Lemon Pretzel Salad
Lemon pretzel salad is a layered, no-fuss dessert featuring a salty-sweet pretzel crust, creamy lemon filling, and a refreshing lemon gelatin topping. It’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings, potlucks, or brunch tables.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (with baked crust)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Pretzel Crust:
- 2 cups crushed salted pretzels
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip) or 3 cups homemade whipped cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Lemon Gelatin Layer:
- 2 (3 oz) packages lemon Jell-O
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups cold water
- Lemon slices or zest, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine crushed pretzels, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping and vanilla (if using) until combined.
- Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to seal edges completely to prevent leaks.
- In another bowl, dissolve lemon Jell-O in boiling water. Stir in cold water and let cool to room temperature.
- Gently pour cooled gelatin over the cream layer. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
- Garnish with lemon slices or zest before serving. Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
Use fresh lemon zest for extra citrus flavor in the filling or topping.Let gelatin cool before pouring to avoid melting the cream layer.Seal the cream layer to the pan edges to prevent a soggy crust.Can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stored in the fridge.Not freezer-friendly due to gelatin and whipped topping texture changes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Find it online: https://cookibly.com/lemon-pretzel-salad/
