Orange Pretzel Lasagna is a delightful layered dessert that combines the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors, creamy textures, and a refreshing citrusy kick. This no-bake treat is easy to assemble and makes for a stunning dessert that is sure to impress your guests. Let’s walk through the process of creating this delicious dessert step by step.
Ingredients Breakdown:
For the Crust:
- 3/4 cup pecans: These add a rich, nutty flavor and a crunchy texture to the crust.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the saltiness of the pretzels and enhances the overall flavor of the crust.
- 2 1/2 cups pretzels: The pretzels create a salty, crunchy base that contrasts beautifully with the sweet, creamy layers.
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted: Binds the pretzels and pecans together to form a cohesive crust.
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened: The cream cheese provides a rich, creamy layer that is both tangy and smooth.
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and a luscious, creamy texture to the filling.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens up the filling and adds a subtle tartness that complements the cream cheese.
- 8 oz Cool Whip, thawed: Lightens the cream cheese mixture and adds a fluffy texture to the filling.
For the Jello Topping:
- 2 boxes (3 oz each) orange jello: Provides a vibrant orange color and a sweet citrus flavor that tops off the dessert.
- 1 3/4 cup boiling water: Dissolves the jello and helps it set into a firm, yet jiggly layer.
- 30 oz mandarin oranges, drained: These add a burst of fruity flavor and a delightful texture to the jello topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Pretzel Crust
- Preheat your oven (optional): While this is a no-bake dessert, some prefer to bake the crust briefly to make it firmer. If you choose to do so, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Crush the pretzels and pecans: In a food processor, pulse the pretzels and pecans until they are finely crushed. You want a mix of fine crumbs with some small chunks for texture.
- Mix with sugar and butter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crushed pretzels and pecans with the sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix until everything is evenly coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Form the crust: Press the pretzel mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, ensuring it is evenly spread and firmly packed. You can use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to help press it down.
- Chill the crust: Place the crust in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the other layers. If you opted to bake the crust, bake it for 8-10 minutes until it is lightly browned, then let it cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- Beat the cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for avoiding lumps in the filling.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk: Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk to the cream cheese, continuing to beat until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Incorporate the lemon juice: Add the lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture and beat for another minute. The lemon juice helps to cut through the richness and adds a slight tang.
- Fold in the Cool Whip: Using a spatula, gently fold the thawed Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated. This step adds lightness to the filling.
- Layer the filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled pretzel crust, making sure to cover the entire surface. Smooth the top with a spatula and return the dish to the refrigerator while you prepare the jello topping.
Step 3: Prepare the Jello Topping
- Dissolve the jello: In a large bowl, combine the orange jello powder with the boiling water. Stir continuously until the jello is completely dissolved.
- Cool the jello slightly: Allow the jello to cool for a few minutes at room temperature. You don’t want it to be too hot when you pour it over the cream cheese layer.
- Add the mandarin oranges: Gently fold the drained mandarin oranges into the cooled jello mixture. Be careful not to break the orange segments.
- Pour over the cream cheese layer: Carefully pour the jello and orange mixture over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish. Use a spoon to distribute the oranges evenly if necessary.
- Chill the dessert: Place the entire dish back in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours, or until the jello is fully set.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish (optional): Before serving, you can garnish the top with additional mandarin oranges or a sprinkle of crushed pretzels for extra crunch.
- Slice and serve: Use a sharp knife to slice the Orange Pretzel Lasagna into squares or rectangles. Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful combination of crunchy, creamy, and fruity layers.
Orange Pretzel Lasagna is a perfect dessert for warm weather, potlucks, or family gatherings. Its layers of salty pretzel crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and vibrant orange jello topping make it a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite. Not only is it visually stunning with its bright colors, but the contrasting textures and flavors make every bite irresistible. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this no-bake dessert is easy to prepare and delivers impressive results
