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Delicious Lemon Pretzel Dessert with pretzel crust and creamy lemon filling.

Lemon Pretzel Dessert

A refreshing dessert with a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy middle, and a bright lemon layer that's easy to make ahead.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the pretzel crust
  • 2 cups crushed pretzels Crushed in a bag with a rolling pin
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 3/4 cup melted butter
For the creamy layer
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 8 ounces whipped topping Or homemade whipped cream
For the lemon layer
  • 2 small boxes lemon pudding mix (instant)
  • 3 cups cold milk
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons lemon zest Optional but enhances flavor

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. Mix crushed pretzels, sugar, and melted butter until evenly coated.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into a 9x13 dish.
  4. Bake for about 10 minutes. Let cool completely.
Cream Layer
  1. Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
  2. Fold in whipped topping gently.
  3. Spread the creamy layer over the cooled pretzel crust, covering to the edges.
Lemon Layer
  1. Whisk together the lemon pudding mix and cold milk until it thickens.
  2. Stir in lemon zest, if using.
  3. Pour and spread the lemon mixture over the creamy layer.
Chill
  1. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Notes

Cool the crust completely to prevent the creamy layer from becoming runny. Spread the cream layer to the edges to seal the crust.