Description

A refreshing no-bake dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy lemon filling, and whipped topping. Perfect for warm-weather gatherings, these Lemon Pretzel Dessert Bars offer a delightful mix of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

2 ½ cups crushed pretzels

¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

2 (3.4 oz) packages instant lemon pudding mix

1 ¾ cups cold milk

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

2 (8 oz) tubs whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed

Lemon zest or lemon slices for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
In a large bowl, whisk together the instant lemon pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Fold in 8 oz of whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined.
Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to spread it to the edges to seal the crust.
Pour the thickened lemon pudding over the cream cheese layer and smooth it out evenly.
Spread the remaining whipped topping over the lemon layer.
Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours (or overnight) before serving.
Before serving, garnish with lemon zest or slices if desired. Cut into bars and serve chilled.

Notes

Use coarse crushed pretzels for best texture in the crust.

Chill overnight for best results and flavor blending.

Substitute gluten-free pretzels to make it gluten-free.

Homemade stabilized whipped cream can replace Cool Whip.

Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 310
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg