish but are totally optional!

Tools You'll Need

  • A large glass pan (about 9x13 size).
  • A gadget for crushing cookies—food processor or just a rolling pin.
  • Handheld electric mixer for blending things easily.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy products.
  • Made with ingredients that include wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 440
  • Total Fat: 29 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 43 g
  • Protein: 5 g