Lemon Lush Layered Cake (Printable)
Luscious layered citrus dessert with buttery crust, creamy filling, and fluffy whipped topping
# What You'll Need:
→ Crust
01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
03 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
→ Cream Cheese Layer
04 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
05 - 1 cup powdered sugar
06 - 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), thawed
→ Lemon Layer
07 - 2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant lemon pudding mix
08 - 2 1/2 cups cold milk
09 - 2 tsp grated lemon zest (optional)
→ Topping
10 - 1 1/2 cups whipped topping, thawed
11 - 1 tbsp lemon zest, for garnish (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish.
02 - In a medium bowl, blend flour, softened butter, and powdered sugar until crumbly. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish.
03 - Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow to cool completely before proceeding.
04 - Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Gently fold in whipped topping. Spread mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
05 - Whisk together lemon pudding mixes and cold milk (and lemon zest, if using) for 2 minutes until thickened. Let sit for 5 minutes to fully set, then spread evenly over the cream cheese layer.
06 - Spread remaining whipped topping evenly over the lemon layer. Garnish with lemon zest if desired.
07 - Chill for at least 2 hours, preferably 3 or more, before slicing and serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Three distinct layers mean every single bite hits differently and people will genuinely ask you for the recipe.
- The instant pudding does all the heavy lifting so you get that bright lemon flavor without juicing a single fruit.
02 -
- The crust must cool completely before you add the cream cheese layer or everything melts into a soupy mess.
- Do not skimp on the chilling time because slicing too early gives you a wobbly, sad looking piece.
03 -
- Dip your knife in hot water and dry it before each cut for perfectly clean edges every single time.
- Soften the cream cheese in the microwave for fifteen seconds if you forgot to leave it out, but never try using it cold.