Lemon pretzel dessert brings a bright, sweet salty twist that feels like sunshine in every bite. A buttery pretzel crumb crust delivers that satisfying crunch, then gives way to a light, cloudlike lemon cream filling bursting with citrus sparkle. Tart lemon and sweet vanilla balance perfectly, while a touch of coconut milk adds smooth, dairy free richness. Easy to assemble and wonderfully refreshing, this no bake treat is perfect for relaxed afternoons or party tables, and it disappears fast once the forks come out.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Pretzel Dessert
- It’s a delightful mix of sweet and salty flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- No baking required, making it a quick and easy treat for any occasion.
- Perfect for warm weather gatherings, bringing a refreshing citrus twist.
- Simple ingredients come together for a stunning presentation that impresses.
- Great for sharing with friends and family, everyone will want a second helping!
Lemon Pretzel Dessert
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. This will get it nice and warm for your crust!
- In a bowl, combine crushed pretzels, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 8 minutes and then let it cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
- In another bowl, whisk the lemon pudding mix with cold milk for about 2 minutes until it thickens. Spread this lemony goodness over the cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerate your dessert for at least 2 hours before serving. Once chilled, cut into squares and enjoy this sweet and salty treat!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbs | 34g |
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients for a delicious Lemon Pretzel Dessert!
- 2 cups crushed pretzels – for the crunchy base
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – sweetener for the crust
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted) – binds the crust together
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened) – creamy filling
- 1 cup powdered sugar – adds sweetness to the filling
- 8 oz whipped topping (thawed) – for a light texture
- 1 (3.4 oz) package lemon instant pudding mix – flavor enhancer
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk – needed for the pudding
How to Make Lemon Pretzel Dessert
This delightful Lemon Pretzel Dessert is a perfect blend of sweet and salty. With a prep time of just 20 minutes, a cooking time of 8 minutes, and a chilling time of at least 2 hours, you’ll have a refreshing treat ready to impress!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. This will get it nice and warm for your crust!
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a bowl, combine crushed pretzels, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 8 minutes and then let it cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Gently fold in the whipped topping. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
Step 4: Add the Lemon Pudding Layer
In another bowl, whisk the lemon pudding mix with cold milk for about 2 minutes until it thickens. Spread this lemony goodness over the cream cheese layer.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate your dessert for at least 2 hours before serving. Once chilled, cut into squares and enjoy this sweet and salty treat!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 8 minutes |
| Extra Time | 120 minutes (refrigerating) |
| Total Time | 148 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 12 |
| Best Served | Chilled and cut into squares! |
Pro Tips for Making Lemon Pretzel Dessert
- Use unsalted butter for a balanced flavor.
- Chill the dessert for at least 4 hours for the best texture.
- Opt for crushed pretzels for a finer crust.
- Experiment with lemon zest for an extra citrus kick.
- Top with fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve this Lemon Pretzel Dessert
- Serve chilled for a refreshing treat on warm days.
- Top with fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a pop of color.
- Drizzle with a little honey or agave syrup for extra sweetness.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla or lemon sorbet for a delightful contrast.
- Garnish with mint leaves for a fresh touch.
- Enjoy with a cup of herbal tea or lemonade for a perfect afternoon snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this Lemon Pretzel Dessert ahead and store it easily:
Storing Lemon Pretzel Dessert Leftovers
- Cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Keep in an airtight container for best freshness.
Freezing Lemon Pretzel Dessert
- Cut into individual portions for easy freezing.
- Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then foil.
- Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Lemon Pretzel Dessert
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- For best texture, serve chilled directly from the fridge.
- Avoid microwaving to maintain the crust’s crunchiness.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is a Lemon Pretzel Dessert?
A Lemon Pretzel Dessert is a delightful no-bake treat that combines the salty crunch of pretzels with a creamy, tangy lemon filling. It typically features a pretzel crust, a sweet cream cheese layer, and a refreshing lemon topping, making it a perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors that everyone will love!
2. What ingredients are needed to make a Lemon Pretzel Dessert?
To make a Lemon Pretzel Dessert, you will need pretzels, unsalted butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and whipped topping. These ingredients come together to create a delicious layered dessert that is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying!
3. How do I make a no-bake Lemon Pretzel Dessert?
Making a no-bake Lemon Pretzel Dessert is simple! Start by crushing the pretzels and mixing them with melted butter to form the crust. Then, whip together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and lemon juice for the filling. Layer the crust, filling, and whipped topping in a dish, and refrigerate until set. It’s a quick and easy process that yields a delicious result!
4. How should I store leftover Lemon Pretzel Dessert?
Leftover Lemon Pretzel Dessert should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to cover it well to maintain its creamy texture and prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. Enjoy it chilled for the best taste!
Final Thoughts
Get ready to indulge in the delightful layers of this Lemon Pretzel Dessert! It’s a sweet and salty masterpiece that’s as easy to whip up as it is to enjoy. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, this treat will surely bring smiles. So grab your ingredients and let the fun begin—your taste buds will thank you!