Lemon Pretzel Dessert

Lemon Pretzel Dessert

Yield: 8 servings From Episode 34

Sweet meets salty in this mostly no-bake treat: a baked pretzel crust, silky lemon cream layer, and tangy lemon pie filling on top—ideal for spring and summer get-togethers.

Ingredients

  • 2½ cups pretzels, crushed
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ⅔ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • ½ cup butter, melted
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 8 ounces Cool Whip
  • 22 ounces lemon pie filling

Steps

  1. Heat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Pulse the pretzels in a food processor until broken into small bits.
  3. In a medium bowl, stir together pretzels, vanilla, brown sugar, and flour until mixed.
  4. Pour melted butter into the pretzel mixture and stir until coated.
  5. Press the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish in an even layer, holding back ½ cup for the topping.
  6. Bake 10 minutes, then cool all the way through.
  7. Beat the cream cheese until creamy, mix in powdered sugar, then gently fold in Cool Whip just until blended.
  8. Spread the cream cheese layer over the cooled pretzel crust.
  9. Spoon the lemon pie filling on top and smooth it out.
  10. Scatter the reserved pretzel crumbs over the surface.
  11. Cover and chill at least 4 hours or overnight.