Lemon Lush Dessert Shooters

These lemon lush dessert shooters are creamy, tangy, and layered with just the right amount of crunch. I love how they combine a nutty crust, a smooth cream cheese filling, and bright lemon pudding for a refreshing treat in mini portions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like that these shooters are served in individual cups, making them perfect for parties or gatherings. The layers are simple to assemble, yet they look elegant and taste like a bakery-quality dessert. I also love how the lemon flavor balances the richness of the cream cheese and whipped topping, making every bite light and satisfying.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

Crust
▢¼ cup finely chopped walnuts
▢½ cup all-purpose flour
▢1 Tablespoon brown sugar packed
▢4 Tablespoon butter melted

Filling
▢8 oz cream cheese softened
▢1 cup confectioners sugar
▢8 oz cool whip thawed (divided)
▢2 boxes instant lemon pudding 3.4 oz each
▢3 cups milk
▢2 Tablespoons additional chopped nuts for garnish optional

Directions

1. I mix the walnuts, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter together until well combined.
2. I press the mixture into a thin, even layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes until lightly golden. I let it cool completely, then crumble it for the crust base.
3. In a bowl, I beat the softened cream cheese and confectioners sugar until smooth. I fold in half of the cool whip to create a light, creamy filling.
4. In another bowl, I whisk the instant lemon pudding mix with milk until thickened.
5. To assemble, I layer some crumbled crust at the bottom of each shooter glass, then add a spoonful of cream cheese filling, followed by lemon pudding.
6. I repeat the layers if the glasses are tall enough, then finish with a topping of cool whip.
7. I garnish each shooter with additional chopped nuts before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 12 dessert shooters. It takes around 25 minutes to prepare plus 30 minutes to chill before serving.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the walnuts for pecans or almonds for a slightly different flavor. If I want a tropical twist, I use coconut pudding instead of lemon. I also like to add a layer of crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers for extra crunch.

Storage/Reheating

I store the shooters covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since they’re made with pudding and whipped topping, I don’t freeze them, as the texture changes after thawing. These are best served chilled straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I make these shooters ahead of time?

Yes, I like to prepare them a day in advance and keep them chilled until serving.

Do I need to bake the crust?

Yes, baking helps the crust hold together and gives it a nutty, toasted flavor.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, I often use freshly whipped cream for a lighter, less sweet option.

What size cups work best for shooters?

I usually use 2–3 oz plastic or glass cups, which are the perfect size for layered desserts.

Can I make this as a full-size dessert instead of shooters?

Yes, I can layer everything in a 9×13-inch dish and slice it into squares.

What kind of nuts can I use in the crust?

I usually use walnuts, but pecans or almonds also taste great.

Can I use sugar-free pudding mix?

Yes, sugar-free pudding mix works just as well if I want to lighten the dessert.

How long do the shooters need to chill?

I like to chill them for at least 30 minutes so the flavors set and the dessert firms up.

Can I add fruit to these shooters?

Yes, I sometimes add fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries between the layers.

How do I prevent the layers from mixing together?

I spoon each layer gently into the cups and let the fillings firm up slightly before adding the next.

Conclusion

These lemon lush dessert shooters are one of my favorite layered desserts because they’re easy to make, perfectly portioned, and full of bright lemon flavor. I love how elegant they look in small cups, and they’re always a crowd-pleaser at parties or special occasions.

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