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Lemon Pretzel Dessert Recipe

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4.1 from 13 reviews

This refreshing Lemon Pretzel Dessert features a crunchy pretzel crust layered with a creamy sweetened cream cheese topping and tangy lemon pie filling, perfect for a make-ahead treat. The dessert combines salty, sweet, and citrus flavors with a delightful texture contrast, ideal for family gatherings or potlucks.

Ingredients

Crust & Topping

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

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 8 ounces Cool Whip

Lemon Layer

  • 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: Using a food processor, crush the pretzels into small pieces to create the base and topping crumbs.
  3. Mix Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, vanilla extract, brown sugar, and flour. Stir well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
  4. Add Melted Butter: Pour the melted butter into the pretzel mixture and stir until fully incorporated, ensuring the crust will hold together.
  5. Form Crust: Press most of the pretzel mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish, reserving ½ cup of the mixture for later. Press firmly to create an even, smooth layer.
  6. Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely to set properly.
  7. Prepare Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, continuing to beat until fully combined. Fold in the Cool Whip gently until just mixed.
  8. Assemble Cream Cheese Layer: Once the crust is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pretzel base.
  9. Add Lemon Pie Filling: Spread the lemon pie filling over the cream cheese layer evenly to cover the surface.
  10. Top with Remaining Crust Mixture: Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of pretzel mixture evenly over the lemon layer for added crunch and texture.
  11. Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld beautifully before serving.

Notes

  • Be sure the pretzel crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting.
  • You can substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pretzels.
  • This dessert tastes best when chilled overnight, allowing flavors to deepen.
  • Use a non-stick or lightly greased baking dish to help with removal and serving.

Find it online: https://lauracooks.com/lemon-pretzel-dessert-recipe/