Cranberry Pretzel Salad Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert that perfectly balances sweet, tart, and salty flavors. With a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy middle, and vibrant cranberry topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for any holiday or family gathering.

Ingredients

• 6 cups pretzel minis (or 2 cups pretzel crumbles)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
• ½ cup salted butter (melted)
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 brick (8 oz) cream cheese (very soft)
• 1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 ½ cups water
• 1 package (6 oz) raspberry Jello powder
• 1 can (28 oz) whole cranberry sauce
• Whipped cream (for garnish)
• Extra pretzels (for garnish)
• Fresh cranberries (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray or line with parchment paper to prepare for the crust.
2. Step 2: Using a blender or food processor, pulverize the pretzels for about 1 minute until you have 2 cups of coarse crumbles.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, mix the pretzel crumbles with the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared dish and press down firmly. Refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the crust to set properly.
4. Step 4: With a hand or stand mixer, blend the powdered sugar, cream cheese, Cool Whip, almond extract, and lemon juice until smooth. If the cream cheese isn’t fully smooth, warming it in the microwave for 30 seconds can help. Spread this creamy layer evenly over the chilled pretzel crust.
5. Step 5: Chill the cream cheese layer in the refrigerator for 1 hour to firm up.
6. Step 6: Bring the water to a boil, then stir in the raspberry Jello powder until dissolved. Immediately add the whole cranberry sauce and mix well.
7. Step 7: Pour the cranberry Jello mixture over the cream cheese layer. You may spread the whole cranberries out evenly if desired. Cover and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours to set fully.
8. Step 8: Before serving, garnish with whipped cream, extra pretzels, and fresh cranberries for an added festive touch.

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier texture, make sure to soften the cream cheese thoroughly before mixing.
• Substitute raspberry Jello with strawberry or cherry for a different fruit flavor.
• Use crushed pretzel sticks instead of minis for a coarser crust texture.
• Chill the dessert overnight for the best flavor and consistency.

Storage

Store the Cranberry Pretzel Salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To serve, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes for easier slicing. Avoid freezing as the texture may change upon thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is perfect for making a day in advance. Chilling it overnight allows the layers to set beautifully and the flavors to meld.

Can I use a different type of fruit sauce instead of cranberry?

You can substitute cranberry sauce with cherry or strawberry fruit sauce, but keep in mind the flavor profile will change. Raspberry Jello pairs best with tart fruits like cranberry.

Cranberry Pretzel Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 136 reviews

Cranberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy sweetened cream cheese layer, and a tangy cranberry gelatin topping. This no-bake treat balances salty, sweet, and tart flavors, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or any festive occasion.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 6 cups pretzel minis (or 2 cups pretzel crumbles)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
• ½ cup salted butter (melted)

Cream Cheese Layer

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 brick (8 oz) cream cheese (very soft)
• 1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice

Cranberry Jello Layer

• 1 ½ cups water
• 1 package (6 oz) raspberry Jello powder
• 1 can (28 oz) whole cranberry sauce

Garnish

• Whipped cream
• Extra pretzels
• Fresh cranberries

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust: Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Using a blender or food processor, pulverize the pretzels for about 1 minute until you have 2 cups of coarse crumbles. In a large bowl, mix the pretzel crumbles with melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into an even layer at the bottom of the prepared dish. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to set the crust.
2. Prepare the cream cheese layer: In a bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to combine powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, Cool Whip, almond extract, and lemon juice. It’s okay if the cream cheese has some small lumps; you may microwave it for 30 seconds to soften if desired. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the chilled pretzel crust. Return to the refrigerator and chill for 1 hour.
3. Make the cranberry jello layer: Bring 1 ½ cups of water to a boil. Add the raspberry Jello powder and stir until completely dissolved. Immediately mix in the whole cranberry sauce and stir until thoroughly combined. Pour the cranberry mixture gently over the cream cheese layer, spreading whole cranberries evenly if desired.
4. Chill to set: Cover the dish and refrigerate overnight or for at least 6 hours to allow the layers to fully set and flavors to meld.
5. Garnish and serve: Before serving, top with whipped cream, extra pretzels, and fresh cranberries for added texture and festive presentation.

Notes

• To get the best texture, ensure the cream cheese is very soft before mixing.
• If you prefer a smoother cream cheese layer, microwave the cream cheese for 30 seconds to soften it further before mixing.
• The dessert needs to chill overnight or for at least 6 hours to set properly.
• Use salted butter in the crust to balance the sweetness with a hint of saltiness.
• Garnishing with fresh cranberries and extra pretzels adds a nice decorative touch and crunch.
• Store the dessert covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.

Keywords: Cranberry Pretzel Salad, layered dessert, no-bake dessert, holiday dessert, pretzel crust dessert, creamy cranberry dessert