Description
Lemon Pretzel Dessert is a delightful layered treat featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese, and tangy lemon pudding topping. Perfectly balanced in flavors and textures, this no-bake pudding dessert is chilled until set and makes a refreshing summer dessert or any occasion favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed
Lemon Pudding Layer
- 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) lemon instant pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of sugar until well coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form a crust.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool completely to ensure it stays crisp and stable for layering.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until fully combined, creating a light, fluffy mixture.
- Assemble the Cream Cheese Layer: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, pressing slightly to seal the edges. This prevents the lemon pudding layer from seeping through to the crust below.
- Prepare the Lemon Pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon instant pudding mixes, cold milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest until the mixture thickens per the pudding package instructions.
- Assemble the Lemon Pudding Layer: Spread the thickened lemon pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Chill the Dessert: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the layers are fully set and chilled.
- Serve: Cut into squares and serve chilled. Optionally garnish with extra whipped topping, fresh lemon slices, or additional lemon zest for presentation.
Notes
- You can garnish with extra whipped topping, fresh lemon slices, or zest for presentation.
- For a sweeter flavor and different texture, substitute graham crackers for the pretzels in the crust.
- Make sure the pretzel crust is cooled completely before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting.
- Chilling the dessert overnight enhances flavor melding and texture.
