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Raspberry Pretzel Salad Recipe

4.8 from 144 reviews

Raspberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert featuring a buttery pretzel crust, a creamy and tangy cream cheese filling, and a vibrant raspberry gelatin topping studded with juicy frozen raspberries. This no-fuss, no-bake treat balances sweet and salty flavors with a refreshing fruity finish, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or anytime you crave a cool and colorful dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 2 1/2 cups salted pretzels (lightly crushed)
  • 3 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter (melted)

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 8 oz cool whip (thawed)

Jelly Topping

  • 6 oz package raspberry jello
  • 2 cups water
  • 4 cups frozen raspberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F to prepare for baking the pretzel crust.
  2. Prepare Crust: In a bowl or large ziplock bag, combine the lightly crushed pretzels, 3 tablespoons sugar, and melted butter. Pour this mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch pan and press firmly to form a compact crust. Bake the crust for 12 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.
  3. Make Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and lemon juice together until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Gently fold in the thawed cool whip until fully combined. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the cooled pretzel crust, making sure to extend to the edges to create a seal for the topping.
  4. Prepare Raspberry Jello Topping: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil on the stovetop. Stir in the raspberry jello mix until completely dissolved. Remove from heat and add the frozen raspberries, stirring gently to combine. Pour this mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
  5. Chill and Set: Refrigerate the assembled dish for 2 to 4 hours, or until the gelatin is fully set and firm to the touch.

Notes

  • For easier slicing, use a sharp knife warmed slightly in hot water before cutting.
  • Ensure the pretzel crust is completely cool before adding the cream cheese layer to avoid melting.
  • Frozen raspberries can be substituted with fresh raspberries if preferred; adjust setting time accordingly.
  • This dessert is best served chilled and should be stored in the refrigerator.
  • If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar in the crust or cream cheese layer slightly.

Keywords: Raspberry Pretzel Salad, layered dessert, pretzel crust dessert, creamy raspberry dessert, no bake raspberry salad