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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/cranberry-pretzel-salad-recipe/