Raspberry Pretzel Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Raspberry Pretzel Salad is a sweet and salty layered dessert that’s a nostalgic favorite at potlucks and holidays. With a crunchy pretzel crust, creamy cheesecake-like middle, and bright raspberry Jell-O topping, this no-bake treat delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s refreshing, simple to make, and always a crowd-pleaser.

ingredients

this Recipe

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

For the crust:
crushed pretzels
melted butter
granulated sugar

For the filling:
cream cheese (softened)
granulated sugar
whipped topping (like Cool Whip)

For the topping:
raspberry-flavored Jell-O
boiling water
cold water
frozen or fresh raspberries

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a bowl, combine crushed pretzels, melted butter, and sugar. Press into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Bake crust for 10 minutes. Let cool completely.

In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping.

Spread cream mixture evenly over cooled crust, sealing the edges to prevent Jell-O from seeping down.

Chill in the fridge while preparing Jell-O.

Dissolve raspberry Jell-O in boiling water, then stir in cold water and raspberries.

Cool slightly until Jell-O begins to thicken, then gently pour over the cream layer.

Refrigerate until fully set, at least 4 hours or overnight.

Slice and serve chilled.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 12-16 people.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Chilling time: 4+ hours
Total time: 4.5 hours

Variations

Use strawberry Jell-O and strawberries instead of raspberry.
Add crushed pineapple to the cream layer for extra sweetness.
Swap Cool Whip for homemade whipped cream.
Make mini versions in cups or jars for individual servings.
Use low-fat cream cheese and light whipped topping for a lighter version.

storage/reheating

Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Do not freeze, as the texture of the cream and Jell-O layers may change.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it’s ideal to make the day before so it sets properly.

Do I need to grease the dish?
No, the butter in the crust prevents sticking.

Can I use fresh whipped cream?
Yes, but stabilize it with a bit of gelatin if making ahead.

Is the pretzel crust supposed to be crunchy?
Yes, but it softens slightly under the cream layer—still delicious!

Can I use different berries?
Absolutely—strawberries, blueberries, or mixed berries work well.

What kind of pretzels should I use?
Small twists or sticks work best; crush them finely.

Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, adjust to taste, especially in the cream layer.

Can kids help make this?
Yes, it’s a great recipe for little hands (with some adult help for boiling water).

Do I need to cool the Jell-O before pouring?
Yes, let it partially set so it doesn’t seep into the cream layer.

How long does it need to chill?
At least 4 hours, but overnight is best for clean slicing.

Conclusion

Raspberry Pretzel Salad is a delightful, layered dessert that brings together sweet, salty, creamy, and fruity in one refreshing bite. It’s easy to make, easy to love, and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. One spoonful and you’ll see why it’s a classic favorite!

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