The Most Scrumptious Gluten-Free Lemon Lush

Name: Lemon Lush
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 5 h
Yield: 1, 9x13 Pan
Ingredients: 1 1/2 c. gluten-free flour blend, spooned and leveled (I use Bob's RedMill); 1/2 c. powdered sugar; 3/4 c. unsalted COLD butter, cubed; Pinch of salt; 1/2 tsp. vanilla; 1 c. powdered sugar; 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature; 8 oz. container of Cool Whip, divided (1 cup for cream cheese layer and then save the rest for topping); 6 large eggs, room temperature; 1/2 c. lemon juice; 1 Tbsp. lemon zest; 1/2 c. unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 1/2 c. sugar; 2 Tbsp. cornstarch; Pinch of salt

Desserts

Jun 24

Written By Kali Terry

There are desserts that merely satisfy a sweet craving—and then there are desserts that feel like a celebration in every bite. Gluten-Free Lemon Lush is one of the latter. With its dreamy layers, vibrant citrus notes, and pillowy whipped topping, this dessert feels like spring and summer wrapped up in golden sunshine. Whether you’re hosting a garden party, a casual brunch, or simply want a refreshing treat to enjoy on the porch swing, Lemon Lush is always the right choice.

In this post, I won’t just hand over a recipe—I want to take you on a sensory journey. We'll explore the textures, flavors, and beauty of this gluten-free gem, and why it's one of the most crowd-pleasing, mood-lifting desserts you can bring to the table.

Jump to Recipe

☀️ A Symphony in Three Layers

Let’s start by peeling back the layers—literally.

1. The Crust: Buttery, Tender, Just a Bit Crumbly

At the base of this Lemon Lush lies a golden shortbread-like crust made from a gluten-free flour blend (Bob’s Red Mill is my go-to). It’s subtly sweet with powdered sugar and has a delicate, crumbly bite that melts in your mouth thanks to cold, cubed butter. The vanilla and salt gently elevate the flavor, preventing it from tasting flat, which can sometimes happen in gluten-free bakes.

The texture is key here: not too crunchy, not too soft. It’s sturdy enough to hold up the other layers, but delicate enough to give that "light but indulgent" feel. Think of it as the flaky crust of a lemon tart mixed with the soft texture of a shortbread cookie. Bliss.

2. The White Layer: Creamy, Cool, Slightly Tangy

This is the layer where decadence meets cloud-like softness. A dreamy combo of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipped topping (Cool Whip, in this case) creates a smooth, velvety filling that adds body and richness without feeling heavy.

It’s tangy from the cream cheese, sweet from the sugar, and incredibly airy from the Cool Whip. This layer serves as the perfect contrast to the crust—it’s where firm meets fluffy, savory meets sweet.

And because the Cool Whip is divided, a portion of it will also be saved for the top layer—doubling down on that light, whipped texture.

3. The Yellow Layer: Bright, Zesty, Silky Lemon Curd

Ah, the crown jewel of this dessert: the lemon curd. This homemade curd is where the magic happens. Made from fresh lemon juice, zest, eggs, butter, sugar, and a touch of cornstarch, it’s thick, luscious, and packed with puckery citrus flavor.

Unlike store-bought lemon fillings that can be cloying or gelatinous, this one is rich yet smooth, tart but sweet, with a silkiness that coats the tongue in the most satisfying way. The cornstarch adds just the right thickness, and the lemon zest ensures that you get a burst of real lemon oil in every bite. It’s sunshine in edible form.

💛 What Makes Lemon Lush So Perfect for Spring and Summer?

This dessert feels like it was created specifically for warmer weather. Here's why:

Light but Decadent: While many summer desserts are either too rich (hello, cheesecake) or too light (looking at you, fruit salad), Lemon Lush strikes the perfect balance. It's satisfying without leaving you overly full.
No Heavy Baking Required: Only the crust needs to go in the oven, and it bakes quickly. The rest of the dessert comes together in layers with minimal heat, perfect for hot days.
Bright, Refreshing Flavor: The lemon curd is tart, zippy, and fresh—exactly what your palate craves after grilled food or picnic fare.
Visually Stunning: That soft golden crust, creamy white middle, and sunshine-yellow topping make for a stunning slice that looks like summer on a plate.

Serving Suggestions & Occasions

Gluten-Free Lemon Lush is surprisingly versatile. Its elegance makes it fit for bridal showers or Easter brunches, while its comfort-food charm means it wouldn’t be out of place at a backyard barbecue or weeknight dinner.

Best Ways to Serve:

Chilled: This dessert absolutely shines when served cold. Let it rest in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight) so the layers set up and the flavors meld.
In Slices or Squares: Use a sharp knife (wipe it between slices) to get those Instagram-worthy clean layers.
Garnish Ideas:
- A twist of lemon zest on top
- Fresh berries (raspberries or blueberries are perfect)
- A sprig of mint
- Edible flowers for a whimsical touch

When to Make Lemon Lush:

Mother’s Day or Father’s Day brunches
Spring birthdays
Baby or bridal showers
Summer potlucks or BBQs
Memorial Day and 4th of July cookouts
Lazy Sunday afternoons when the sun is high and your sweet tooth calls

Why This Gluten-Free Version Works So Well

If you’re familiar with gluten-free baking, you know it can sometimes be a minefield of gummy textures, weird aftertastes, or crumbly disappointments. But not here.

Here's why this one hits the mark:

Bob’s Red Mill GF Flour Blend offers the perfect balance of structure and tenderness.
Powdered sugar in the crust gives it a melt-in-your-mouth quality rather than the grittiness that granulated sugar might bring.
Cool Whip provides structure and fluff without any risk of separation, which is key for gluten-free layering desserts.
No complicated substitutions or specialty ingredients—just a clean, straightforward recipe that happens to be gluten-free.

Let the baking begin!

TIPS AND TRICKS:

- Let crust completely cool before spreading on the cream cheese layer.

- The cream cheese needs to be room temperature. It helps to cut it up into small pieces to get it soft so it can mix well without any tiny lumps.

- Zest the lemons BEFORE juicing. Be sure to only use the yellow part of the skin and not the white pith layer underneath.

- After juicing the lemons, strain the juice to remove any pulp and seeds.

- While the curd is cooking be sure to stir CONSTANTLY with a wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula.

- If you happen to get some small lumps in your curd, strain the curd through a sieve before refrigerating.

Final Thoughts: A Slice of Sunshine for Everyone

There’s something special about a dessert that can lift your mood just by looking at it. Gluten-Free Lemon Lush is like that. It's golden, glossy, fluffy, and layered with love. Whether you're gluten-free by necessity or choice—or even if you're not—this dessert delivers all the sweet, tangy joy you could ask for.

It’s easy enough for a weekday treat and special enough for holidays. It’s nostalgic yet modern, comforting yet refreshing. And once you’ve made it once, don’t be surprised if it becomes your new warm-weather tradition.

So the next time the sun is shining, and you’re looking for the perfect dessert to match your mood—or elevate it—go ahead and slice into some lemon lush. You deserve it.