Print

Creamy Lemon Lush Dessert Recipe with Crunchy Graham Cracker Crust

creamy lemon lush dessert - featured image

A quick and easy creamy lemon dessert featuring a luscious lemon cream cheese filling and a crunchy graham cracker crust, perfect for gatherings and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 150g)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (about 85g)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (about 50g)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (about 225g)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold (240ml)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (about 125g)
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 120ml, 23 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold (240ml) for topping
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for topping
  • Optional: thin lemon slices or extra zest for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
  2. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish to form an even layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let cool completely.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract; mix until fully combined.
  4. In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 cup cold heavy cream to stiff peaks using an electric mixer or whisk (3-5 minutes).
  5. Gently fold whipped cream into the lemon cream cheese mixture in batches, keeping it light and airy.
  6. Spread the lemon filling evenly over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Whip the remaining 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tablespoons powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread this whipped cream layer gently over the lemon filling.
  8. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set and meld flavors.
  9. Before serving, garnish with thin lemon slices or extra zest if desired. Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

Use cold heavy cream and chilled bowls for best whipping results. Press crust firmly before baking to prevent crumbling. Fresh lemon juice and zest are key for bright flavor. Fold whipped cream gently to keep dessert light and airy. Chill overnight for best texture and flavor. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute ingredients as suggested.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon dessert, creamy lemon lush, graham cracker crust, easy lemon dessert, no bake lemon dessert, summer dessert, crowd-pleaser