This Easy Pretzel Salad is a fun and tasty treat perfect for summer! With its crunchy pretzel crust, creamy filling, and fruity topping, it’s a hit at any gathering.
You can’t beat this mix of sweet and salty—it makes your taste buds dance! 🌞 I love serving it cold; it’s like a dessert and snack all in one. Enjoy a slice at your next picnic!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pretzels: Crush regular pretzels for the crust. You can swap in gluten-free pretzels if needed. I find that using the chunks instead of finely crushed gives a nice crunch!
Cream cheese: Use full-fat for the best flavor but low-fat works too. If you’re dairy-free, try a cream cheese alternative; just check the texture as it needs to blend well.
Jell-O: Orange or peach flavored Jell-O adds sweetness. You can use any flavor, like strawberry or raspberry, to switch things up. Make sure they are gelatin-based; some brands offer vegetarian options!
How Do I Make the Perfect Pretzel Crust?
The crust is key to this salad. It should be crunchy yet hold together well. Here’s how you create it:
- Mix crushed pretzels with melted butter and granulated sugar until it’s moist and well combined.
- Press this mix firmly into the bottom of your baking dish. A flat-bottomed measuring cup works wonders for pressing!
- Bake it at 350°F for just 10 minutes—keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Let it cool completely before adding the cream cheese layer; this helps keep layers distinct!
Easy Pretzel Salad Recipe for Summer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 3 cups crushed pretzels
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups whipped topping (such as Cool Whip), divided
For The Jell-O Layer:
- 2 (3 oz) packages orange or peach flavored Jell-O gelatin
- 2 cups boiling water, divided
- 1 (15 oz) can sliced peaches, drained and chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pretzel salad takes about 15 minutes for preparation and requires at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to fully set. So, plan for a total of approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes from start to finish. The waiting is totally worth it for this refreshing summer treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pretzel Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed pretzels, granulated sugar, and melted butter until everything is well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form a solid crust. Bake for about 10 minutes, then take it out to cool completely.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
While your crust is cooling, grab a separate bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it becomes smooth and creamy. Carefully fold in 1 cup of the whipped topping to the cream cheese mixture until well blended. Now, spread this delicious cream cheese layer evenly over the cooled pretzel crust. Pop it into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set slightly.
3. Prepare the Jell-O Layer:
Next, it’s time to prepare the Jell-O! In a large bowl, dissolve the first box of Jell-O in 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until completely dissolved, and then let it cool a bit. Repeat this step for the second box of Jell-O in the other cup of boiling water. Once both are ready, combine the two Jell-O mixtures together. Stir in the chopped peaches and the remaining 1 cup of whipped topping.
4. Assemble and Chill:
Pour the fruity gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer in your baking dish. Make sure it’s well spread out. Now, cover your dish and refrigerate for at least 3 to 4 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set. Once set, cut into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy this refreshing summer dessert!
FAQ for Easy Pretzel Salad Recipe
Can I Use Different Flavors of Jell-O?
Absolutely! While orange or peach flavors complement the dish beautifully, you can experiment with any flavor you like, such as strawberry or raspberry. Just ensure the flavor pairs well with the peaches used!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store any leftovers, cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator, and it should be good for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again!
Can I Make This Pretzel Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish a day or two in advance! Just follow the instructions and refrigerate. It’s a great make-ahead dessert for picnics or gatherings!
What If I Can’t Find Whipped Topping?
If whipped topping is unavailable, you can substitute it with freshly whipped heavy cream. Just whip cream until soft peaks form and use it in the recipe. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different but still delicious!
