Name: Cranberry Pretzel Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 7 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
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; Extra pretzels; Fresh cranberries

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Introduction

Cranberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert combining salty pretzels, creamy cheesecake, and a tart cranberry jello topping. Its unique blend of flavors and textures makes it a perfect festive treat for holidays or any special occasion.

A slice of dessert with three clear layers is placed on a white plate over a white marbled texture. The bottom layer is a coarse, crumbly crust made from crushed nuts and oats, light brown and uneven. Above it is a thick, creamy white layer with a soft texture, slightly mixed with bits of red from the layer above. The top layer is a shiny, dark red gelatin with a smooth surface. A dollop of white whipped cream rests on one corner, topped with a small, salted pretzel that is golden brown and glossy. Another pretzel leans against the slice on the plate, and a metal fork lies next to the dessert. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Using a blender or food processor, pulverize the pretzels for about 1 minute until you have 2 cups of coarse crumbles.
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 casserole dish and press down firmly with a flat-bottomed measuring cup to pack the crust. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to set.
Step 4: With a hand or stand mixer, combine the powdered sugar, cream cheese, Cool Whip, almond extract, and lemon juice. Spread this creamy mixture over the chilled pretzel crust. If the cream cheese isn’t completely smooth, microwave it for 30 seconds before mixing for a creamier texture, but small lumps are fine.
Step 5: Chill again for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Step 6: Bring the water to a boil, then stir in the raspberry Jello powder until fully dissolved. Immediately add the whole cranberry sauce and stir gently until well combined.
Step 7: Pour the cranberry-jello mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading evenly. Optionally, arrange the whole cranberries on top. Cover and chill overnight or for at least 6 hours to allow the layers to set.
Step 8: Before serving, garnish with whipped cream, extra pretzels, and fresh cranberries for a festive touch.

Tips & Variations

For a stronger nutty flavor, try adding a tablespoon of finely chopped nuts to the crust mixture.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the granulated sugar in the crust by a tablespoon.
Substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
Use orange Jello instead of raspberry for a different but equally delicious flavor.

Storage

Store the cranberry pretzel salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best served chilled. If needed, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to soften the layers slightly. Avoid freezing as the texture will change.

How to Serve

A close-up of a three-layer dessert slice held by a wooden spatula over a clear glass baking dish filled with the same dessert. The bottom layer is a crumbly, textured light brown base with visible bits of nuts or crushed pretzels. The middle layer is thick, smooth, and white, looking creamy and soft. The top layer is a shiny deep red jelly-like substance, thick and glossy, covering the entire dessert. In the background, several silver forks rest on a white plate, and a small glass bowl filled with pretzels sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this salad actually tastes better when made ahead. Preparing it the night before allows the layers to set fully and enhances the flavors.

What can I use if I don’t have Cool Whip?

You can substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream or any whipped topping you prefer. Just be sure it is stabilized so the layer holds well.