Lemon Lush Dessert is a refreshing and decadent treat with a perfect balance of tangy lemon flavor and a creamy, dreamy texture. The shortbread crust provides a buttery base, while the lemon layers offer a light and zesty finish. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Shortbread Layer:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup cold butter
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and cold butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Press the crumbly mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden. Let the crust cool before adding the next layers.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes (not including cooling)
Variations
- Add a Whipped Cream Topping: Top the dessert with whipped cream or whipped topping for an extra creamy layer.
- Add Coconut: Stir in some shredded coconut into the shortbread layer for added texture.
- Lemon Meringue: Add a meringue topping on top of the lemon layer for a lemon meringue twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: This dessert is best served chilled and does not need reheating.
10 FAQs
- Can I use salted butter for the shortbread layer? Yes, you can, but it may slightly alter the flavor. Unsalted butter is recommended for more control over the salt content.
- Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare it a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
- Can I make the shortbread layer gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the shortbread layer gluten-free.
- Can I add more lemon flavor? You can enhance the lemon flavor by adding more lemon zest to the shortbread layer or using fresh lemon juice in the cream layer.
- Can I use a different crust? Yes, a graham cracker crust or even an Oreo crust can be used for a different flavor profile.
- What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish? You can use a smaller dish, but the crust may be thicker and the baking time may need to be adjusted.
- Is it necessary to let the crust cool completely before adding the next layers? It’s ideal to let the crust cool, as adding layers while hot can cause them to melt or mix into the crust.
- Can I make this dessert dairy-free? Yes, substitute dairy-free butter and use a non-dairy whipped topping and cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
- How do I make the cream layer? For the cream layer, you’ll need ingredients like cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipped topping (typically included in the full recipe).
- Can I freeze this dessert? Yes, this dessert can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Conclusion
Lemon Lush Dessert is a deliciously refreshing treat that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its buttery shortbread crust, tangy lemon flavor, and creamy layers, this dessert is sure to impress everyone who tries it. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering, holiday, or just a weeknight treat, Lemon Lush Dessert will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you wanting more!