Forktionary

Pretzel Salad Dessert Recipe

This festive Pretzel Salad is the easiest, most delicious Christmas dessert you'll ever make! A crunchy pretzel crust is topped with a creamy cream cheese layer and a vibrant fruit-filled Jell-O topping. Customize it with your favorite Jell-O flavor and fruit combinations – perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in! Easily adjust the cream cheese layer thickness to your preference.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Calories 8806.2 kcal
Protein 231g
Rating 4.5 (2 Reviews)
Pretzel Salad Dessert 22

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Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Pretzel Salad Dessert

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How to Make Pretzel Salad Dessert

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Crush 1 ½ cups pretzels into fine crumbs. Combine with ½ cup granulated sugar and ½ cup melted margarine or butter in a medium bowl. Mix until well combined.
  3. Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let cool completely.
  5. While the crust is cooling, beat together 8 ounces cream cheese (softened), ½ cup powdered sugar, and 8 ounces Cool Whip until smooth and creamy. Add a few drops of food coloring, if desired.
  6. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust.
  7. In a separate bowl, prepare your chosen Jell-O flavor according to package directions, using the recommended amount of water and adding your desired fresh fruit (1 cup recommended).
  8. Allow the Jell-O to cool slightly until it begins to thicken (about 5-10 minutes).
  9. Gently pour the Jell-O mixture over the cream cheese layer. For a decorative effect, poke a few holes in the cream cheese layer before adding the Jell-O, or arrange berries to resemble a Christmas tree.
  10. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the dessert to set completely.
  11. Serve chilled and enjoy! Variations: Try different Jell-O flavors (lime with mandarin oranges is great!), and feel free to adjust the cream cheese layer to your liking - you can halve the recipe for a thinner layer.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

451 g

Sugar

2922g

Fat

1395g

Carbs

404g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Sweets & Sides Desserts The Americas American Vegetarian Holiday Recipes Baking

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60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Preparation Occasion Gelatin Desserts Refrigerator Holiday Event Dietary Equipment Number Of Servings