Lemon Cream Pie Bars with Pretzel Crust
	
		Lemon Cream Pie Bars with Pretzel Crust are a refreshing, sweet-tart dessert combining a buttery, salty pretzel base with a creamy lemon filling. These bars are the perfect balance of crunch and smoothness, making them an ideal treat for spring or summer gatherings.
	 
	
		
							- Author: Mariem
 
							- Prep Time: 20 mins
 
							- Cook Time: 25 mins
 
							- Total Time: 3 hrs (including chilling)
 
							- Yield: 16 bars 1x
 
							- Category: Dessert
 
							- Method: Baked and Chilled
 
							- Cuisine: American
 
							- Diet: Vegetarian
 
					
	 
	
		
		
			
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
 
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
 
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
 
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
 
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
 
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
 
- 4 large egg yolks
 
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
 
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
 
- 1 cup whipped topping or whipped cream
 
		 
	 
	
		
		
			
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
 
- In a bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form the crust.
 
- Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
 
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg yolks until smooth and thickened.
 
- Pour the lemon mixture over the cooled crust and bake for 15–18 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
 
- Remove from oven and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
 
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping.
 
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the chilled lemon layer and refrigerate for another hour before cutting into bars.
 
- Garnish with extra lemon zest or crushed pretzels if desired before serving.
 
		 
	 
	
		Notes
		
			
- For a stronger lemon flavor, add a few drops of lemon extract to the filling.
 
- Chill thoroughly before slicing to ensure clean, firm bars.
 
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
 
		 
	 
	
		Nutrition
		
							- Serving Size: 1 bar
 
							- Calories: 260
 
							- Sugar: 18g
 
							- Sodium: 180mg
 
							- Fat: 16g
 
							- Saturated Fat: 9g
 
							- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
 
							- Trans Fat: 0g
 
							- Carbohydrates: 25g
 
							- Fiber: 0g
 
							- Protein: 4g
 
							- Cholesterol: 75mg
 
					
	 
	
		Keywords: lemon cream pie bars, pretzel crust, lemon dessert, summer dessert, sweet and salty bars