Lemon Lush Layered Cake (Printable Version)
A refreshing layered dessert with buttery crust, creamy lemon filling, and light whipped topping.
# What You 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.
02 - In a medium bowl, blend flour, softened butter, and powdered sugar until crumbly. Press evenly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
03 - Bake crust for 18 to 20 minutes, or until lightly golden. Allow to cool completely before proceeding.
04 - With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. 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.
07 - Sprinkle lemon zest over the top for garnish if desired.
08 - Chill for at least 2 hours, preferably 3 or more, before slicing and serving.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Three distinct layers mean every bite hits different textures and flavors, from crumbly to creamy to airy.
- It looks like you spent all day on it, but the actual hands on work is surprisingly manageable.
- The lemon flavor is bright without being sour, and even people who claim they dont like desserts come back for seconds.
02 -
- If the crust is even slightly warm when you spread the cream cheese layer, it will melt into a messy swirl that looks fine but ruins the distinct layers.
- Under chilling is the number one reason this cake falls apart when you slice it, so give it the full time and then some.
03 -
- Set a timer for the crust because even one minute too long in the oven will make it hard instead of tender.
- Always taste your pudding layer before spreading it, since the tartness of pudding mixes can vary by brand and you might want a little extra zest to balance it out.