Description
Lemon Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy sweetened cream cheese layer, and a tangy lemon gelatin topping with pineapple. This refreshing and easy-to-make dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion that calls for a sweet, flavorful treat with a satisfying mix of textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (thawed)
Lemon Gelatin Topping
- 1 package (3 oz) lemon gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed pineapple (drained)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust.
- Bake Crust: Bake the pretzel crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Once baked, remove from oven and allow it to cool completely to ensure the next layers set properly.
- Make Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then fold in the whipped topping carefully to maintain a light texture.
- Assemble Cream Cheese Layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Be sure to spread it all the way to the edges to seal the crust and prevent the gelatin from seeping through. Place the dish in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the gelatin topping.
- Prepare Lemon Gelatin Mixture: In another bowl, dissolve the lemon gelatin powder in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring well until completely dissolved. Add 1 cup of cold water to the mixture and stir to combine. Allow the gelatin mixture to cool to room temperature to prevent it from melting the cream cheese layer.
- Add Pineapple and Pour Gelatin Layer: Stir the drained crushed pineapple into the cooled gelatin mixture. Gently pour the lemon gelatin and pineapple layer over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set. Once set, slice into squares and serve chilled for a refreshing and delicious treat.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese layer is spread fully to the edges to seal the crust and prevent the gelatin from leaking through.
- Let the lemon gelatin cool to room temperature before pouring over the cream cheese to avoid melting the layer.
- For a brighter presentation, garnish with lemon zest or fresh mint leaves.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
