Lemon Lush Layered Cake (Print Version)

Layered citrus dessert with creamy filling and fluffy topping on buttery crust.

# 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 by lightly greasing or lining with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine flour, softened butter, and powdered sugar. Blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
03 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow the crust to cool completely before adding layers.
04 - Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping until fully incorporated. Spread the mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
05 - In a bowl, whisk together both packages of instant lemon pudding mix and cold milk for approximately 2 minutes until thickened. Stir in lemon zest if using. Allow the pudding to rest for 5 minutes to fully set, then spread evenly over the cream cheese layer.
06 - Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the lemon pudding layer, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
07 - Sprinkle lemon zest over the top for garnish if desired. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 3 or more, until fully chilled and set. Slice into squares and serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The three layers come together with almost no fuss, yet everyone assumes you spent all day in the kitchen.
  • That bright lemon flavor cuts through the richness perfectly, so even after a big meal nobody turns down a slice.
  • It feeds a crowd and actually tastes better after sitting overnight, which makes it a dream for entertaining.
02 -
  • If the crust is even slightly warm when you spread the cream cheese layer, everything will slide around and the layers will merge into a tasty but messy blob.
  • Patience during the chilling step is the single biggest factor between a cake that slices beautifully and one that collapses on the plate.
03 -
  • Set your cream cheese out first thing in the morning if you plan to bake in the afternoon, because cold cream cheese will leave you with unmixable lumps no matter how powerful your mixer is.
  • The instant pudding thickens fast, so have your cream cheese layer already spread and ready before you start whisking the lemon mixture.

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