Description
Lemon Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert combining a salty pretzel crust with a creamy lemon-flavored filling and pineapple-laden gelatin topping. Perfect for summer potlucks and gatherings, this American classic offers a refreshing balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz whipped topping, thawed
Lemon Gelatin Layer
- 2 (3 oz) boxes lemon gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
- lemon slices or zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, melted butter, and 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly, then press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool completely.
- Make the cream cheese layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until fully combined and fluffy. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, ensuring to seal the edges well so the gelatin layer won’t seep through.
- Prepare the lemon gelatin: In a separate bowl, dissolve the lemon gelatin packets in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until fully dissolved. Allow the gelatin mixture to cool until it’s just starting to thicken (slightly thickened but still pourable). Stir in the drained crushed pineapple gently until well incorporated.
- Assemble and chill: Carefully pour the gelatin and pineapple mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading evenly to cover. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, optionally garnish the top with lemon slices or lemon zest to add a vibrant, fresh touch.
Notes
- Ensure that the cream cheese layer seals the crust edges thoroughly to keep the pretzel base crunchy and prevent gelatin from leaking.
- For a fruity variation, substitute pineapple with mandarin oranges or strawberries.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and whipped topping for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Allow ample chilling time so the dessert sets perfectly for clean slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
