Cool, creamy, and bursting with citrusy brightness, this 20-Minute Lemon Lush (No-Bake!) is a dreamy dessert that comes together in layers of effortless indulgence.
Perfect for warm days or last-minute gatherings, its graham cracker crust and zesty lemon pudding deliver a sweet-tart harmony no one can resist.
Star Players in This No-Bake Lemon Lush Dessert
Graham crackers – Crushed and sweetened, these form the crisp, golden crust that anchors the dessert with a familiar, cozy crunch.
Butter – Melted and mixed in, it binds the crumbs together into a firm, buttery base.
Cream cheese – Whipped until smooth, it creates a tangy, rich layer that balances the sweetness beautifully.
Confectioners’ sugar – Adds gentle sweetness and a velvety texture to the cream cheese blend.
Lemon juice – Just a splash gives the filling its bright citrus pop and lifts the overall flavor.
Cool Whip – Light and airy, it forms two luscious layers: one folded into the cream cheese and one as a fluffy topping.
Instant lemon pudding – The heart of the lemony flavor, it adds a silky, vibrant middle that sets up quickly.
Milk – Activates the pudding mix and creates that perfectly thick, custardy texture.
How to Make This Lemon Lush Delight
Start by mixing crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar until combined, then press the mixture into a dish to form the crust. Chill until firm.
Next, blend softened cream cheese with confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, and half the Cool Whip. Spread that creamy layer over the crust.
Whisk together the instant lemon pudding and milk until thick, then pour it gently over the cream cheese layer. Top it all with the remaining Cool Whip for a cloud-like finish.
Chill for at least an hour—or longer if you can wait—before slicing into cool, creamy squares of citrus heaven.
Zesty Tips for Lemon Lush Lovers
To elevate the citrus zing, use freshly squeezed lemon juice—it makes a noticeable difference in flavor depth. For a slightly tangier twist, try using lemon zest in the cream cheese layer.
If you prefer homemade whipped cream, swap out the Cool Whip for freshly whipped cream sweetened with a bit of vanilla. Just make sure it’s stabilized if you’re storing it overnight.
Want to add a decorative flair? Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or lemon zest on top just before serving. Fresh berries also pair beautifully for a summery finish.
Keeping It Cool: How to Store Lemon Lush
Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep it fresh and firm. If you want to prep it ahead, you can make it a day in advance—just wait to garnish until right before serving.
While freezing isn’t recommended for best texture, individual slices can be frozen and enjoyed slightly thawed for a chilled summer treat.
20-Minute Lemon Lush Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tub 16 oz Cool Whip, thawed and divided
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cups cold milk
- 2 boxes 3.4 oz each instant lemon pudding mix
- 10 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers approximately 14 large crackers
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the crushed graham crackers, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture is well blended. Firmly press this crumb mixture into the base of a 9×13-inch dish to form an even crust. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
- In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, and half of the Cool Whip using a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Evenly spread this layer over the chilled graham cracker crust.
- In a large bowl, whisk the lemon pudding mixes with the cold milk for 3 to 5 minutes, until the mixture thickens. Pour and spread this pudding layer uniformly over the cream cheese mixture.
- Gently top the dessert with the remaining Cool Whip, smoothing it over the surface. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.