Lemon Pretzel Salad is a delightful dessert that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, salty, and tangy. With its crisp pretzel crust, creamy center, and bright lemon topping, this dish is a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s ideal for gatherings, picnics, or any occasion that calls for a refreshing treat. Despite its name, it’s more of a dessert than a salad, layered beautifully and served chilled to perfection.
What makes this dish special is its contrasting textures and flavors. The salty crunch of the pretzel base contrasts wonderfully with the smooth, sweetened cream cheese filling. The lemon pie topping brings a burst of citrus brightness, making every bite both indulgent and refreshing. It’s a summertime staple in many households, but its versatility and simplicity make it a go-to dessert year-round.
One of the most appealing aspects of Lemon Pretzel Salad is its make-ahead nature. It requires several hours of chilling, which allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld. This hands-off time makes it incredibly convenient for entertaining, as you can prepare it the night before and simply garnish before serving. The result is a dessert that looks and tastes like you spent much more time on it than you actually did.
This dessert is also endlessly customizable. While lemon is the star in this version, you can easily swap in other fruit pie fillings to change up the flavor profile. Whether you stick to the classic lemon or experiment with berries or tropical fruits, the pretzel crust and cream cheese base provide a reliable, delicious foundation.
Servings: 12
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
Ingredients :
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Pretzel Crust:
- 2½ cups crushed pretzels
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup salted butter, melted and cooled
Cream Cheese Filling:
- 12 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 12 oz whipped topping (1½ containers), thawed
Lemon Topping:
- 22 oz lemon pie filling
Garnish:
- 4 oz whipped topping (½ container)
- ¼ cup crushed pretzels
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (optional)
Instructions:
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