Sugar Cookie Lemonade Crumble

Short Description
Sugar Cookie Lemonade Crumble is a delightful dessert that combines the nostalgic sweetness of sugar cookies with a refreshing lemon pudding filling. Finished with a buttery crumble topping, these chilled bars are the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures—ideal for summer gatherings or whenever you’re craving a zesty treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy and Accessible: Made with a sugar cookie mix and instant pudding, this dessert requires minimal prep and ingredients.

Bright and Refreshing: The lemon flavor adds a tart contrast to the sweet cookie base and topping.

Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert: Needs time to chill, making it ideal for preparing in advance.

Crowd-Pleaser: Great for potlucks, picnics, and parties with its vibrant flavor and sliceable form.

Customizable: Easily adapted with homemade cookie dough or garnishes like whipped cream and fresh berries.

Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Base:

1 (17.5 oz) pouch sugar cookie mix

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 egg

For the Filling:

1 (3.4 oz) box instant lemon pudding mix

1 1/2 cups cold milk

1 cup whipped topping

1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

For the Crumble:

1/2 cup reserved cookie dough (from base mixture)

1/4 cup flour

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon melted butter

Directions
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Prepare Cookie Base
In a bowl, combine the sugar cookie mix with softened butter and egg until a dough forms. Reserve 1/2 cup of the dough for the crumble topping. Press the remaining dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Bake Base
Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the base cool completely in the pan.

Make Lemon Filling
In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, about 2–3 minutes. Gently fold in the whipped topping and lemon zest until well combined.

Assemble Crumble Topping
Mix the reserved cookie dough with flour, sugar, and melted butter until crumbly. Set aside.

Layer Filling and Topping
Spread the lemon pudding mixture over the cooled cookie base. Sprinkle the prepared crumble evenly over the top.

Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the dessert for 2–3 hours, or until set. Slice into bars before serving. Garnish with lemon zest or slices if desired.

Servings and Timing
Servings: 9 bars

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 18 minutes

Chill Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 33 minutes

Calories: Approximately 290 kcal per bar

Variations
Homemade Cookie Dough: Use your own sugar cookie dough for a fresher, homemade touch.

Citrus Blend: Mix lemon and lime zest in the filling for a more complex citrus flavor.

Fruit Topping: Add a layer of fresh berries before the crumble for a fruity finish.

Extra Tang: Add a few tablespoons of lemon juice to the pudding mix for an intensified lemon flavor.

Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with gluten-free cookie mix and ensure other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: These bars can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap each slice individually and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating: This dessert is best served chilled. Reheating is not recommended.

FAQs
Can I use homemade sugar cookie dough?
Yes, homemade sugar cookie dough works beautifully and can enhance the flavor and texture of the base.

What can I use instead of instant pudding?
If you prefer, you can use homemade lemon curd or cook-and-serve pudding, though chilling time may vary.

Is it necessary to chill the bars?
Yes, chilling helps the filling set properly and improves both texture and flavor.

Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes, just ensure it’s whipped to stiff peaks and folded gently into the lemon pudding mixture.

What if I don’t have lemon zest?
You can skip it, but lemon zest adds a burst of citrus flavor. Bottled lemon juice is not a direct substitute.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply use a 9×13-inch pan and double all ingredient quantities. Adjust baking time as needed.

Are these bars very sweet?
They are moderately sweet with a tangy lemon flavor that balances the sugar cookie base and topping.

Can I use lemon extract for stronger flavor?
Yes, a few drops of lemon extract can be added to the filling for a more pronounced lemon flavor.

How do I keep the crumble topping from getting soggy?
Ensure the base is fully cooled before adding the filling and topping, and chill the bars uncovered initially.

What’s the best way to slice the bars cleanly?
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts for clean, even slices.

Conclusion
Sugar Cookie Lemonade Crumble is a vibrant, refreshing dessert that combines the simplicity of cookie mix with the zesty delight of lemon pudding. Perfect for warm weather, potlucks, or when you want a chilled treat with layers of flavor and texture, these bars are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether using store-bought ingredients or homemade touches, they deliver a burst of sunshine in every bite.

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