Description
Lemon Pretzel Salad is a refreshing layered dessert combining a crunchy salty pretzel crust with a creamy, tangy lemon filling and smooth cream cheese layer, perfect for a sweet and salty treat that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Lemon Pudding Layer
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant lemon pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1/4 cup sugar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pretzel crust.
- Mix Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Form Crust: Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create an even crust layer.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely to room temperature.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Then spread this mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
- Make Lemon Pudding Layer: In another bowl, whisk the instant lemon pudding mix, cold milk, and 1/4 cup sugar together. Wait for the pudding mixture to thicken, then gently fold in the whipped topping until combined thoroughly.
- Assemble Layers: Spread the lemon pudding mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer, smoothing the top for a neat finish.
- Chill Dessert: Refrigerate the assembled salad for at least 2 hours, allowing the layers to set properly.
- Serve: Once set, serve chilled and enjoy the delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors.
Notes
- Ensure the pretzel crust is completely cooled before spreading the cream cheese layer to prevent melting or uneven texture.
- Use cold milk for the pudding to help it set properly and achieve the right consistency.
- For a firmer dessert, you can refrigerate it for longer than 2 hours.
- Whipped topping can be substituted with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
- This salad is best served within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
