Description
Pineapple Pretzel Salad is a delightful layered dessert featuring a crunchy salty pretzel crust, a creamy sweet cream cheese layer, and a fruity pineapple gelatin topping. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or a refreshing treat, this no-bake salad combines textures and flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups pretzel crumbs (about 2 cups crushed pretzels)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping (such as Cool Whip)
Fruit Layer
- 1 can (20 oz) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin (or any flavor you prefer)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pretzel crust.
- Make Crust Mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the pretzel crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Stir well to evenly coat the pretzel crumbs with butter and sugar.
- Form Crust. Press the pretzel mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create an even crust layer.
- Bake Crust. Bake the pretzel crust in the oven for 10 minutes. Once baked, remove and allow it to cool completely to ensure the cream cheese layer doesn’t melt.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer. In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in Whipped Topping. Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined to create a light, fluffy layer.
- Spread Cream Cheese Layer. Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled pretzel crust, smoothing the top.
- Make Pineapple Gelatin Mixture. In another bowl, mix the drained crushed pineapple with 1/2 cup granulated sugar and the package of strawberry gelatin powder until the gelatin is fully dissolved and combined.
- Top with Fruit Layer. Spread the pineapple and gelatin mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer for a colorful, fruity top.
- Chill to Set. Refrigerate the entire salad for at least 2-3 hours to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld completely.
- Serve. Cut into squares and serve chilled to enjoy this refreshing and textured dessert.
Notes
- Ensure the pretzel crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting.
- Use softened cream cheese for easier mixing and a smooth texture.
- For a different flavor, substitute the strawberry gelatin with any other fruit-flavored gelatin.
- This dessert is best served within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- Drain the pineapple well to avoid excess liquid making the crust soggy.
