Description
Cranberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy sweetened cream cheese layer, and a tangy cranberry Jello topping. This make-ahead no-bake salad combines sweet, salty, and tart flavors for a festive treat perfect for holidays or gatherings.
Ingredients
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
Garnishes
- Whipped cream
- Extra pretzels
- Fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Prepare the dish: Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease removal.
- Make the crust: 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, combine the pretzel crumbles with melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined.
- Form the crust layer: Spread the crust mixture evenly at the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Press down firmly using a flat-bottom measuring cup to pack the crust tightly. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to set the crust.
- Prepare the cream cheese layer: Using a hand or stand mixer, blend powdered sugar, very soft cream cheese, Cool Whip, almond extract, and lemon juice until smooth. If the cream cheese is slightly chunky, microwaving it for 30 seconds can help achieve a creamier texture, but small chunks are acceptable.
- Spread the cream cheese layer: Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled pretzel crust. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to set the layer.
- Make the cranberry Jello layer: Bring water to a boil, then stir in the raspberry Jello powder until fully dissolved. Immediately add the whole cranberry sauce and stir until combined uniformly.
- Assemble the top layer: Pour the cranberry Jello mixture over the cream cheese layer. Optionally, spread whole cranberries across this layer. Cover the dish and chill overnight, or at least 6 hours, to allow the Jello to set completely.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, garnish with whipped topping, extra pretzels, and fresh cranberries to enhance presentation and add texture.
Notes
- For a firmer crust, press the pretzel mixture down very tightly before chilling.
- If cream cheese is cold or too firm, warm it slightly to make mixing easier.
- The dessert requires significant chilling time, so plan to prepare it at least a day ahead.
- Extra garnishes like fresh cranberries and pretzels add decorative appeal and extra crunch.
- This layered salad is best stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
