Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the oven is hot enough for your crust to bake properly.
Spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This will prevent the crust from sticking and make for easy removal later.
In a large bowl, combine the crust ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and ¼ cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts. Using either a stand or hand mixer, mix these ingredients until completely combined.
Once mixed, press the crust mixture into the prepared baking dish evenly. Make sure it's compact, as this will form the base of your dessert.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking!
Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and set it aside to cool completely. This step is crucial, as a hot crust can melt the cream cheese layer.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer will make this process easier.
Stir in the zest and juice of 1 lemon, along with 8 ounces of thawed whipped topping. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth. This mixture should be creamy and flavorful.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust evenly, creating a nice base for the pudding layer.
Now, place your dish in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the cream cheese layer set slightly.
In a separate large bowl, combine 2 boxes of instant lemon pudding and 3 cups of cold milk. Whisk together until smooth and creamy. This will create the pudding layer that adds a delightful texture.
Once the pudding is ready, spread it over the cream cheese layer in the dish. Make sure it’s even and covers the entire surface.
Return the dish to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 15 minutes or until the pudding is set. This step is essential for the right consistency.
Finally, spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer. This adds a creamy finish and makes the dessert look beautiful.
If desired, garnish with optional chopped nuts, lemon zest, or lemon slices for an added touch.
Place the dessert in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve, ideally for at least 1 hour. This allows all the layers to meld together beautifully.
When serving, make sure to store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
