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Lush Lemon Treat

Featured in: Desserts to Satisfy Every Craving

This layered lemon treat has an irresistible mix of a golden Oreo base, tangy lemon cream cheese, velvety pudding, and fluffy whipped topping. Sweet with just a splash of citrus kick!

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Updated on Sat, 10 May 2025 18:14:17 GMT
A layered lemon dessert on a plate with whipped topping, a strawberry, and lemon slices, served with a fork. Pin it
A layered lemon dessert on a plate with whipped topping, a strawberry, and lemon slices, served with a fork. | cookingkitchn.com

This no-bake layered treat features a crispy Golden Oreo base topped with zesty cream cheese, homemade lemon pudding, and fluffy whipped cream. It's super simple to throw together yet looks fancy enough for any summer party. The combo of buttery crunch, tangy citrus, and light creamy layers will make this your go-to dessert for everything from backyard barbecues to family get-togethers. Everyone will ask for seconds when they taste these bright, refreshing flavors!

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 don't just look pretty - they create an amazing mix of textures from bottom to top. Since there's no baking involved, it's perfect for hot summer days. Don't worry if you're new to making desserts - anyone can pull this off without a hitch. You can also switch things up based on what you like, making it your own creation that'll wow everyone at the table.

What You'll Need for Lemon Lush

  • Golden Oreo Cookies: They make up the yummy, crumbly foundation for all the other layers.
  • Butter: When melted, it helps the cookie crumbs stick together into a solid base.
  • Cream Cheese: Makes sure it's softened so you get that creamy, slightly tangy second layer.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: These bring that wake-up-your-taste-buds brightness that makes the dessert pop.
  • Lemon Pudding Mix: Creates that smooth, citrusy middle section without any fuss.
  • Heavy Cream: You'll use this for both the middle and top layers to add richness and fluffiness.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tangy lemon.
  • Optional Fresh Strawberries: They look pretty on top and add a nice fruity touch.

Putting Together the Base

Prepare the Crust
Smash those Golden Oreos into tiny bits with a food processor or by hand with a rolling pin. Mix in your melted butter until everything sticks together when you pinch it. Press this mixture firmly across the bottom of a 9x13-inch glass dish, making sure it's even. Pop it in the fridge to get firm while you work on the other stuff.

Whipping Up the Middle Layer

Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
Grab your hand mixer and beat together the soft cream cheese, regular sugar, fresh lemon juice, grated lemon peel, and a bit of lemon extract until everything looks smooth. Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and keep mixing until it thickens up nicely. Spread this evenly on top of your cold crust. Cover it with some 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. | cookingkitchn.com

Finishing Your Lemon Lush Layers

Prepare the Lemon Pudding
Mix cold milk with the instant lemon pudding powder until it's smooth with no lumps. Spread this pudding layer over your cream cheese mixture and put it back in the fridge.
Top with Whipped Cream
In a bowl, whip up the rest of your heavy cream with some powdered sugar, lemon extract, and vanilla until it forms stiff peaks when you lift the beater. Spread this fluffy topping over the pudding layer. Let everything chill for at least 4 hours so all layers can set properly.

Keeping and Enjoying Your Dessert

You can keep this treat in your fridge for about 4 days if you wrap it well with plastic. Want to make it ahead? Wrap the whole thing in plastic and foil and freeze it for up to a month. Just thaw it in the fridge before you plan to serve it. Right before bringing it to the table, add some fresh strawberries, blueberries, or thin lemon slices on top for that wow factor. The cool, bright flavor makes this dessert a standout at any gathering!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare it the day before?

Absolutely! It's even tastier when prepped ahead. Make it up to a day early, store it in the fridge, and the flavors will blend together beautifully.

→ Can I swap Golden Oreos for regular ones?

Golden Oreos pair best with lemon, but regular Oreos are fine too. Expect a darker look and a chocolatey twist instead of the vanilla taste.

→ How long will it keep fresh?

Store it covered in the fridge, and it's good for 4-5 days. The crust might soften a bit, but it'll still taste amazing.

→ Is this dessert freezer-friendly?

Fresh is best, but you can freeze it for up to two months. Wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, then thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

→ What can I add instead of strawberries?

Try raspberries, blueberries, or no fruit at all. A sprinkle of lemon zest works too as a lovely finishing touch.

Lush Lemon Treat

Delicious layers of golden Oreo crust, zesty lemon cream, pudding, and whipped topping. Perfectly finished with fresh fruit slices.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
240 Minutes
Total Time
270 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Sweet Delights

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 15 Servings (15 portions)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 36 Golden Oreo cookies, crushed.
02 6 tablespoons melted butter.
03 8 oz softened cream cheese.
04 1/4 cup white sugar.
05 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed).
06 Zest from 1 lemon.
07 2 teaspoons of lemon extract, used separately.
08 2 cups heavy whipping cream, divided.
09 1/3 cup icing sugar.
10 1 teaspoon vanilla essence.
11 6.8 oz lemon pudding mix (two 3.4 oz packs).
12 3 cups cold milk.
13 Optional: fresh strawberries for decorating.

Instructions

Step 01

Take your golden Oreos and crush them into fine bits using a food processor or by smashing with a rolling pin. Mix the crumbs with melted butter in a bowl until it sticks together nicely. Press the mixture firmly into the base of a 9x13 glass tray and pop it into the fridge to chill.

Step 02

In a big mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Then add the sugar, lemon zest, juice, one teaspoon of lemon extract, and about 1/2 cup cream. Continue mixing until it's fluffy and light, which should take two or three minutes. Spread this on top of the cookie crust, cover it up, and let it rest in the fridge.

Step 03

Whisk the lemon pudding mix with the cold milk for a couple minutes until it turns thick and silky. Pour this on top of the cream cheese layer while it’s still a little soft. Smooth it out to cover evenly, then throw it back in the fridge.

Step 04

Use an electric mixer to whip together the last 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream with powdered sugar, vanilla, and the last teaspoon of lemon extract. You’ll know it’s ready when stiff peaks start holding. Layer this all over the top and let it chill for at least 4 hours before dishing it up.

Step 05

Cut into neat squares and add some fresh strawberries on top for a pop of color, if you feel like it.

Notes

  1. Make sure to refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours before enjoying.
  2. Fresh strawberries make a great optional garnish.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 glass tray for assembly.
  • Rolling pin or food processor.
  • Electric hand mixer.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.
  • Contains 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