Name: Cranberry Pretzel Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 8 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 cups pretzel minis (or 2 cups pretzel crumbles); ⅓ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup dark brown sugar (packed); ½ cup salted butter (melted); 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; 1 ½ cups water; 1 package (6 oz) raspberry Jello powder; 1 can (28 oz) whole cranberry sauce; Whipped cream; Extra pretzels; Fresh cranberries

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Introduction

Cranberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful dessert that combines a salty pretzel crust with a creamy layer and a tangy cranberry topping. This unique treat is perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you want a sweet and salty flavor combination that will impress your guests.

A square slice of a three-layer dessert sits on a white plate with a silver fork. The bottom layer is a crunchy, light brown nut and oat crust. The middle layer is a thick, creamy white filling with a slightly textured surface. The top layer is a smooth, glossy red jelly with small fruit pieces inside. On top of the jelly, there is a small dollop of white cream and a single brown pretzel with visible salt crystals. Another pretzel rests against the side of the dessert. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with blurred extra slices in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

6 cups pretzel minis (or 2 cups pretzel crumbles)
⅓ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup dark brown sugar (packed)
½ cup salted butter (melted)
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
1 ½ cups water
1 package (6 oz) raspberry Jello powder
1 can (28 oz) whole cranberry sauce
Whipped cream (for garnish)
Extra pretzels (for garnish)
Fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Use a blender or food processor to pulverize the pretzels for about 1 minute until you have 2 cups of coarse crumbles.
Step 3: In a large bowl, mix the pretzel crumbles with melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly in the casserole dish and press firmly to pack the crust down. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour to set.
Step 4: With a hand or stand mixer, combine powdered sugar, cream cheese, Cool Whip, almond extract, and lemon juice. Spread this creamy mixture over the chilled pretzel crust. If the cream cheese isn’t completely smooth, microwaving it for 30 seconds can help, but small lumps are okay.
Step 5: Chill the dish again for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Step 6: Bring the water to a boil, then add the raspberry Jello powder and stir until dissolved. Immediately mix in the cranberry sauce until well combined.
Step 7: Pour the cranberry Jello mixture over the cream cheese layer. Spread the whole cranberries evenly if you like. Cover and chill overnight or at least 6 hours for best results.
Step 8: Before serving, garnish with whipped cream, extra pretzels, and fresh cranberries if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use salted pretzels to balance the sweetness, or try flavored pretzels for a twist.
For a smoother cream cheese layer, let the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing.
Substitute raspberry Jello with strawberry or cherry for a different flavor profile.
Add chopped nuts to the crust for extra crunch and texture.

Storage

Store the cranberry pretzel salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly. This dessert is best enjoyed chilled and does not freeze well due to the texture of the Jello and whipped topping layers.

How to Serve

A square glass dish holds a dessert with three visible layers. The bottom layer is a crunchy, crumbly mix of crushed pretzels, light brown and textured with small chunks. The middle layer is thick, fluffy, and white, resembling whipped cream or a light mousse. The top layer is a smooth, shiny deep red jelly, evenly spread across the dessert. A wooden spatula lifts a square piece showing all three layers clearly. The background is a white marbled surface, with a white plate holding forks and a clear bowl of pretzels partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular pretzels instead of pretzel minis?

Yes, just crush regular pretzels into coarse crumbles using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and pounding with a rolling pin. Measure about 2 cups of crumbles for the crust.

What can I use if I don’t have Cool Whip?

You can substitute with homemade whipped cream or any store-bought whipped topping. Just make sure it’s stable enough to hold the creamy layer together.