Description
Mixed Berry Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, a creamy sweetened cream cheese layer, and a colorful mixed berry and berry-flavored Jello topping. This refreshing no-bake treat combines salty, sweet, and fruity flavors perfect for summer gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Pretzel Crust
- 1 pkg pretzel twists (about 2 ½ cups crushed pretzel pieces)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup sugar
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
Berry Jello Layer
- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, etc.)
- 6 oz berry flavored Jello mix (strawberry or raspberry)
- 2 cups water
For Decoration
- Additional berries
- Additional pretzels
- Additional whipped topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray and set it aside.
- Crush Pretzels: Using a food processor or by hand, crush the pretzel twists until you have 2 ½ cups of fine pretzel pieces. Transfer to a medium bowl.
- Mix Crust: Add the melted butter and ¼ cup sugar to the crushed pretzels and stir until fully combined.
- Press and Bake Crust: Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to set the crust. Remove and let cool completely before adding the next layer.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened cream cheese, ¾ cup sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until the mixture is fully combined and smooth.
- Whip Heavy Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold Creams Together: Gently fold the whipped heavy cream into the cream cheese mixture to create a light and fluffy cream cheese layer.
- Spread Cream Cheese Layer: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to reach the edges to prevent the Jello layer from leaking through. Chill the crust and cream layer in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Prepare Jello: In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the berry-flavored Jello mix until completely dissolved. Allow the Jello to cool to room temperature.
- Add Berries: Remove the dessert from the refrigerator. Spread the mixed berries evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Pour Jello Layer: Carefully pour the cooled Jello over the berries, covering them completely.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the dessert for an additional 3 to 4 hours, or until the Jello layer is fully set.
- Serve: Serve chilled topped with additional whipped topping, berries, and pretzels as desired for decoration and extra texture.
Notes
- To crush pretzels without a food processor, place them in a sealed plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin.
- Make sure the pretzel crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting.
- You can substitute the berry-flavored Jello with any fruit-flavored gelatin you prefer.
- For extra creaminess, use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream.
- This dessert is best served within 24 hours for freshness.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
