Description
This Lemon Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert combining a crunchy, salty pretzel crust with a creamy cream cheese layer and a light, tangy lemon pudding topping. Perfectly balanced between sweet and salty flavors, it’s an easy no-bake treat that sets in the fridge and serves 12.
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 the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar, stirring thoroughly until well mixed.
- Form Crust. Press the pretzel mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a uniform crust layer.
- Bake Crust. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Once done, remove it and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Evenly spread this over the cooled pretzel crust.
- Make Lemon Pudding Mixture. Whisk together the instant lemon pudding mix, cold milk, and 1/4 cup sugar in another bowl. Allow the mixture to thicken, then gently fold in the whipped topping until fully combined.
- Add Lemon Layer. Spread the lemon pudding layer evenly on top of the cream cheese layer, smoothing the surface carefully.
- Chill Salad. Refrigerate the assembled salad for at least 2 hours, or until completely set and firm.
- Serve. Slice and serve chilled for a refreshing dessert that perfectly blends sweet and salty flavors.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cream cheese layer.
- Use a light hand when folding in the whipped topping to keep the lemon layer fluffy.
- For easier slicing, chill the dessert overnight.
- This dessert is best served within 2-3 days of preparation for optimal freshness.
