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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the pretzel crust.
- Crush Pretzels: Use a food processor to crush 2½ cups of pretzels into small pieces, creating the base texture for the crust.
- 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.
- Add Melted Butter: Pour ½ cup melted butter into the pretzel mixture and stir thoroughly to ensure the mixture holds together when pressed.
- 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.
- Cool Crust: Allow the baked crust to cool completely at room temperature to ensure the creamy layers won’t melt.
- 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.
- Assemble Filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust layer in the baking dish.
- Add Lemon Layer: Spoon and spread the 22 ounces lemon pie filling evenly over the cream cheese layer for a tart contrast.
- Top with Pretzels: Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup crushed pretzel mixture over the top of the lemon filling for added crunch and texture.
- 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