This is the perfect spring and summer dessert to feed a small gathering or even a crowd. It's light, fluffy, cold and full of creamy flavor.
Pecan Crust:
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. butter melted
1/2 c. finely chopped pecans
1/4 c. granulated white sugar
Lemon Cream Cheese Layer:
16 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
1 c. powdered sugar, sifted
1-2 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice from 1 lemon
Lemon Pudding Layer:
6.8 oz. instant lemon pudding mix (two 3.4 oz. packages)
2 c. milk
Whipped Topping:
8 oz. Cool Whip, thawed
finely chopped pecans, for garnish
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Pecan Crust:
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, butter, pecans and sugar. Press into the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking pan.
Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven.
Cool completely before adding any layers.
Lemon Cream Cheese Layer:
Using a hand electric mixer, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, 1-2 T. lemon juice. Mixture should be even and smooth. Spread evenly on top of the completely cooled pecan crust.
Lemon Pudding Layer:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk milk and instant lemon pudding mix until set. It might take 4-5 minutes to thicken. Spread evenly on top of the lemon cream cheese mixture.
Spread Cool Whip on top of the lemon pudding layer. Garnish with finely chopped pecans.
Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.
Serve.
12-24 servings.