Why Make This Recipe
Cranberry Pretzel Salad is a delicious and unique dessert that combines salty and sweet flavors. It is perfect for holidays, parties, or any gathering. The crunchy pretzel crust pairs beautifully with the creamy layer of cream cheese and the fruity cranberry topping. This dessert not only tastes great but also looks appealing on any table. It is a crowd-pleaser and will impress your guests!
How to Make Cranberry Pretzel Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups pretzels, crushed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup sugar, divided
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1 package (6 oz) cranberry Jello
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and ¼ cup sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
In another bowl, beat together cream cheese and remaining ½ cup sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping and spread over the cooled pretzel crust.
In a separate bowl, dissolve cranberry Jello in boiling water. Stir in cranberry juice and let cool slightly.
Once cooled, stir in chopped cranberries. Pour the Jello mixture over the cream cheese layer.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set. Serve chilled.
How to Serve Cranberry Pretzel Salad
Serve this delightful dessert chilled. Cut into squares and arrange them on a plate. You can garnish with additional cranberries or whipped cream to make it look even more inviting. It’s a great addition to festive meals or potlucks.
How to Store Cranberry Pretzel Salad
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure it’s well covered to avoid drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge.
Tips to Make Cranberry Pretzel Salad
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Allow the Jello mixture to cool slightly before adding the cranberries to prevent them from getting too soft.
- For extra crunch, you can sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before serving.
Variation
You can use different flavors of Jello depending on your preference. Raspberry or cherry work well with the pretzel base and cream cheese layer. Adjust the fruit for a different taste experience.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dessert a day in advance?
Yes, Cranberry Pretzel Salad can be made a day ahead of time. This allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly.
2. Is there a way to make it gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pretzels instead of regular pretzels for the crust.
3. Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just make sure to chop them properly and they will work just as well as fresh ones.
Cranberry Pretzel Salad
- Total Time: 270 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A unique dessert combining salty and sweet flavors with a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy layer, and fruity cranberry topping.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pretzels, crushed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup sugar, divided
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1 package (6 oz) cranberry Jello
- 2 cups boiling water
- 2 cups cranberry juice
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and ¼ cup sugar. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
- In another bowl, beat together cream cheese and remaining ½ cup sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping and spread over the cooled pretzel crust.
- In a separate bowl, dissolve cranberry Jello in boiling water. Stir in cranberry juice and let cool slightly.
- Once cooled, stir in chopped cranberries. Pour the Jello mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 240 minutes or until set. Serve chilled.
Notes
Make sure your cream cheese is softened for easy mixing. Allow the Jello mixture to cool slightly before adding cranberries. For an extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Cranberry, Pretzel, Dessert, Salad, Holiday,Baking