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Cranberry Pretzel Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 78 reviews

Cranberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert featuring a salty pretzel crust, a creamy sweet cream cheese layer, and a vibrant cranberry Jello topping, perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.

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 pan: Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Crush pretzels: Using a blender or food processor, pulverize the pretzels for about 1 minute until you have 2 cups of coarse crumbles.
  3. Make crust: In a large bowl, mix pretzel crumbles with melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until thoroughly combined. Spread the mixture evenly at the bottom of the prepared dish and press down firmly using a flat-bottomed measuring cup to compact. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to set the crust.
  4. Prepare cream cheese layer: With a hand or stand mixer, blend powdered sugar, softened cream cheese, Cool Whip, almond extract, and lemon juice until smooth. It’s okay if the cream cheese isn’t completely lump-free; you can microwave it for 30 seconds for creamier texture if desired. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled pretzel crust.
  5. Chill cream cheese layer: Refrigerate the layered dessert for 1 hour to allow the cream cheese layer to firm up.
  6. Make cranberry Jello layer: Boil 1 ½ cups water, then add the raspberry Jello powder, stirring until completely dissolved. Immediately mix in the whole cranberry sauce and stir until well combined.
  7. Assemble cranberry layer: Pour the Jello and cranberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer. Optionally, distribute the whole cranberries throughout the layer for texture and visual appeal. Cover the dish and chill overnight or for at least 6 hours until fully set.
  8. Garnish and serve: Just before serving, garnish the salad with whipped cream, extra pretzels, and fresh cranberries for added flavor and decoration.

Notes

  • For a smoother cream cheese layer, microwave cream cheese slightly before mixing.
  • Press the pretzel crust firmly to prevent it from crumbling when serving.
  • The salad must chill long enough for all layers to set properly, at least 6 hours or overnight is best.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is very soft for easier mixing and a creamier texture.
  • This dessert is best served cold and fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Keywords: cranberry pretzel salad, layered dessert, holiday dessert, creamy cranberry dessert, pretzel crust, Jello dessert

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