Description
Orange Lush Dessert is a delightful layered pudding treat featuring a buttery pecan crust, creamy orange-flavored pudding, and smooth whipped topping. This refreshing and colorful dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or any time you crave a citrus-inspired sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping (divided use)
Pudding Layer
- 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional)
Garnish
- orange slices or zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, softened butter, and chopped pecans until a crumbly dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of the whipped topping until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled crust layer.
- Prepare the pudding layer: In another bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mixes with the cold milk and orange juice. Continue whisking for about 2–3 minutes until the pudding thickens. If desired, stir in the orange zest for extra flavor. Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Add the topping and chill: Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer to create a smooth finishing layer. Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours or until fully set to allow the flavors to meld and layers to firm up.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, garnish the dessert with fresh orange slices or additional orange zest for an attractive presentation and added citrus aroma.
Notes
- You can substitute the vanilla pudding with white chocolate or cheesecake pudding mixes for a delicious variation.
- This dessert is best prepared a day in advance to allow all the layers to set fully and enhance the flavors.
- For a nut-free option, omit the chopped pecans in the crust.
- Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (with baked crust)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 3x3 inch)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
