Are you dreaming of a dessert that's both refreshingly tart and incredibly decadent? Look no further! This Lemon Lush recipe with a crunchy pecan crust is the perfect answer. It's surprisingly easy to make, requiring no fancy equipment or baking skills, yet delivers a wow-factor flavor combination that will impress your family and friends. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, perfect for those busy weeknights or special occasions. Get ready to experience a delightful homemade cooking adventure!
Ingredients:
For the Pecan Crust:
- 1 ½ cups pecan halves
- ½ cup graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
For the Lemon Filling:
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup lemon juice (about 3 large lemons)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Make the Pecan Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine the pecans, graham cracker crumbs, and sugar.
- Pour in the melted butter and mix well until evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let cool completely.
Prepare the Lemon Filling:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, eggs, lemon zest, and salt until smooth.
- Pour the lemon mixture over the cooled pecan crust.
Bake the Lemon Lush:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Let cool completely before adding the whipped cream.
Make the Whipped Cream Topping:
- In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
- Gently spread the whipped cream over the cooled lemon filling.
Refrigerate and Serve:
- Refrigerate the Lemon Lush for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set completely.
- Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Cooking Tips for the Best Lemon Lush:
- Use fresh lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a huge difference in the flavor of this dessert.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry filling. The center should be slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven.
- Chill thoroughly: Chilling allows the flavors to develop and the dessert to set properly.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the crust or use less sweetened condensed milk in the filling.
Variations:
- Blueberry Lemon Lush: Add a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the lemon filling for a delicious twist.
- Raspberry Lemon Lush: Substitute raspberries for blueberries for a different fruity flavor profile.
- Chocolate Pecan Crust: Use chocolate graham crackers instead of regular graham crackers for the crust.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: 10-15g
- Cholesterol: 40-50mg
- Sodium: 80-100mg
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Sugar: 30-35g
- Protein: 3-4g
This Lemon Lush recipe with pecan crust is a delightful combination of textures and flavors—a truly delicious dish perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!