Judi's Luscious Lemon

This is a really good dessert that my "altar guild" buddy always brings to parish functions. It's very light after a kind of heavy meal and really easy to make!

• Ready In: 23 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 2  cups graham cracker crumbs
• 4  tablespoons sugar
• 1⁄4 cup  melted butter or 1⁄4 cup margarine
• 1 (4 ounce) package instant lemon pudding
• 1 1⁄2 cups  cold milk
• 2  teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1⁄2 cup  unsifted powdered sugar
• 2  teaspoons  lemon extract
• 1  container Cool Whip, divided

Directions

1. PREPARE CRUST: In a 9 x 13 inch oven-proof dish mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter or margarine.
2. Press mixture firmly into dish to make a crust.
3. Place graham cracker crust in a 300 degree oven for 8 minutes or until slightly brown.
4. Remove and allow to cool.
5. PREPARE 1ST LAYER: Mix softened cream cheese and powdered sugar with a mixer until smooth and thoroughly blended.
6. Add lemon extract and mix well.
7. Fold in 1/2 cup of the Cool Whip topping.
8. PREPARE 2ND LAYER: Mix the package of lemon pudding with 1 1/2 cups of cold milk with a mixer or whisk.
9. Add fresh lemon juice.
10. Blend all until mixture begins to thicken.
11. ASSEMBLE: Spread cream cheese filling (1st layer) over cooled graham cracker crust.
12. Be careful not to disrupt the crust too much.
13. Pour lemon filling (2nd layer) over the cream cheese filling, covering the entire thing.
14. Finish the dessert by spreading the Cool Whip topping over both layers.
15. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
16. Enjoy!