No-Bake Dessert Lush

No-Bake Dessert Lush is a layered dessert that’s cool, creamy, and incredibly easy to make. A crumbly cookie crust is topped with sweetened cream cheese, pudding, and whipped topping — no baking required. You can make it chocolate, lemon, or even strawberry depending on your mood. It’s the perfect dessert for potlucks, summer gatherings, or when you just want something effortless and delicious.

This recipe came about one summer when it was too hot to turn on the oven. I wanted something creamy and sweet but refreshing — and the No-Bake Dessert Lush became the answer. With its buttery crust, fluffy cream cheese layer, pudding filling, and whipped topping, it’s rich yet light, and it melts in your mouth with every bite.

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Cuisine: American / Layered Dessert
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 10–12
Calories: ~360 per serving

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Ingredients

Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or crushed vanilla wafers/Oreos)
• ½ cup melted butter

Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

Pudding Layer:

• 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant pudding mix — chocolate, lemon, or vanilla
• 3 cups cold milk

Topping:

• 2 cups whipped topping
• Optional garnishes: shaved chocolate, lemon zest, fresh berries, or crushed cookies

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Instructions

1. Make the Crust
Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. Chill while preparing the next layers.

2. Cream Cheese Layer
Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread evenly over the crust.

3. Pudding Layer
Whisk pudding mix and milk for about 2 minutes until thickened. Spread over the cream cheese layer.

4. Final Layer
Top with remaining whipped topping. Smooth with a spatula and garnish as desired.

5. Chill
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) before serving.

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Pro Tips

• Use cold milk for the pudding so it sets properly.
• Make sure each layer is firm before adding the next for neat slices.
• For a crunchier crust, add chopped nuts or coconut to the crumbs.
• Try mixing two pudding flavors for fun combinations — like chocolate and vanilla swirl.

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Flavor Variations

• Chocolate Lush: Use Oreo crust and chocolate pudding.
• Lemon Lush: Use graham crust and lemon pudding; top with zest.
• Strawberry Lush: Use vanilla wafers, strawberry pudding, and fresh berries on top.
• Peanut Butter Lush: Add ½ cup peanut butter to the cream cheese layer and use chocolate pudding.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled, straight from the fridge.
• Garnish with fruit, drizzle with caramel or chocolate syrup, or sprinkle crushed cookies on top.
• Great for birthdays, holidays, or warm-weather get-togethers.

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Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Cover and store up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

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FAQs

Q: Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
A: Yes, just make sure it’s stabilized (add a bit of powdered sugar) so it holds its texture.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Definitely — this dessert actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours or overnight.

Q: What if my pudding layer is too runny?
A: Make sure you’re using instant pudding and cold milk. Allow it to thicken before spreading.

Q: Can I use gluten-free crust?
A: Absolutely. Just swap in gluten-free cookies or graham crackers for the crust.

Q: Can I make individual servings?
A: Yes! Layer the ingredients in cups or jars for single-serve desserts — perfect for parties.