S’mores Pretzel Lush Pie

If you’re the kind of person who can’t pick between sweet and salty, this S’mores Pretzel Lush Pie is about to be your new favorite. It’s a layered, no-bake dessert that starts with a buttery pretzel crust, then stacks on chocolate pudding, tangy cream cheese, and marshmallow fluff. You don’t need any fancy tools or oven time beyond the crust. The textures hit all the right notes—smooth, crunchy, gooey—and it chills up beautifully in the fridge while you go do literally anything else. Perfect for cookouts, holidays, or any time you’re craving that nostalgic s’mores flavor without the campfire.

Why You’ll Love S’mores Pretzel Lush Pie

• No-Bake Ease (Mostly): Only the crust hits the oven for a few minutes—everything else is chilled, making it super low-effort for big results.
• Perfect Sweet-Salty Balance: The salty pretzel base cuts through the sweet layers, so it’s rich without being overwhelming.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the whole thing in advance and let it chill until you’re ready to serve, no last-minute work required.
• Kid and Crowd Approved: Between the pudding, marshmallow fluff, and crunchy crust, there’s something in it for every age group.
• Fun Twist on a Classic: It gives you that nostalgic s’mores flavor in a cold, creamy form that’s totally unexpected—and perfect for warm weather.

Ingredients Needed To Make S’mores Pretzel Lush Pie

Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe. 

• Crushed pretzels
• Unsalted butter
• Instant chocolate pudding
• Milk
• Whipped topping
• Marshmallow fluff
• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar

Tips, Substations, & Variations

Tips 

• Best fresh: Pretzels will soften over time; it’s best enjoyed the same day. 
• Want crunch later? Assemble as a parfait and add pretzels just before serving. 
• Use GF pretzels: They hold up better and stay crisp longer. 
• Toasted top tip: If you torch the fluff, keep it moving to avoid burning. 

Substitutions 

• Pretzels: Swap with graham crackers, shortbread cookies, chocolate chip cookies, vanilla wafers, or even potato chips for a salty-sweet twist. 
• Whipped topping: Use homemade whipped cream (just sweeten to taste). 
• Pudding: Homemade chocolate pudding works great—just cool it completely before layering. 

Variations 

• Add chocolate chips or crushed candy bars between layers. 
• Mini version: Layer in cups or jars for individual desserts. 
• Frozen twist: Freeze before serving for a more ice cream cake-like texture. 

How To Make S’mores Pretzel Lush Pie

1. Make the crust by mixing the pretzels and butter then press it into a baking dish and bake until set.

2. Whisk together the pudding and milk then fold in some of the whipped topping.
3. Mix the cream cheese, milk, and sugar in a bowl until smooth then gently fold in the rest of the whipped topping.
4. Layer the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust followed by the chocolate layer.

5. Spread the marshmallow fluff over the top and chill until set.
6. Optional: Toast the top with a kitchen torch for that classic s’mores finish.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes, this is a great make-ahead dessert. You can assemble the entire pie a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just wait to toast the marshmallow topping (if using) until right before serving for the best texture.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the fridge. It’s best eaten within 1–2 days since the pretzel crust can soften over time from the moisture in the layers.

Can I Freeze This Pie?

Technically yes, but freezing will change the texture of the pretzel crust and marshmallow fluff. If you want a more frozen dessert vibe, try freezing it intentionally for a semi-frozen lush-style cake. Let it thaw slightly before slicing.

Do I Need to Toast the Marshmallow Topping?

Not at all. It’s optional but adds that classic s’mores feel. If you don’t have a torch, you can use the broiler for a few seconds—just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Can I Use Homemade Whipped Cream Instead of Cool Whip?

Absolutely. Just make sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks and lightly sweetened. Keep in mind that homemade whipped cream doesn’t hold its shape as long, so serve the dessert within a day or two.

What’s the Best Way to Crush the Pretzels?

A food processor works best for a fine, even crumb, but a zip-top bag and rolling pin get the job done too. Just try to crush them small enough to help the crust hold together.

Can I Use Different Pudding Flavors?

Sure. Chocolate is classic, but you can try butterscotch, vanilla, or even peanut butter pudding for a fun twist. Just make sure it’s instant pudding so it sets properly.

How Can I Keep the Marshmallow Fluff From Sticking?

Spray your spoon or spatula lightly with cooking spray before spreading the fluff. It’ll slide much easier and keep you from wrestling with it.

S’mores Pretzel Lush Pie

A layered, creamy no-bake dessert with salty-sweet crunch, gooey marshmallow, and rich chocolate pudding. This one hits all the nostalgic notes of a s’more—with a fun, fresh twist.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Cooling + Chilling 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 35 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Servings 15

Equipment

• 9×13 baking dish
• Mixing bowls (x3)
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups/spoons

Ingredients

 

 

• 3 cups finely crushed pretzels
• 12 tbsp unsalted butter melted
• 5.1 oz box instant chocolate pudding
• 2½ cups milk divided
• 8 oz whipped topping like Cool Whip, divided
• 16 oz marshmallow fluff
• 16 oz cream cheese room temperature
• ½ cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease or line a 9×13 baking dish.

Make the crust:

• In a mixing bowl, combine crushed pretzels and melted butter.
• Press evenly into the bottom of the dish.
• Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool completely.

Prepare the chocolate layer:

• Whisk chocolate pudding with 2 cups of milk until thickened.
• Fold in half of the whipped topping. Set aside.

Prepare the cream cheese layer:

• In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, ½ cup milk, and powdered sugar until smooth.
• Gently fold in the remaining whipped topping.

Assemble the layers:

• Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
• Spread chocolate pudding layer on top.
• Carefully spoon and spread marshmallow fluff on top, sealing the edges.
• Optional: Use a kitchen torch to toast the marshmallow topping for that classic s’mores finish.
• Chill for at least 1 hour before serving for the best texture.

Notes

Tips

• Best fresh: Pretzels will soften over time; it’s best enjoyed the same day.
• Want crunch later? Assemble as a parfait and add pretzels just before serving.
• Use GF pretzels: They hold up better and stay crisp longer.
• Toasted top tip: If you torch the fluff, keep it moving to avoid burning.

Substitutions

• Pretzels: Swap with graham crackers, shortbread cookies, chocolate chip cookies, vanilla wafers, or even potato chips for a salty-sweet twist.
• Whipped topping: Use homemade whipped cream (just sweeten to taste).
• Pudding: Homemade chocolate pudding works great—just cool it completely before layering.

Variations

• Add chocolate chips or crushed candy bars between layers.
• Mini version: Layer in cups or jars for individual desserts.
• Frozen twist: Freeze before serving for a more ice cream cake-like texture.

Tried this recipe?Mention @TheSaltyCooker or tag #thesaltycooker!

This pie always disappears fast whenever I bring it out, and honestly, I don’t blame anyone. It’s got the crunch, the creaminess, and that gooey marshmallow topping that feels like summer in a dish. It’s the kind of dessert that looks impressive but takes way less effort than you’d think. Keep this one in your back pocket for potlucks, birthdays, or just because it’s Tuesday.