These Lemon Lush Dessert Shooters are a burst of sunshine in every bite, combining zesty lemon with creamy layers for a treat that’s both refreshing and indulgent. In just 25 minutes, you can create 24 perfectly portioned shooters, ideal for parties or a sweet pick-me-up.
The velvety cream cheese base, tangy lemon filling, and buttery crumb topping create a delightful harmony of textures and flavors. Each shooter is a mini masterpiece, offering a balance of sweet and tart that’s impossible to resist. Light yet satisfying, they’re a guilt-free way to end any meal or brighten your day.
With only 113 calories per shooter, these treats are as kind to your waistline as they are to your taste buds. The bright citrus notes paired with the rich, creamy layers make every spoonful a sensory delight.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these shooters are a crowd-pleaser that’s quick, easy, and utterly delicious. Their vibrant flavor and elegant presentation make them a standout dessert that’s sure to impress. Perfect for any occasion, they’re a little taste of luxury you can whip up in no time.
Ingredients for Lemon Lush Dessert Shooters
- Crust:
- ¼ cup finely chopped walnuts
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar (packed)
- 4 Tablespoons 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
- Optional Garnish:
- 2 Tablespoons additional chopped nuts
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a food processor, combine walnuts, flour, brown sugar, and melted butter. Pulse until well mixed. Press about 1 teaspoon of the mixture into the bottom of each of the 24 (2 oz) shot glasses.
- Make the Filling: In a stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add confectioners sugar, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Mix in 1 cup of Cool Whip until fully combined. Transfer the filling to a quart-sized ziploc bag and cut a 1-inch hole in one corner. Pipe the filling evenly over the crust layer in the shot glasses.
- Prepare the Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and milk for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture thickens. Pour the pudding into a gallon-sized ziploc bag and cut a 1-inch hole in one corner. Pipe the pudding evenly over the filling layer in the shot glasses.
- Add the Topping: Transfer the remaining Cool Whip to another quart-sized ziploc bag and cut a 1-inch hole in one corner. Pipe a layer of Cool Whip on top of the pudding. Sprinkle with additional chopped nuts if desired.
- Chill and Serve: Keep the dessert shooters refrigerated until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
Elevate your Lemon Lush Dessert Shooters with a drizzle of raspberry coulis or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a burst of freshness. For a touch of indulgence, add a dollop of whipped cream or a few white chocolate shavings. These simple additions can transform your shooters into a show-stopping dessert!
Serve with Style: Presentation Tips
Arrange your Lemon Lush Dessert Shooters on a chilled platter for a stunning display. Add a sprig of fresh mint or a slice of lemon to each glass for a pop of color. For a party, consider setting up a DIY garnish station with toppings like crushed graham crackers, toasted coconut, or mini lemon candies for guests to customize their shooters.
Keep It Fresh: Storage and Serving Tips
These shooters are best enjoyed chilled, so store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. If making ahead, assemble them up to 24 hours in advance and cover with plastic wrap to keep them fresh. For a firmer texture, let them sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations
Swap out the lemon pudding for vanilla or key lime for a different flavor profile. For a nut-free version, replace the walnuts in the crust with graham cracker crumbs. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of Cool Whip for a tangier, lighter filling. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite!
Quick Tips: Time-Saving Hacks
To save time, prepare the crust mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container. Use pre-chopped nuts to skip the chopping step. If you’re short on time, skip the piping bags and simply spoon each layer into the shot glasses—it’s just as delicious and much quicker!
Lemon Lush Dessert Shooters
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Set out 24 2 oz shot glasses
- In food processor combine all ingredients for crust (walnuts, flour, brown sugar and melted butter)
- Pulse until well combined.
- Press about 1 tsp into the bottom of each shot glass.
- In stand mixer, beat cream cheese.
- Slowly add confectioners sugar, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.
- Add 1 cup Cool Whip, mixing until all ingredients are well combined
- Transfer filling to quart-sized ziploc bag and cut a 1″ hole in the corner of the bag.
- Evenly distribute filling among shot glasses, piping on top of crust
- In large bowl, combine instant pudding mix and milk, whisking for about 3 minutes (until mixture thickens).
- Pour pudding mix into gallon-sized ziploc bag and cut 1″ hole in the corner of the bag.
- Evenly distribute pudding among shot glass, piping on top of first layer.
- Transfer remaining Cool Whip to quart-sized ziploc bag and cut 1″ hole in one corner of the bag.
- Pipe Cool Whip on top of pudding layer.
- Sprinkle with additional nuts if desired.
- Keep refrigerated.