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Lemon Pretzel Dessert Recipe


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4.3 from 49 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

Lemon Pretzel Dessert is a delightful no-bake layered treat featuring a crunchy salted pretzel crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese layer, and a tart lemon pie filling topped with an extra sprinkle of crushed pretzels for texture. This dessert perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors with a buttery, salty crunch making it ideal for summer gatherings or any special occasion requiring a refreshing, easy-to-make dessert.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 2½ cups pretzels, crushed
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ⅔ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • ½ cup butter, melted

Filling

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 8 ounces cool whip
  • 22 ounces lemon pie filling

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the pretzel crust.
  2. Crush Pretzels: Use a food processor to crush 2½ cups of pretzels into small pieces, creating the base texture for the crust.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, ⅔ cup brown sugar, and 2 tablespoons flour until well combined.
  4. Add Melted Butter: Pour ½ cup melted butter into the pretzel mixture and stir thoroughly to ensure the mixture holds together when pressed.
  5. Form and Bake Crust: Spread the pretzel mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish, reserving ½ cup of the mixture for the topping. Press firmly into a smooth, even layer and bake for 10 minutes.
  6. Cool Crust: Allow the baked crust to cool completely at room temperature to ensure the creamy layers won’t melt.
  7. Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a medium bowl, beat 8 ounces room temperature cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup powdered sugar and continue beating until combined. Fold in 8 ounces cool whip until just blended to create a light, fluffy filling.
  8. Assemble Filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust layer in the baking dish.
  9. Add Lemon Layer: Spoon and spread the 22 ounces lemon pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer for a tart contrast.
  10. Top with Pretzels: Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup crushed pretzel mixture over the top of the lemon filling for added crunch and texture.
  11. Chill Everything: Cover the dessert and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow all layers to set properly before serving.

Notes

  • Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smooth filling.
  • Press the pretzel crust firmly to ensure it holds together when baked.
  • Chilling the dessert is crucial to achieve the perfect layered texture and flavors.
  • Use a fresh lemon pie filling for the best tangy flavor.
  • This dessert can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American