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